Tyrone Rivers

EDITED EXTRACTS FROM THE TOPOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF IRELAND, 1837

THE county is copiously watered by the numerous branches of the Foyle, which, under the names of the Munterloney, the Poe, the Mourne, the Camowen, the Owenkillew, and the Owenreagh, rise in the mountainous central districts: the Derg joins the Mourne from a lough of its own name; the Burn Dennet empties itself into the Foyle near the northern boundary of the county.

The Foyle, which forms part of the western boundary, is navigable to St Johnston, and thence by an artificial navigation between three and four miles farther up to Strabane.

The Ballinderry river forms part of the north-eastern boundary.

Ballinderry River at Coagh Bridge (Green Collection/NMNI)

The Blackwater, which forms part of the southern boundary, and discharges itself into Lough Neagh, is navigable to Moy and Blackwatertown: near the mouth of this river a canal proceeds from the lake to Coalisland, and more than half a century since was partially opened above Newmills, but this latter part of the undertaking was abandoned before the canal was completed.

The beauty of the scenery in several parts is much enhanced by woods and plantations.

Large tracts of land near Baronscourt, and Rash or Mountjoy Forest, have been planted since 1795.

Near Augher and Favour Royal there are considerable natural woods, and throughout the greater part of the county the soil appears disposed to throw up a spontaneous growth of timber, but in too many instances the young trees are neglected and the cattle suffered to browse upon them.

Near Strabane are many large and well-stocked orchards.