HomeHistory of the Lagan
The Lagan Canal has been a vital artery of local life since the 17th century, when Belfast began its growth from a small village to a major city. During the city's industrial golden age in the 19th century, the Lagan was the most commercially viable way of transporting heavy goods, such as timber and coal, and became one of the busiest commercial routes in the British Isles.
Lagan Canal
Work began on the Lagan Navigation in 1756 and by 1793, via a flight of locks at Sprucefield, it was driven to Ellis Gut, a bay in Lough Neagh.All 27 miles of the canal were formally opened the following year, opening up central parts of Ulster for development, and through the growth of commercial trade, helping the rapid expansion of Belfast.
Locks
There were 27 locks on the canal, with only 18 lock keepers to look after them. Some had as many as three locks to look after.One of the locks, situated at Stranmillis, was overseen by William Ward. It was known as Molly Ward's, after the tavern his wife Molly ran which was adjacent to the lock. It was one of the busiest of all the locks as it was situated near the harbour.
Demise of the canal
The development of the railway network in the late 19th century marked the beginning of the end for the canal, though reduction in use was gradual.In the 20th century, the effects of two world wars and, even more dramatically, competition from the motor vehicle, completed the demise of the canal.
After 1947, there was no more canal traffic above Lisburn and in 1954, control of the canal passed to the Government and the section between the Union Loughs and Lough Neagh was abandoned for navigational purposes. In 1958, the Stranmillis to Lisburn section was also closed. Today, the MI motorway, between Sprucefield and Moira, runs along the route of the old Lagan Canal.
The way forward
Today, the Lagan is once again full of life. There are regular boat tours along the river and trips to Titanic-related sites, and a multitude of activities, such as angling, dragon boat racing and rowing. Walking, running and cycling (there is a National Cycle Route) along the canal towpath are also very popular.But that is only the beginning of an exciting journey that has the potential to transform the local and national landscape. The restoration and regeneration of this much-loved part of our heritage will bring countless benefits to the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland.
