The historic Chirk Aqueduct celebrates its 225th anniversary in 2026 and alongside Canal & Rivers Trust and partners we are celebrating this special milestone throughout the year.
A 70-foot high and 710-foot long navigable aqueduct that carries what is now the Llangollen Canal across the Ceiriog Valley, the aqueduct is unique in that it spans the border of Wales and England making it one of the few places on the waterways network where you can find yourself in both countries at once.
The Chirk Viaduct sits alongside the aqueduct which was designed by Thomas Telford and was built between 1796 and 1801.
It forms a part of the UNESCO 11-mile Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site and is just a few minutes walk away from the town centre in Chirk.
How we will celebrate 225 years
To celebrate 225 years of the Chirk Aqueduct Canal and Rivers with partners we will be hosting a number of events and projects with the local community to mark the aqueduct’s 225th anniversary.
Some of the celebrations during the year include:
- A canal open day in March with a floating market and boat trips for visitors.
- Attending Chirk Carnival on 6 June with Explorers activities
- A special Chirk Aqueduct 225 anniversary lantern event at Chirk Castle on 16 October
- Explorers activities programme with local primary schools
- Creating a LEGO model of Chirk Aqueduct
- Historic exhibition of Chirk Aqueduct at Chirk Town Hall
