Shannon Eme Waterway
Originally known as the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell Canal, the recently reconstructed canal is now known as the Shannon/Erne Waterway. Both large rivers have their sources in Co. Cavan – the Shannon in the Shannon Pot In Glangevlin and the Erne in Lough Gowna. The Shannon wends its way southwards for 243 miles until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean at Limerick. The Erne travels northwards until it empties itself into the Atlantic at Ballyshannon in Co. Donegal.
In mediaeval Europe the Shannon was a wonder because it was thought that it was
the only river that flowed into the sea in opposite directions with two estuaries,
one at Limerick and one at Ballyshannon. That is how Ballyshannon got its name! However, the two rivers were unconnected until the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell canal opened in 1860. The canal was not a commercial success and was abandoned after a short time. The Industrial Revolution in the 18 century created an abundance of mass-produced
goods and waterways offered a cheap means of transport so many canals were
developed at that time. The introduction of the railway system undermined the
value of the canals throughout the country and most of them fell into disuse.
The project, which took three years to complete, was jointly financed by the British and Irish Governments, E.E.C. structural Fund, International Fund for Ireland and the Electricity Supply Board. The Canal Construction Company – a subsidiary of the E.S.B. carried out the reconstruction.
With the increase of tourism in the 20 century it was decided hat the reopening of the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell canal would promote tourism to the area and encourage the use of cabin-cruisers on its waters. The charming 19″ century character of the waterway and the habitats of the native wildlife would be preserved. The beautiful cut-stone bridges would also add character to the waterway.
The Shannon/Erne Waterway was officially opened in 1993 by Government Ministers from Britain and Ireland. Since then thousands of holidaymakers have travelled along its waters, enjoying the hospitality of towns and villages along the way and enjoying a relaxing and scenic holiday in the heart of Ireland..
