This is a walk along the towpath of the Coalisland Canal. The Canal was opened in 1789 to bring coal from Coalisland to Dublin via the River Blackwater, Lough Neagh and Newry Canal. Coalisland acted as an inland port with lighters carrying grain for the mills and provisions for the surrounding towns.
A
Dungannon walk
posted on 03/02/23 by Walk NI. Last update : 17/02/23
Description
Start : Park at Cornmill car park in the centre of Coalisland. (Nearby postcode BT71 4LP)
(S/E) Exit the carpark opposite Dorman’s chemist, turn left (East) on B520 and walk 100 yards until you come to the dam lock.
(1) The towpath is a straight walk along the 4.5 mile stretch. However, after about 1 mile cross the Gortgonis Road at Macks bridge.
(2) Continue on the same line for a further half mile along this pathway as it leads to the busy Moor road at McAliskeys lock.
(3) Once again you must cross this road to connect to the last part of the walk, the final 3 miles along the Canal will lead to the Reenaderry Road where the canal path ends.
(4) This is known as The Point where the canal meets the Blackwater river. If you want you can retrace your step to go back to the starting point. (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 31 m - Cornmill in Coalisland
- 1 : km 0.42 - alt. 29 m - Dam lock - Towpath
- 2 : km 2.02 - alt. 22 m - Gortgonis Road at Macks bridge
- 3 : km 2.91 - alt. 18 m - Moor road at McAliskeys lock
- 4 : km 6.44 - alt. 12 m - Reenaderry Road
- S/E : km 12.88 - alt. 31 m - Cornmill in Coalisland
Useful Information
Start : Park at Cornmill car park in the centre of Coalisland. (Nearby postcode BT71 4LP)
Driving to start : Take turn off for junction 14 on the M1 motorway and follow the A45 to Coalisland. Park at Cornmill carpark in the centre of Coalisland. The carpark is opposite Dorman’s chemist.
Terrain : Part tarmac path, part unsurfaced path
Public Transport : Translink
Facilities : Refreshments are available in a number of cafes and restaurants in Coalisland. PublicToilets are also available in the town centre and have disability access.
Dog Policy : Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control.
Note : Between Macks Bridge and Moor Bridge the River Torrent is one side of the Towptath and the canal is on the other.
Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
Seven locks including a staircase lock at Macks Bridge.
