Aghalee – Historic Canal Village & Scenic Broad Water Walk

📍 Northern Ireland, Antrim

🏛️ Attraction

Last updated: 28 April 2026

Overview

Aghalee (Irish: Achadh Lé) is a village, townland and civil parish in the heart of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. With a 2021 population of 919, it sits three miles southeast of Lough Neagh on the main road between Lurgan and Antrim, and about 13 km west of Lisburn. The settlement is tucked onto the steep, wooded slopes of Friar’s Glen and borders the now‑disused Lagan Navigation Canal, a relic of 18th‑century inland trade.

The village offers a blend of modest amenities – a community hall, Orange Hall, GP surgery, pharmacy, fast‑food takeaway, filling station, and a handful of shops – alongside a vocational training centre, nursing home and children’s day‑nursery. Regular Ulsterbus services connect Aghalee with Lisburn, Antrim, Lurgan and Belfast, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider Antrim‑Down corridor.

Lough Neagh Stories, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry - Embrace a Giant Spirit
Lough Neagh Stories, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry - Embrace a Giant Spirit Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

History

The fortunes of Aghalee rose in the late 1700s when the Lagan Navigation Canal opened, turning the settlement into a vital lock‑station before the waterway entered Lough Neagh. The canal, engineered in part by Richard Owen – who is buried in Soldierstown Church (d. 1830) – enabled the movement of goods and agricultural produce, and the village grew into a distribution hub for the surrounding countryside.

The canal was officially abandoned in 1954; its banks have since become overgrown, creating a colourful mosaic of trees, shrubs and wild‑flowers that frame the present‑day tow‑path. Several 18th‑century canal structures survive, offering a tangible link to the engineering feats of the era, including the 1833 railway bridge with its distinctive “skew brickwork”.

From the 1970s onward, Aghalee reinvented itself as a commuter village for Belfast and Craigavon, prompting a steady rise in residents and a modest expansion of local services.

The Broad Water Walk

River Barrow Blueway
Courtesy Luke Myers

The Broad Water is a 3‑mile (4.8 km) tow‑path that follows the original Lagan Canal from the pedestrian entrance at Moira Railway Station (BT67 0NE) into Aghalee. The surface is a smooth tarmac/tow‑path, making it suitable for families, walkers of all abilities, wheelchair users and cyclists who prefer a gentle ride.

FeatureDetail
Distance3 mi (4.8 km)
Average duration1 h 30 min
DifficultyEasy
Ascent / Descent+5 m / –11 m
Highest point43 m
Lowest point32 m
TerrainFlat tarmac/tow‑path
Dog policyDogs must be kept under close control
ParkingFree at Soldierstown Car Park (modest fee during peak periods)

The walk begins at the Moira car park, where you cross the historic 1833 railway bridge – its unusual skew brickwork was designed to strengthen the structure and the iron guard shows notches where tow‑rope wear once occurred. After the bridge you reach Soldierstown Car Park, which provides picnic tables, disabled parking and public toilets.

From there the path opens onto the Broad Water itself, a man‑made lake built in a natural valley to retain sufficient head of water for navigation. The water’s edge is framed by mature woodland, a thin belt of wild‑flowers and a large variety of breeding and wintering waterfowl – ducks, swans and grebes are common sights.

Key points of interest along the way include:

  • Soldierstown Church & Graveyard – burial place of Richard Owen, the canal engineer.
  • The former bank‑ranger’s house at the northern edge of the water (visible from the path but privately owned).
  • A panoramic view of the Friar’s Glen slopes as you approach the village.
  • An alternative return route via Old Church Lane near the end of the Broad Water, offering a quieter way back to Moira or Aghalee.

The walk finishes at the heart of Aghalee, where the tow‑path merges with the village’s main road. For those wishing to continue toward Lisburn, the Lagan Valley Regional Park tow‑path can be re‑joined at Union Locks, Blaris Road.

Wildlife & Landscape

The Broad Water corridor supports a surprising diversity of wildlife. In winter, flocks of teal, pochard and goldeneye gather on the open water, while spring brings a chorus of reed‑bed birds such as reed warblers. The surrounding woodland hosts roe deer, foxes and a variety of songbirds. Late spring and early summer see the banks burst into colour with bluebells, primroses and wild garlic, making the walk especially photogenic.

Food & Drink

Aghalee’s limited but welcoming food scene includes the historic Clenaghans – a family‑run restaurant that has been serving locals for over 250 years. It offers traditional Irish fare in a cosy setting and is a popular stop for walkers after completing the Broad Water trail.

For a wider choice, the nearby town of Moira (just a short walk or bus ride away) provides several cafés, pubs and take‑aways. The village’s own fast‑food takeaway and a small selection of cafés cater to quick snacks and coffee.

Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

A short drive brings you to several noteworthy sites:

  • Moira Demesne (0.8 mi) – a historic estate with landscaped gardens and a 19th‑century mansion.
  • Down Royal Racecourse (3.5 mi) – a premier horse‑racing venue that hosts the Irish Champion Stakes.
  • Edenmore Golf & Country Club (2.5 mi) – a well‑maintained 18‑hole course.
  • Ballyknock Riding School (3.5 mi) – offers equestrian experiences for families.
  • Antrim Castle – a short drive north, the ruins of the 17th‑century castle sit beside beautiful parkland and are linked to the Antrim Coast and Glens trail. (Antrim Castle)

Practical Information

Getting There

Blackhead Lighthouse Co Antrim
Blackhead Lighthouse Co Antrim Tourism Ireland by Big Omedia
  • By road: Aghalee lies on the A3 between Lurgan and Antrim. The village is easily accessed via the M1 motorway (junction 9) when travelling from Belfast.
  • By public transport: Ulsterbus routes link Aghalee to Lisburn, Antrim, Lurgan and Belfast. The nearest railway station is Moira, served by Translink’s NI Railways; from there you can walk the Broad Water trail into the village.
  • Parking: Free parking is available at Soldierstown Car Park (mid‑way on the walk). A modest fee may be charged during busy periods. Additional roadside parking can be found near the village centre, though spaces may be limited during peak times.

Facilities

  • Refreshments: Clenaghans, a local café in the village, and a fast‑food takeaway provide food and drink. Moira offers a broader selection of pubs and restaurants.
  • Restrooms: Public toilets are available at Soldierstown Car Park and at the Moira Railway Station car park.
  • Accessibility: The Broad Water trail’s flat tarmac surface makes it suitable for wheelchair users and push‑chairs, provided users can navigate the occasional low‑level bridge. Disabled parking is available at Soldierstown Car Park.
  • Dog policy: Dogs must be kept under close control throughout the walk.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Spring & early summer: Wildflowers such as bluebells and primroses carpet the banks, creating a colourful backdrop.
  • Autumn: The woodland turns golden, and the water reflects the changing foliage.
  • Winter: The Broad Water becomes a haven for wintering waterfowl, offering excellent bird‑watching opportunities.

The walk is open year‑round and free of charge; however, parking at Soldierstown may be subject to a modest fee during busy periods.