Exploring the History of the Newry Canal at Acton Lake Visitor Centre

One of the highlights of our Stage 2 Peace Camino Walk on Wednesday was our visit to the Acton Lake Visitor Centre, located on the site of the historic Sluicekeeper’s Cottage beside the beautiful Acton Lake.

 

This fascinating heritage centre, cared for by the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) – Newry & Portadown Branch, tells the remarkable story of the Newry Canal – the oldest summit canal in the UK and Ireland. Built between 1731 and 1742, the canal played a vital role in transporting coal, linen, timber and agricultural produce, connecting communities and supporting trade for over 200 years.

 

Inside the visitor centre, our walkers explored a fascinating collection of heritage displays that bring more than 300 years of canal history to life through historic photographs, maps, original documents and the stories of the people who lived and worked along the waterway. The displays tell the story of the sluicekeeper, whose job was to regulate the canal’s water levels, the lock keepers, the Port of Portadown, Moneypenny’s Lockhouse, the lightermen and hauliers who worked the canal, as well as the restoration of the Newry Canal. Visitors can also enjoy the fun interactive Canal Boat Race game.

 

Standing at the summit of the canal, we also learned about the important role of Acton Lake (formerly Lough Shark), which serves as the summit reservoir for the canal. At this highest point of the waterway, water flows north towards Portadown on one side and south towards Newry on the other—a remarkable feature of the Newry Canal and a fascinating piece of engineering history.

 

A huge thank you to Paul O’Neill, Clare and Helena from the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) – Newry & Portadown Branch for such a warm welcome and for generously sharing your knowledge, stories and passion for preserving the history of the Newry Canal. Your enthusiasm and hospitality made this stop a truly memorable part of our Peace Camino journey.

If you’d like to learn more about the history of the Newry Canal, or are interested in supporting the incredible work of the volunteers who care for this special place, be sure to follow the IWAI Newry & Portadown Facebook page and visit their website to find out more about the branch, its activities and volunteering opportunities.

Our visit was a wonderful reminder that the landscapes we walk through are not only places of natural beauty, but also places rich in shared history, heritage and stories that continue to connect communities today.

IWAI Newry & Portadown: https://www.facebook.com/Newry.Portadown.Canal