History of the Waterways

A brief history of the waterways​ providing an insight into their unique heritage and culture

The History of the Barrow image

The History of the Barrow

Linked to the main line of the Grand Canal is the River Barrow, which was used for navigation as far back as the 14th century. This is confirmed in the 1537 Act for fishing weirs on the river.

View Timeline
The History of the Erne image

The History of the Erne

A natural waterway forty miles long, connecting Belleek to Belturbet via the two lakes and the river, the Erne has evolved its own unique history

View Timeline
The History of the Grand Canal image

The History of the Grand Canal

The grand concept of the 1700s was that Ireland would have a connected network of waterways. In particular, Dublin would be linked to the Shannon by a 'Grand Line' south of Dublin which began in 1756. This was eventually to be the Grand Canal.

View Timeline
The History of the Lower Bann image

The History of the Lower Bann

The Lower Bann is the only river feeding into the sea from Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, but one that is shallow and with limited capacity to absorb floodwaters, causing problems as far back as the 1700s.

View Timeline
The History of the Royal Canal image

The History of the Royal Canal

The history of the Royal Canal is one of development, decline and rebirth. Its reopening in 2010 is testament to the endeavours of the volunteer groups, Royal Canal Amenity Group and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, over many years.

View Timeline
The History of the Shannon image

The History of the Shannon

The Shannon Pot at Cuilcagh is, according to tradition the source of the River Shannon. Legend has it that Sinann, grand-daughter of sea king Lear, visited the mystical well of Connla but because she was female, the waters rose up and washed her away.

View Timeline
The History of the Shannon-Erne image

The History of the Shannon-Erne

The construction of the Shannon-Erne Waterway (formerly known as the Ballinamore & Ballyconnell Canal) was the last major navigation project of the 19th century while its' restoration was the last major navigation project of the 20th century.

View Timeline
The History of the Ulster Canal image

The History of the Ulster Canal

Completed in 1841, the Ulster Canal linked the Erne System to the Lough Neagh basin. Ninety years later in 1931 it was closed officially. In many places the course of the canal has been entirely erased with locks and bridges removed.

View Timeline