Bungling beginning
It was early in 1794 when the idea for a canal to connect Ulster's two biggest lakes, Lough Neagh and Lough Erne, was conceived.
An engineer called John Killaly, who had already worked on the Royal Canal in the South of Ireland was chosen to investigate the building of the link.
However, he seemed to do a quite distracted job. His estimate of £223,000 for the construction, was almost double the original one and his measurements for the width of the canal were far too short!
An engineer called John Killaly, who had already worked on the Royal Canal in the South of Ireland was chosen to investigate the building of the link.
However, he seemed to do a quite distracted job. His estimate of £223,000 for the construction, was almost double the original one and his measurements for the width of the canal were far too short!
Finally up but not really running
Despite much local support the plans did not come into action for a further 13 years. Then, when they finally did, they were hampered by arguments over money.
Soon the company first chosen to build the canal pulled out. They were not confident that they would get paid enough. Another was found but at great cost and delay. As late as 1832, Killaly, died and was replaced by another engineer.
Royal and Ulster canals
The Ulster canal was opened in 1841 linking Lough Neagh to the Erne waterways. Its sucess depended on the Erne and Shannon waterways being linked, bowever, by the time this was complete, the Ulster canal had fallen into disrepair. Also, there was lack of water from the canals feeder lake, Quig Lough.
Royal and Ulster canals
Royal and Ulster canals
The Ulster canal was opened in 1841 linking Lough Neagh to the Erne waterways. Its sucess depended on the Erne and Shannon waterways being linked, bowever, by the time this was complete, the Ulster canal had fallen into disrepair. Also, there was lack of water from the canals feeder lake, Quig Lough.
Eventually, the canal opened in 1841. It bore all the hallmarks of its slapdash construction. The smallest lock on the route was 11 feet 8 inches. This was much smaller than any loughs on the adjoining canal to Belfast.
Therefore if a trader wanted to get his load from Belfast to Lough Erne, he needed to unload it and reload it to a smaller barge so it would fit the canal for the rest of the journey. On top of this, the water depth became too shallow for barges to navigate in the summer months.In reality, the Ulster Canal never recovered from its disastrous beginning. Repairs were undertaken by new owners later in the century but by the 1890s, railways and better roads had sharply reduced the need for canal trade.
The last lighter to sail the canal was in 1929 and the canal was officially abandoned in 1931.
Therefore if a trader wanted to get his load from Belfast to Lough Erne, he needed to unload it and reload it to a smaller barge so it would fit the canal for the rest of the journey. On top of this, the water depth became too shallow for barges to navigate in the summer months.In reality, the Ulster Canal never recovered from its disastrous beginning. Repairs were undertaken by new owners later in the century but by the 1890s, railways and better roads had sharply reduced the need for canal trade.
The last lighter to sail the canal was in 1929 and the canal was officially abandoned in 1931.