The Lagan edged ahead of Lough Neagh and Belfast’s Linen Quarter to take the lead in your votes for L in our A-Z of NI.
The river Lagan starts at Slieve Croob; you can visit the source by parking at Slieve Croob Car Park (google it) and walking up towards the peak. It’s an unmarked start to the legendary Lagan. From Belfast to Lisburn much of the river marks the boundary between Co. Down and Co. Antrim.
Since the Lagan Weir was built in 1994 the river flowing into Belfast city has been gradually coming back to life.
The Big Fish beside the weir was commissioned in 1999 to celebrate the river and the city’s history. The 10m sculpture and its blue ceramic scales depict stories of the city, they are worth stopping for a read.
Just upstream you’ll also find the Beacon of Hope, or maybe you know her as The Doll On The Ball, The Thing With The Ring, Nula With The Hula.
On the river itself you’ll regularly see rowers out enjoying their hobby or maybe you’ll see a hydrobike leaving from outside the Waterfront and cycling up the river towards Ormeau embankment.
There are 2 boats on the river these days, one heading upstream for private hire events and events, check out instagram @ahoybelfast, the other heading downstream into the harbour and Titanic Quarter, check out instagram @ladyofthelagan.
The Lagan Towpath is a beautiful riverside walk from Belfast towards Stranmillis and forms part of the Lagan Valley Regional Park. Our only regional park, which goes beyond Lisburn, is a designated area of natural beauty. Get out and walk it or cycle it, it really is beautiful. Stop off at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park and its beautiful Rose Gardens with 45000 roses in bloom during the Summer.
In line with other rivers flowing through cities, there is a local phrase to basically say, do you think I’m stupid?
Do you think I came up the Lagan in a bubble?
Replace Lagan with Foyle, Bann, Bush etc.
We hear in Scotland it’s not a bubble, it’s a banana boat! Who knew!
Have a great day on or beside the Lagan
