River Torrent facts for kids
The River Torrent is a river located in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It flows into the River Blackwater about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the Maghery ferry. This river was once very important for providing power to local industries. The River Torrent passes through the small village of Newmills in East Tyrone, which is about three miles north of Dungannon. The village of Donaghmore is also right next to the River Torrent, which used to be called the Torrent Flow.
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What is the River Torrent Like?
The River Torrent is a long river that winds and turns a lot, collecting water from the hills northwest of Dungannon. The ground beneath the river is made of different types of rock. These include clastic rock (made from broken pieces of other rocks), carboniferous limestone, coal, and Old Red Sandstone.
The River's Journey
- Upstream: Where the river begins, it is shallow and narrow. The riverbed is made of small stones and pebbles, and its banks are sandy.
- Downstream: Further along, the riverbanks are covered with tall grasses and trees native to the area. You might also see fishing weirs, which are structures used to catch fish.
- Lower Reaches: As the River Torrent gets closer to its end, it becomes wider. Here, it flows right next to the Coalisland Canal.
Dukart's Canal: A Coal Transport Route
Dukart's Canal was a special waterway built to move coal from the Drumglass Collieries to the Coalisland Canal in County Tyrone. This canal helped transport coal more easily.
The Aqueduct at Newmills
One of the most important parts of Dukart's Canal that you can still see today is the stone aqueduct at Newmills. An aqueduct is like a bridge that carries water over another river or valley. This one was built around 1778 using cut stone (called ashlar). It allowed Dukart's Canal to cross over the River Torrent.
