The aqueduct was constructed by Henry Leader of nearby Clonmoyle House, with the intention of conveying water, for irrigation purposes, over a glen and the Dripsey River, to the Clonmoyle area.

[citation needed] The Irish Tourist Association survey of 1944 states that it consisted of twelve piers, standing in line across a deep valley, the highest being 85 feet in height, and with some piers having since been dismantled for building material.

The survey goes on to state that Leader was a philanthropic individual, whose experiments were often mainly intended to provide employment locally.

One of these youths, disguised as an adult, was said to have received full pay, leading to other youths subsequently acting likewise and receiving full pay.

This particular scheme and others were said to have been financed by Leader mortgaging his property, and that the Bank were the loser after his death, following discovery of imperfect title.