Bargemen was a term used interchangeably with "keelboatmen," "bargers," and "keelers." It applied to men who operated riverboats that traveled upstream (as distinct from flatboats). The term was first used back in the 14th century.

Traditionally seen as ‘hard’ men, bargemen had a reputation for being drinkers, gamblers, pranksters, and of course workers. But is that entirely true?

In this documentary we meet with the bargemen of Ireland. Ireland has two canals, the Royal canal and the Grand canal. We listen to the stories of their working lives - from typical horse journeys, to running a barge, to on-board conditions, to haunted lockes and canal deaths.

Canals only came into being in Ireland during the 18th century – but once established in their hayday they became the main transport arteries in the country – transporting goods and people.

Nowadays (2012) canals in Ireland are soley used for pleasure.

Songs performed by Frank Harte

Produced by Breandan O' Ciobhan

First broadcast 7th November, 1976

'Documentary on One is the home of Irish radio documentaries and the largest library of documentary podcasts available anywhere in the world. We tell stories in sound, mostly Irish ones, and each documentary tells its own story'