The Ulster Canal.

The Ulster Canal was a relatively late addition to Ireland's canal system work began in 1825 and it was opened in 1841, over 100 years later than the first, The Newry Canal which was opened in 1731. The Ulster Canal linked Lough Neagh and Lough Erne it is 46 miles (74 Km) long with a total of 26 locks, at its eastern end it left the river Blackwater close to the village of Moy in County Armagh, the canal proceeded through The Benburb gorge an area of outstanding natural beauty, this first section from the Blackwater must have been the most difficult and expensive to construct with 7 locks in quick succession, this is an area where the bedrock is Limestone which was lead to problems with loss of water through the puddle clay which was used in an attempt make the canal watertight, a further 5 locks had to be traversed before it reached its summit level near Monaghan town.

A feeder was constructed from Quig Lough to supply the canal with water, from there it meanders through the beautiful countryside to Clones in County Monaghan crossing the present day border which didn't exist when it was constructed four times.

At the North/South Ministerial Council meeting on July 17, 2007, it was announced that the governments would commit works towards the restoration of the County Monaghan stretch of the canal. The cost of the development would be €45 million, paid for by the Irish government

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