Broharris Canal

Overview

The Broharris Canal is a modest but fascinating relic of early‑industrial Ireland. Cut in the 1820s on the southern shore of Lough Foyle, the two‑mile (3.2 km) channel runs south‑wards from Ballymacran Point toward the village of Limavady. Though it survived only a few decades, the canal left a lasting imprint on the landscape – its banks still guide a popular coastal walk, and the waterway is visible where it meets the lough at Ballymacran Bank and again near Rush Hall Bridge.

Today the canal forms part of the Lough Foyle Trail, an 8 km linear route that hugs the sea wall, passes bird hides, and offers uninterrupted views of the estuary. The trail is free to use and suitable for walkers of all abilities, making the Broharris Canal an ideal stop for anyone exploring County Londonderry’s coastal heritage.

History

Construction began in the early 1820s, funded at a cost of £4,500. The canal served a dual purpose: a navigation cut for small vessels and a drainage channel for the low‑lying farmland south of Lough Foyle. For a brief period it carried heavy goods, bulky foodstuffs and raw materials between the port of Derry and inland market towns.

A distinctive cargo was kelp and shellfish harvested from the sandbanks west of Magilligan Point. These were spread on the sandy soils at the foot of Benevenagh to improve fertility – a practice that linked the waterway directly to the agricultural prosperity of the surrounding valley.

In 1827 the inhabitants of Limavady petitioned for a full‑scale canal from Lough Foyle to their town. Engineer John Killaly surveyed the route and estimated a cost of £12,000, proposing a 2‑mile extension with two locks. The plan never materialised; a horse‑drawn tramway proposal in 1832 eclipsed the canal idea, and the Broharris Canal fell into disuse.

By the late 1830s the canal had already faded from official reports, and a Royal Commission on inland waterways omitted it entirely. By the early 20th century the channel was reduced to a shallow ditch, with water depths of less than 2 ft in places due to seepage and neglect.

Heritage significance

At just two miles, the Broharris Canal holds the distinction of being Ireland’s shortest 19th‑century waterway. Its brief commercial life nevertheless illustrates the ambition of early‑industrial infrastructure in Ulster and the close link between maritime trade and local agriculture.

What to See & Do

Walking the Lough Foyle Trail

The trail follows the former canal bed for a short stretch before re‑joining the sea wall. Starting points include:

• Station Road, Ballykelly – a car park with free parking.
• Carse Road, Broharris – a convenient access point near the canal’s historic mouth.
• Ballymacran, Carrowclare Road – where the canal meets the lough.
• Myroe, Shore Avenue – the “horseshoe bends” section offering dramatic estuary views.

From any of these points you can walk the full 8 km route or choose a shorter segment. The section that shadows the Broharris Canal is especially rewarding for bird‑watchers; a modest hide near the former waterway attracts waders, gulls and occasional terns.

Spotting the Canal Remains

• Ballymacran Bank – the canal’s mouth is clearly visible from the shoreline. Look for the narrow waterway cutting through the low dunes.
• Under the Belfast‑to‑Derry railway line – the canal passes beneath the historic rail bridge, a striking juxtaposition of 19th‑century transport modes.
• Rush Hall Bridge – the canal’s southern terminus lies at the junction of Broighter Road and Spallan Road. The bridge’s stone arches frame the overgrown channel.

Canoeing & Photography

While the waterway is too shallow for motorised craft, a sturdy canoe can navigate the deeper sections near the lough, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding marshland. Photographers will appreciate the interplay of light on the tidal flats, especially at sunrise.

Birdwatching

The Lough Foyle estuary is an internationally important habitat for waders and seabirds. The canal’s bird hide regularly records species such as oystercatcher, curlew, redshank and common tern. Early morning and low tide provide the best chances to see feeding flocks on the mudflats.

Flora & Fauna

Lough Foyle is designated a Ramsar site of international importance, covering over 5,400 acres of intertidal mudflats, sandflats, salt‑marsh and brackish ditches. The canal’s banks lie within this protected landscape, contributing to the rich mosaic of habitats that support wintering waterfowl such as whooper swan, Brent goose, bar‑tailed godwit and a suite of wader species (e.g., Eurasian oystercatcher, curlew, redshank). While the canal itself is not listed as a Special Protection Area (SPA), its proximity to the Ramsar‑designated estuary makes it a valuable bird‑watching corridor. [Further confirmation of SPA status is required].

Heritage & Regeneration

Local interest in reviving the “forgotten canals” of the Foyle resurfaced in a 2017 Derry Journal article. Community groups see potential for heritage‑led tourism and modest ecological improvements along the Broharris Canal route, although no formal restoration plan has yet been approved. The piece highlights the canal’s historic role and suggests that modest works—such as clearing over‑grown sections, improving signage and enhancing the existing bird hide—could boost visitor numbers and raise awareness of the area’s industrial past.

The canal is also documented on the Irish Waterways History website, which records its construction, brief commercial use and subsequent decline.

Practical Information

Accessibility

The sections around the Station Road and Carse Road car parks are paved and provide wheelchair‑friendly pathways. The remainder of the trail is natural surface; sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

Getting There

The canal lies just off the A2 coastal road between Ballykelly and Limavady. From Derry, follow the A2 south for about 15 km; turn left onto the B159 towards Ballykelly and follow the signs for the Station Road car park. For those staying in Limavady, the Carse Road turn‑off is signposted after the village of Myroe.

Safety & Conservation

The canal banks are largely overgrown, and some sections can be slippery after rain. Stay on the marked footpaths and respect the bird hide – disturbance can affect nesting birds. The water is brackish; swimming is not advised. Check tide tables before venturing close to the water’s edge, especially for canoeists.

Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

• Roe Valley Country Park – a short drive north, offering additional walking routes and a golf academy.
• Broighter Gold Économusée – museum showcasing the famous Broighter Hoard, 2.4 mi from the canal’s southern end.
• Limavady Workhouse – historic building now open to the public, 3.6 mi away.
• Anderson Park – a landscaped park in Derry with river walks.
• Ballyscullion – historic estate and gardens near the River Foyle.
• Brackfield Bawn – a well‑preserved 17th‑century fortified house.
• Coleraine – gateway to the Causeway Coast, about 30 km east.
• River Faughan and Faughan Valley Woodlands – scenic river walks and woodland trails.
• Roe Estuary Nature Reserve – a protected wetland area ideal for birdwatching.

Future Regeneration

A 2017 article in the Derry Journal highlighted local interest in reviving the “forgotten canals” of the Foyle, including Broharris Canal. While no formal restoration plan has been approved, the piece suggests that community groups see potential for heritage‑led tourism and modest ecological improvements along the canal’s route.

Summary

The Broharris Canal may be a forgotten slice of Irish engineering, but its legacy lives on in the tranquil walks, wildlife hides and coastal vistas that line the Lough Foyle Trail. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful stroll by the water, the canal’s two‑mile stretch offers a quiet glimpse into County Londonderry’s maritime past.