River Lagan

The River Lagan rises near the summit of Slieve Croob in County Down and flows east for 86 kilometres to Belfast Lough. It marks part of the border between County Antrim and County Down and passes through Dromara, Donaghcloney and Dromore on its way. Near Magheralin the river enters a broad plain between the Antrim and Down plateaus. The catchment covers about 609 square kilometres of farmland and urban areas. Several smaller rivers feed the Lagan, including the Ravernet, Carryduff and Blackstaff. Work is under way to bring back a self-sustaining run of Atlantic salmon. The river has shaped Belfast’s growth since the city was built at the mouth of the Farset, a tributary of the Lagan. In the 19th century the Lagan Canal linked Lough Neagh to Belfast, though much of it later fell out of use. The Laganside Corporation was set up in 1989 to regenerate the riverbank, creating places such as the Waterfront Hall and Lanyon Place. A steel weir built in 1994 keeps water levels steady and improves water quality through dredging and aeration. Rowing clubs line the stretch between Governors Bridge and Stranmillis Weir, including Queen’s University and Belfast Rowing Club. The Lagan Valley Island complex in Lisburn sits between the river and a side channel, housing council offices and arts facilities. Otters and wildfowl live along the banks, and plants like Elodea grow in the water. The restored towpath now carries part of National Cycle Route 9 towards Dublin.