The History of the Erne

LIke the Shannon the Erne, a natural waterway, was the scene for many Viking battles. By the 1700s 'cots' were common on the lakes and later on yachts were operating on the waterway with the Lough Erne Yacht Club founded in 1820.

1830s image

1830s

According to the Ordnance Survey iron, lead, slates, timber and coal were imported through Ballyshannon, carried by cart to Belleek and onwards to Enniskillen by cots and boats. Flooding was a major problem on the lakes.
1830
1840s-1850s image

1840s-1850s

The great steam boats were in opertion on Lough Erne: 'The Countess of Milan', 'The Countess of Erne', the 'Belturbet', and the 'Knockninny' were all running passenger trips
1840
1887 image

1887

The water levels of the lake were lowered approximately 1.5 metres as a result of the drainage scheme.
1887
1925 image

1925

Responsibility for drainage changed from the Drainage Board to the County Council.
1925
1940s image

1940s

Castle Archdale on Lower Lough Erne was used as a base for the catalinas (flying boats) during World War 2. Water levels on Lough Erne were controlled to keep the water high enough for the flying boats.
1940
1950 image

1950

The sluice gates were removed at Belleek. A new controls structure - sluice gates - was established at Portora near Enniskillen to prevent the level of Upper Lough Erne falling below 150ft to protect navigation and boating interests.
1950
1956 image

1956

A new dam and hydro electric power station was built at Ballyshannon and in operation. Electricity is generated from the gravitational force of the flow of water from the Erne.
1956
1970s image

1970s

The Rivers Agency, acting on behalf of the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Northern Ireland has responsibility for the Erne System.
1970
2000 image

2000

Responsibility for the Erne was transferred to Waterways Ireland, one of the six North/South Bodies established in 1999 under the British Irish Agreement for the management and maintenance of inland navigable waterways.
1999

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