The lock is of architectural and technical interest and is still in use today by pleasure boats, both private and fleets of rental cruisers who use the River Shannon and the connecting canals.

The cast iron bollards at the lockside were made by Fenton, Murray and Jackson Engineers of Leeds.

Although only single storey with a projecting central bay the house is a pleasing addition to the surrounding 19th-century development.

The lock and cottage are both listed by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as being of special interest.

The tower was built about 1811 to protect the river at Meelick where rapids provide a fording opportunity.