Annacloy River facts for kids
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The Annacloy River is a river located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It begins its journey in the Dromara Hills and eventually flows into Strangford Lough.
Where the River Flows
The Annacloy River starts when two smaller rivers meet. The Ballynahinch River flows east through Ballynahinch. The Carson's Dam River flows south through Crossgar. These two rivers join together at a place called Kilmore.
From Kilmore, the combined water forms the Annacloy River. As it continues its journey, the river changes its name further downstream. Near Downpatrick, it becomes known as the River Quoile. The River Quoile then empties into the southwestern part of Strangford Lough.
River Features
Along its path, the Annacloy River has different sections. Between Mason's bridge and Kilmore, the river has many rapids and small waterfalls called weirs. These parts of the river can be quite fast-moving.
Further downstream, between Kilmore and Annacloy, the river becomes calmer. However, there are still a few weirs in this section. After Annacloy, the river flows smoothly all the way to Jane's Shore in Downpatrick.
The River Quoile
The river is mostly called the River Quoile once it passes Annacloy. It flows through Downpatrick and reaches a structure called the Barrage. This is where the River Quoile finally flows into Strangford Lough.
Currently, canoeing is not allowed on the river below Jane's Shore. This area is part of the Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve, which is a protected natural space.
