Castledawson

Many thanks to Colin and Tara for facilitating this camera's location and to the Moyola Angling Club for capitally funding its installation. The Moyola River is a 27-mile waterway that traverses the heart of mid-Ulster, establishing itself as a prominent salmon and dollaghan (Lough Neagh trout) river in Northern Ireland. It also supports thriving populations of native brown trout. Originating from the lofty peaks of the Sperrin Mountains above Draperstown, the Moyola flows through the towns of Tobermore and Castledawson before reaching Lough Neagh near Toomebridge. In its upper reaches, the river exhibits a character of lively streams and fast-flowing water interspersed with short deep pools. As numerous tributaries merge with the main river, the Moyola expands in size. It is estimated that over 130 miles of tributaries contribute to its flow. These upper reaches serve as a destination for migrating salmon and dollaghan. Notably, the Mill Street Bridge holds the distinction of being the widest stone-built single-span bridge in Ireland.To monitor the water color and levels of the River Moyola as it passes through Castledawson, the Farson webcam is positioned in this area, serving the Moyola Angling Club. Castledawson, formerly known as "Dawson's Bridge," is situated on the banks of the River Moyola. The village took its name from the "castle" (actually a grand manor house) constructed by Joshua Dawson in 1713. Dawson, who held the position of Chief Secretary for Ireland, founded the village in 1710. The Dawson estate, Shanemullagh, shares its name with the original townland. The Dawson family also established Christ Church on the outskirts of the estate during the early 18th century.On June 29, 1912, a significant incident occurred in Castledawson involving members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, who were allegedly intoxicated following a parade. They clashed with a group of Presbyterian Sunday School children returning from their annual excursion, leading to what became known as the Castledawson Incident. Reverend James Armour, a prominent Presbyterian figure, attributed the incident to alcohol and "the mad Orangemen of the locality," speculating that they may have orchestrated the confrontation. Subsequently, rioting erupted in Belfast, resulting in approximately 2,000 Catholic shipyard workers and 500 Protestant Home Rulers being violently expelled from their positions at the Workman and Clarke shipyard.During the Irish War of Independence in March 1922, the Irish Republican Army fatally shot an off-duty Special Constable while carrying out a bomb attack on the Moyola Bridge in Castledawson.In 1943, Nestlé established a factory for the production of sweetened condensed milk, which operated until the 1970s. Presently, the site houses the acclaimed Ditty's Bakery and Moyola Precision Engineering, renowned for its innovative aerospace components.Anglers frequent the River Moyola, attracted by its managed stocks of salmon, as well as the presence of perch, eel, trout, bream, and pike. Dominating the southwest horizon of the village is a striking ráth.