visitors centre down

Flooding was always a problem in this area and floodgates were built in 1745, 1802 and 1934 near the Quoile Bridge. However by the 1950's flooding in Downpatrick was again serious. The problem was solved in 1957 when a new tidal barrier was built 2 miles downstream at Hare Island creating the Quoile Pondage....

Scarva Visitors Centre is located at the dock on the Canal where vast quantities of coal were unloaded for use in the local Linen industry. It helps to explain the building of the Canal, its trade and Scarva's role within this.

Linked to this development, the towpath has been restored from Poyntzpass to the quaintly named Tally-Ho Bridge at Terryhoogan Locks, passing, on the way, Action Lake....

The Saint Patrick Centre tells the story of Ireland's patron saint through a dynamic and informative exhibition. It's housed in an amazing new building which gives close access to St Patrick's Grave and Down Cathedral. The centre is open all the year round.

It houses a cafe, craft shop and a tourist information centre. Meeting facilities and an education programme are available. Please note that the last admission to the exhibition area is 1.5 hours before closing time....

Acton Interpretive/Visitors Centre is situated on the shores of Lough Shark on the site of the original Sluice-Keeper's cottage and is open seasonally.

The Visitors Centre explains, through a series of illustrative panels, how the Canal was built, the technology involved and the problems encountered....