River Bann

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The River Bann (Irish: An Bhanna) is the longest river in Ulster, the total length being 80 miles (129 km). The river winds its way from the south east corner of the country to the north west coast, pausing in the middle to widen into the enormous Lough Neagh. The river has played an important part in the industrialisation of the north of Ireland, especially in the Linen Industry. Today Salmon and Eel fisheries are the most important economic features of the river.

1 Upper Bann
2 Lower Bann
3 See also
4 External links

The Upper Bann rises in the Mourne Mountains in County Down and flows into Lough Neagh at Bannfoot, County Armagh. This stretch is one of the most popular coarse fishing rivers in Europe. Near Portadown it connects with the now disused Newry Canal, which once gave access south to the Irish Sea.

Overlooking the River Bann at Coleraine and the Riverside Retail Park on the eastern banks of the river

The Lower Bann flows from Lough Neagh at Toome to the sea at Portstewart. The river is a canalised waterway with five locks along its 38 miles (51km). The river is very popular with water sports enthusiasts, anglers and cruisers and has minimal commercial traffic. It acts as most of the border between County Antrim and County Londonderry.