The Lock Keeper's Cottage and the 'Industry' Barge EHOD 2026

The Lock Keeper's Cottage was built in the late 18th century and restored in 2008/9 to how it would have looked in the early 20th century, when the last Lock Keeper, George Kilpatrick, lived there with his wife and ten children, whilst working for the Lagan Navigation Company. Come in, sit by the fire and hear the tales of life and work on the Lagan, from Lagan Lalley Regional Park Heritage Guides.

The 'Industry' Barge, hails from the later years of the Lagan Navigation. She was launched in 1920 and had a long life - mainly carrying coal along the Lagan Navigation, before finishing up as a sand barge on Lough Neagh in the 1970s. Over the years, she had various owners including the Lambeg Bleaching, Dyeing and Finishing Co. and the Lagan Navigation Co. and she even played a part in the Second World War.

Come aboard to hear more of her tales and learn about the history of the Lagan Navigation from our Heritage Guides. Reflecting the theme Heritage at Risk, this event highlights the importance of preserving not just historic structures and artefacts, but also the skills, stories and traditions that bring the industrial heritage of the Lagan Navigation to life for future generations.

Outside the Barge, in association with the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, the Heritage Boat Association will be displaying and demonstrating a Bolinder Engine which they have restored to working order - an engine of the type used in the 'Industry' and other later barges.

Witness a real piece of history and engineering at work!

Tour throughout opening hours of 11:00 - !5:00