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A comprehensive collection of facts and details relating to small ports that lay between Carlingford Lough in Co. Down and Lough Foyle in the N/W of the province.
County Down
Warrenpoint
Warrenpoint is a small port town in Co. Down near the top of Carlingford Lough, south of Newry.
Rostrevor would be its closest Village with the Mournes and Cooley Mountains also nearby. It is separated from the R.O.I. by a narrow strait.
Warrenpoint is known for its scenic location, and has many annual festivals such as the Blues on the Bay. A bandstand in the town park provides concerts and in 1908 a saltwater swimming pool was built. The baths were opened by Captain Roger Hall on Whit Monday, 8 June in that year, but they are now closed to the public.
A passenger ferry service operates between Omeath and Warrenpoint and the nearby Narrow Water Castle. Warrenpoint Port is second in terms of tonnage handled by ports in Northern Ireland.
The original Port of Warrenpoint, which consists. of a wet dock and Jetty, was constructed in the late 1770’s by Robert Ross, Roger Hall and Isaac Corry.
Roger Hall sold the Port to John Kelly in 1921 for £15,000. The port continued to operate the until 1970 when it was then sold to Warrenpoint Harbour Authority for over £37,000.
Until the early 1970’s the Port of Warrenpoint acted as a lightering port for the Port of Newry These ports handled approximately half a million tonnes of cargo annually.
Warrenpoint port has a daily scheduled Roll on Roll off service to Heysham on the Lancashire Coast together with a diverse range of scheduled services to continental Europe.
A railway connection opened in May 1849, increasing Warrenpoint's popularity as a holiday destination. and Warrenpoint became popular as a resort town. Thousands head to the resort every year, where most took the passenger ferry to Omeath in Co Louth. The Warrenpoint railway station closed in early 1965. The Ferry is still in operation in the summer months.
Rostrevor
Rostrevor harvests mussels in beds in Carlingford Lough. Mussel boats unload their harvest at locally known as Rosses Quay.
The village has two rivers, the Ghan and the Fairy Glen, so named because many fairies are believed to be living along the side of the river.
The name "Rostrevor" comes from the Irish word Ros, meaning a wood or wooded headland. The second part of the name comes from Sir Edward Trevor from Denbighshire in Wales, who came to the area in the early 17th century. He was succeeded by his son Marcus Trevor, who later became Viscount Dungannon.
Carlingford Lough Yacht Club is located nearby towards Kilkeel.
Scenic Carlingford Ferry
The Scenic Carlingford Ferry Service on Carlingford Lough is between Greencastle County Down and Greenore County Louth.
The Scenic Carlingford Ferry is the first ferry service across Carlingford Lough connecting the Cooley Peninsula senic drive, the Ring of Gullion and the Mountains of Mourne & Coastal Senic Drive.
Visitors can now enjoy the scenic beautiful and historic areas in the north east of Ireland.
For over 800 years ago, there has been a ferry service sailing between the medieval castles at Carlingford and Greencastle and local Dundalk, Newry & Greenore railway (D.N. & G.r.) and port in Greenore by the London & North Western Railway Company. The Greenore to Greencastle ferry provided a link for passengers coming and going to Holyhead in Wales from Greenore Port. The arrival of both the port and railway in Greenore was also to promote tourism in the region.
Kilkeel
Kilkeel is a small town, civil parish and townland in Co Down and lies just south of the Mourne Mountains. The harbour at Kilkeel has the largest fishing fleet in Ireland and is busiest during fish landings and auction of the fish. Several species including herring, are sold on the quay. There are fish-processing plants around the port. The village has a large lobster industry and lobster pots can be observed along the coast.
In the summer of 2002 a £4m development was announced to upgrade safety and to support fishing capability at the harbour. The two piers were upgraded with a new winchand cradle provided for the slipway.
The village is in the townland of Magheramurphy (meaning 'Murphy's plain'), and takes its name from a 14th century church and fort overlooking the town.
In May 1918 a fleet of Kilkeel fishing boats were sunk by the U-boat UB-64 12 miles off the coast of County Down.
Annalong
Annalong (ford of the ships) is a seaside village in County Down, located at the foot of the Mourne Mountains and situated in the civil parish of Kilkeel.
Recent redevelopment of the Fishing Villages Programme in the early 90’s, has seen significant changes including the deepening of the harbour approach channel and basin. Replacement of the main surge gate and the installation of a new floating pontoon for leisure craft was included in the upgrading.
The new facilities allow full all day access, providing safe and secure berthing for local boats and visitors.
Annalong has a population of 1,758 people at the 2001 Census and lies within the Newry and Mourne District Council area. The town was once involved in exporting dressed granite but is now a fishing and holiday resort.
On 13 January 1843, boats from Newcastle and Annalong headed out for the usual fishing beds and were caught in a severe gale. 14 ships were lost in the heavy seas including a boat which had gone out to the rescue. Only two boats survived, the Victoria and the Brothers. 76 men were lost, 30 of whom were from Annalong.
Newcastle
Newcastle is a popular seaside resort town in County Down.
Newcastle town is known for its sandy beach, forests (Donard Forest and Tollymore Forest Park), and its mountains. The town lies within the Newry, Mourne and Down District.
The town promotes itself as an ‘activity resort’ for Northern Ireland and its most special attribute is its location. The town has benefited from a multi-million pound investment and is once again a high quality seaside attraction.
Newcastle’s name is thought to derive from the castle built by Felix Magennis of the Magennis clan in 1588, the castle stood at the mouth of the Shimna River.
In the 17th century Ulster ports became increasingly important. In 1625 William Pitt was appointed as commissioner of the ports of Newcastle, Dundrum, Donaghadee, Bangor Killough, Portaferry and Holywood. The Montgomery Manuscripts record that Newcastle was besieged and later captured by Sir James Montgomery of the Ards in April 1642 in the aftermath of the 1641 Irish Rebellion.
In the 1840s Lord Annesley assembled a new pier to function as a loading point for the Mourne granite, which was mined from the mountains above. Much of this granite were used to build docks in the cities of Belfast and Liverpool. Mourne Granite was also shipped all round the world, including London and New York. The granite was used to make the base of the 9/11 memorial in New York and the Albert memorial in London.
In 1910 Harry Ferguson flew a small plane across Newcastle beach believed to be one of the first engine powered flights by aircraft in Ireland, in an attempt to win a £100 prize offered by the town for the first powered flight along the strand.
Newcastle is home to Northern Ireland's highest mountain, Slieve Donard, which is in the Mourne mountain range. Another popular attraction in the town is Royal County Down Golf Club (venue for the 2007 Walker Cup and 2015 Irish Open), now recognised as the No.1 Golf course in the world, and is said to be one of Tiger Woods' favourite golf courses.
Dundrum, County Down
Dundrum is a picturesque village on the south-east coast of County Down, about 36 miles south of Belfast and 5 miles north of Newcastle.
The railway connection boosted the harbour when it reached Dundrum in 1868. The sidings from the main Belfast-Newcastle line extended down the quays which were owned by the East Downshire Steamship Co. The sidings were used for the export of potatoes and sand. The sand which was obtained at low tide by barges near the Inner Bay mouth. The East Downshire in the 1890s operated their own deep-water sailing ship, the Ruby, to import Canadian timber.
In 1984 Dundrum closed down as a commercial harbour, followed soon after by the end of the remaining East Downshire trading activities in the port. The warehouses and quays have now been redeveloped. Apart from a few small leisure and fishing craft moored at the northern end of the former quay, nothing remains of the port.
Dundrum offers a range of sports and attractions that are popular with residents and holidaymakers throughout the year.
South of Dundrum there are great views of the Mourne Mountains and to the north, views of Dundrum Castle. Dundrum is perfectly placed as a base for walking and bird watching. Dundrum has many accommodation options, from Camping, self-catering apartments and luxury B&B's.
County Down has also provided a number of filming locations for the world famous TV series ‘Game Of Thrones’, including the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest Park and Castle Ward. Although Dundrum Castle has not featured in the series it does appear on a number of Games Of Thrones tours.
Killough
Killough meaning (‘church of the lough’) is a village and townland in Co Down. It sits on the Irish Sea shore close to Ardglass, just a few miles southeast of Downpatrick. It is notable for its sycamore main street.
In the 17th century Ulster ports began to rise in prominence. Killough was originally known as St Anne's Port. The harbour was built in the 18th century by the Wards of Castle Ward house. A straight road still links Castle Ward to Killough.
The village and port was the idea of Michael Ward who established a salt works and made major improvements to the harbour. Barley was the principal export trade.
After the outbreak of war between Great Britain and France in 1793, Cereals harvest increased in Lecale and Killough. As one of the ports of export, Killough expanded to deal with the extra demand and its population doubled.
For a brief period in the early 19th century, Killough was the busiest of the seaside villages of East Down, in many ways the most attractive. The post-war depression of the 1830’s resulted in a fall in grain prices. For a short time reserves enabled them to keep going, but soon Killough saw one grain store after another close and its once busy harbour lay idle. The decline of the village was reflected in the population which fell dramatically 1937.
The St John's Point lighthouse and ancient church are close to Killough.
St Johns Chapel was erected in 1828 with funds donated by a merchant named Mr Rogan. In 1844 the chapel was altered and rebuilt.
St Anne's Church was built in 1716, and also rebuilt in 1815.
St. Joseph's Primary School is located on Main Street. In the 2001 Census Killough had a population of 845 people.
Killough was used as one of the filming locations for the 2008 Kari Skogland film ‘Fifty Dead Men Walking’, again was used as the main Irish filming location for ‘The Shore’, an Academy Award winning short film about a man who emigrated to America to escape the Troubles.
Scenes from Terry George's 2011 film ‘Whole Lotta Sole’ starring Brendan Fraser and Martin McCann used Killough's harbour and beaches for many of the exterior shots.
The village is the inspiration for the book ‘Sweet Killough, Let Go Your Anchor ‘by Irish politician Maurice Hayes, taken from the publication of the same name.
Ardglass
Ardglass meaning (‘Green Height') is a coastal fishing village and civil parish in Co. Down, It is still a important fishing harbour. The village is a commuter centre for workers in Belfast and Downpatrick. Nowadays it is very much a seaside resort.
Ardglass has always been a fishing port and developed as such because of its location on the east coast of Lecale’s natural inlet. It has one of the few harbours which is accessible by boat at all states of the tide and today has two fishing piers and a a marina and several fish processing factories.
The port is not as busy now as in its heyday 150 years ago. Today up to £4 million worth of fish passes through the harbour annually. The port specialises in herrings, prawns, and whitefish.
Ardglass Marina, sometimes also known as Phennick Cove, has a capacity for 80 craft and a deep water basin open at all times. Strangford Lough lies six miles to the north. Ardglass was designated a Conservation area in 1995. The village has eight archaeological sites within the area.
Ardglass grew from a small hamlet to a modestly prosperous port and village in the 15th century. In 1838 a gentleman named William Ogilvie, who had acquired the Ardglass estate, had a harbour built. Further extensions were made to the pier and a lighthouse, however, a great storm undermined the lighthouse which fell into the sea along with the end of the pier.
In 1846 the S.S. Great Britain was run aground in Dundrum Bay in due to a navigational error, Hughes (the Harbourmaster) was involved in her salvage.
Fortifications from the fifteenth century still survive in the town, including Jordan's Castle, a most imposing of a ring of towers built around the harbour to secure the then important Anglo-Norman trading port, King's Castle and Cowd Castle.
Strangford Marina
Strangford meaning ('Strong Ford') is a village at the mouth of Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland.
On the North side of the lough is Portaferry. Transport NI, an executive agency of the Department for Infrastructure, operates the Portaferry to Strangford Ferry.
To travel between Strangford and Portaferry by road is approximately 55 miles. The ferry route is approximately 0.6 nautical miles with a typical crossing time of about 8 minutes. The village has a small harbour, which is overlooked by rows of beautiful 19th century cottages and a fine Georgian terrace.
Strangford was the designated home of King Magnus Olafson. Upon his attempted siege of Uladh (ulster) he set up his fort in Strangford. This was an ideal place to base his army as he had good fortified grounds with quick access to an inland lough that leads directly east onto the Irish Sea.
Killyleagh
Killyleagh meaning (church of the descendants of Lough) is a small village and civil parish in County Down. It is on the A22 road from Downpatrick, on the western side of Strangford Lough. Best known for its twelfth century Killyleagh Castle. Killyleagh lies within the Newry, Mourne and Down district. It had a population of 2,483 people in the 2001 Census.
The village has a singular floating marina designed for small to medium Leasure craft. Killyleagh Castle is a private family home, and claims to be the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. It has been the home of the Hamilton family since the 17th century Plantation of Ulster.
Whiterock
Whiterock is a small village in County Down. It is within the townland of Killinakin, in the civil parish of Killinchy and historic barony of Dufferin, on the western shore of Strangford Lough, close by to the village of Killinchy. It is in the Ards and North Down Borough. It had a population of 355 people in the 2011 Census.
Whiterock is home to two yacht clubs ‘Strangford Lough Yacht Club’ and 1.5 km to the north, ‘Down Cruising Club’. The latter is based in a moored former lightship, the Petrel, acquired in 1967. The lightship had been built by the Dublin Dockyard Company in 1915 for the Commissioners of Irish Lights and since registered as a National Historic Ship UK.
Strangford Lough Yacht Club’ has programmes for all ages with Youth sailing in SLYC has been a very strong part of the club for many years. To safety courses in Dinghy Racing.
Nullagh
Nullagh Quay is used during the summer months when boat trips arrive from Strangford and Portaferry. It used to be part of the Delamont Estate. Leisure and fishing craft use the quay which is accessible at most states of the tide. Access to the quay is via the A22, a few miles south of Killyleagh.
Quoile Yacht Club Castle Island
The Quoile Yacht Club is located at the mouth of the Quoile river in Strangford Lough on the shores of Castle Island. The Club has some of the best facilities in Strangford Lough with some of the most sheltered moorings. The floating jetty is available for loading and offloading both supplies and crew. The Quoile is a busy Club which maintains it's friendly atmosphere.
QYC is a recognised RYA training centre and holds a RYA Racing Charter. The club is a RYA Volvo Youth Sailing Champion Club and holds a Foundation award for Sailability.
QYC are supporters of the RNLI Lifeboat charity.
East Down Yacht Club
East Down Yacht Club has excellent facilities for both racing and cruising. Located on the western shores of Strangford Lough, Co Down, N.Ireland. The Club is situated on a 9-acre site, which includes a modern clubhouse, a boat-park, car parking, caravan and camping park, pontoons and slipways. Support services and amenities are available in nearby Killyleagh, just one mile from the Club. It has barbecue and picnic areas provided. It also has a function room and well stocked bar with a relaxed comfortable atmosphere.
Yacht Racing, in the form of Points Series, is on Saturday afternoons and Wednesday evenings during the sailing season (May to September).
This is one of the few remaining quays in Strangford Lough that is still in regular use.
Ringhaddy
Ringhaddy Quay was built in the early part of the 19th century, and is one of the fine examples of a medium-sized quay in Strangford Lough. However, it is in private ownership and access is restricted.
Ringhaddy Cruising Club (RCC) is situated on the western shore of Strangford Lough, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Club which was founded in 1975 is located to the west of Islandmore in Ringhaddy Sound, between the towns of Killyleagh and Killinchy.
Strangford Lough boasts some of the finest sailing waters in the county. Visitors to RCC are welcome to use the water supply on the pontoons.
Ringhaddy Sound provides a naturally, deep-water anchorage that is well sheltered by the many islands in the Lough. Not surprisingly, the original Gaelic name of the lough, Lough Cuan, means 'sheltered haven'.
Upon entering the Lough, or approaching from the north, visitors should take care when approaching Ringhaddy Sound due to the numerous boulder pladdies throughout the Lough. They are shallow shoals around many of the bays and islands, some of which uncover at low tide while many remain submerged.
Ballydorn
The quay at Ballydorn was formerly used for coal imports, but its current usage is restricted to leisure purposes, with the adjacent lightship acting as the headquarters for the Down Cruising Club.
Newtownards Sailing Club
Newtownards Sailing Club was founded in 1964, following a public meeting in the Town Hall, chaired by Stanley Woods, JP and ex Mayor of Newtownards, who became the first Vice Commodore, with the late Lady Mairi Bury as Commodore.
A site for the clubhouse was leased on the east coast of Strangford Lough about four miles south of Newtownards, and the Mount Stewart Estate, which owned the foreshore.
The club started with a collection of dinghies racing on handicap, mainly Scorpions, Enterprises, Mirrors and Cadets. Regattas in those days were well attended, with on one occasion nearly 200 entrants - River class, Glen class, Flying 15s, Lightnings, Dragons - as well as the dinghies.
Kircubbin
Coal ships used the harbour until the 1950s, requiring a deeper channel to be dredged.
There is no commercial traffic nowadays, only fishing and leisure craft.
Kircubbin is a village and townland in County Down. It is on the shores of Strangford Lough, between Newtownards and Portaferry, in the Ards and North Down Borough. The village harbour contains leisure craft, yachts, and a sailing club.
The settlement was originally known as Kilcubin, which is thought to come from Irish Cill Ghobáin, meaning ‘St Goban's church’. This later became Kirkcubbin, from the Ulster-Scots word for church, "kirk". The village had a population of 1,153 people in 2011 Census.
Portaferry
Portaferry (meaning 'landing place of the ferry') is a small town in County Down, at the southern part of the Ards Peninsula at the entrance to Strangford Lough. The town had a population of 2,514 people in the 2011 Census.
Home to the Exploris aquarium and well known for the annual Gala Week Float Parade, it hosts its own small Marina, the Portaferry Marina.
The Portaferry to Strangford Ferry service operates daily at 18-minute intervals between the villages of Portaferry & Strangford, 1/2 mile apart, conveying about 500,000 passengers per annum.
Portaferry and Strangford are sited one to the north-east, the other to the south-west, of the narrow channel, seven miles long, and joins Strangford Lough to the Irish Sea. The slipways of the two villages are a little over half a mile apart by water but they are 55 miles from each other by road.
Pot fishing, mainly for prawns and crabs and shellfish farming takes place within Strangford Lough. Portaferry is home port now only to a handful of fishing vessels and a crowd of yachts. Queen's University of Belfast have a Marine Research Laboratory on the shorefront. The Lough is one of the world's most important marine sites with over 2,100 marine species.
Portaferry Lifeboat is an essential lifeline for the local fishermen and yachtsmen. In 1988 a lifeboat house was built aided by the funds raised through the Belfast Newsletter's Lord Louis Mountbatten Appeal Fund. In 1994 a new Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat (also named 'Blue Peter V') replaced the Atlantic 21. The Atlantic 75 is the fastest seagoing lifeboat in the RNLI's fleet and is capable of speeds up to 34 Knots.
Portaferry is home of the Northern Ireland Aquarium called ‘Exploris’. Opened by Ards Borough Council in 1987, extended and re-opened by Prince Charles in 1994 as Exploris. It is a premier seal sanctuary and aquarium in Northern Ireland.
The Portaferry area is popular with foreign and local tourists for its beauty, wildlife, history and other visitor attractions. Strangford Lough is the largest sea inlet in the British Isles.
It is Northern Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve and is renowned as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Scientific Interests. It has six National Nature Reserves within it’s the lough. With over 2000 species of marine animals in the Lough and internationally important flocks of wildfowl wading birds converge there in winter.
The Lough is a centre for experimental electricity sources by marine current turbine technology development. In 2008 a twin rotor 1.2MW SeaGen was installed and successfully demonstrated this technology until its decommissioning which began in 2017.
Portavogie
Portavogie’s name is from Port an Bhogaigh, which means 'harbour of the bog'. It is the the second largest fishing port after Kilkeel and its fleet of trawlers provide a fascinating sight with daily comings and goings. Portavogie’s fame comes from its catches of herring and prawns.
A new pier was built at Portavogie in 1907. This pier was not a success as it had no weather protection. A new harbour was constructed in 1955 costing over £270,000. The harbour was further developed in 1975 and 1985, doubling the size and deepening its basin, providing a market area and ice making machinery.
Most evenings there is a fish auction on the quays. Three murals on the exterior of the local school celebrate much of the history of the fishing industry in the village.
In 1985 Princess Anne, Mrs. Mark Phillips, visited the town to open the new harbour and was received by the local community, Princess Anne then toured the fishing boat "Willing Lad" accompanied by its skipper, James McClements. In 1999 she (now The Princess Royal) revisited the village and opened the new Community centre on the New Harbour Road.
Ballyhalbert
Ballyhalbert is a relatively small village on the Ards peninsula situated at Burr Point, the most easterly point of the island of Ireland. Its name is from Ball-Thalbot or Talbotstown, after the Talbot family who occupied this area in the conquest circa 1300.
The Jetty mainly dries at low tide and is now used for leisure purposes and by the occasional small fishing boat.
It is nowadays, largely residential area with a small harbour and large caravan site which was formerly a Royal Air Force (RAF) airfield. RAF Ballyhalbert) during World War II. World War II when an RAF airfield, RAF Ballyhalbert, was built. It had the important role of protecting Belfast and the eastern half of Northern Ireland.
Ballywalter
Ballywalter meaning ('Homestead and Walter’) is a village and civil parish in Co. Down. It lays on the east coast of the Ards Peninsula between Ballyhalbert and Donaghadee. Ballywalter formerly known as Whitkirk as far back as the 12th century, has a stately home on the outskirts of the village, named Ballywalter Park.
The park holds the Northern Ireland Game Fair, which attracts nearly 40,000 people over a single weekend.
Ballywalter has a population of 2,027 people in the 2011 census.
The harbour was built to service a nearby limekiln and was fairly busy as a port due to the proximity of Scotland over the North Channel.
The local Council has improved the infrastructure arround the harbour and intend to install visitors buoys in the harbour.
This small harbour can provide a useful place to stop and wait for the tide if crossing to the Irish Coast from Holyhead northbound. However the harbour does dry at low water.
In settled off shore winds it’s possible to anchor off the jetty head and either set off again at High Water to go further North.
It is recorded that the Ballywalter lifeboat saved 154 lives between the late-1800s and its disbandment.
Millisle
Millisle or Mill Isle (meaning the meadow of the mill) is a village on the Ards Peninsula in Co. Down. About 2 1/2 miles south of Donaghadee it is situated in the townlands of Ballymacruise and Ballycopeland, the civil parish of Donaghadee.
It once described as “an unpretentious bucket & spade resort of fish & chip shops” plenty for all the family.
Ballycopeland windmill (where the town of Millisle derives its name)
is a late 18th century tower mill which was in use until 1916 and still in working order. The visitor centre at the millers house includes an electrically operated model of the mill with a restored corn-drying kiln.
Millisle Lagoon & Beach Park has 150 metres of golden sand and a seawater lagoon providing a safe bathing area. A pier, slipways and paddling pool complement the lagoon area situated at the beach shorefront of Millisle.
Donaghadee
Donaghadee (meaning Daoi's church) is a small town in County Down. It lies on the northeast coast of the Ards Peninsula, 18 miles east of Belfast and about six miles south east of Bangor. It is in the civil parish of Donaghadee.
It had a population of 6,869 people in the 2011 Census.
Donaghadee's large harbour was built in 1821 to accommodate the mail ships that eventually were transferred to Larne in 1849. At that time Donaghadee was a major port that offered the only safe refuge from the hazardous reefs arround the coast. It was also the most popular route between Ireland and Scotland and is the shortest crossing at 21 miles.
The lifeboat stationed at Donaghadee harbour founded in 1910, is one of the most important on the Irish coast. RNLB’s boat ‘Sir Samuel Kelly’ (ON 885) is a famous lifeboat which once based in Donaghadee and now on show and preserved at the harbour for her gallant efforts over 50 years ago. On 31 January 1953 the lifeboat rescued 32 survivors in the Irish Sea from the sinking Larne Stranraer car ferry, MV Princess Victoria.
For many centuries Donaghadee has been a haven for ships, and the harbour has been there from as early as the 17th century.
The harbour consists of two independent piers running north westwards out to sea; parallel nearer the shore. At low tide the water in the harbour is 5m deep.
The harbour is now mainly used for recreational purposes.
Groomsport
Groomsport
At Groomsport where Marshal Schomberg landed with 10,000 Williamite soldiers in 1689, the harbour has a sandy beach on either side.
There are currently ninety moorings available for pleasure craft up to a maximum size of 25 ft. in length.
The Council employs a full time Harbour Master who oversees the day to day operation of the facility.
A dormitory seaside and holiday village, Groomsport was originally a small fishing village its the focus being its development of the harbour and Main Street. Groomsport has developed as a centre for water and shore-based recreation with improvements in its facilities for activities such as power boating and sailing.
The local boat club ‘Cockle Island Boat Club’ has its home here in the boat house on the pier.
The village has developed beside the natural sheltered harbour, between the shore, Ballymacormick Point and the rocky Cockle Island. The harbour is said to be of Viking origin and traces of a small settlement can be traced to the 7th or 8th century.
Groomsport prospered as a fishing village through the Edwardian period until the early 1900’s. Groomsport still retains the identity and character of a small harbour village with its Jetty and sheltered anchorage along with its historic street pattern.
Bangor
Bangor town is located 13 miles east of Belfast on the County Down coast.
A seaside resort on the southern side of the Lough and within the Belfast Metropolitan Area. The town has a population of around 61,000.
Tourism is notably important to the local economy, particularly in the summer months, with plans being made for the redevelopment of the seafront. Bangor is situated arround 10 miles from George Best Belfast City Airport.
The Council decided that the seafront needed a big investment to restore it as a worthwhile attraction for both locals and visitors alike. This involved the closure of the harbour to commercial shipping, then the opening in 1989, of a super 570 berth marina.
The coastal waters, from ‘Lough Foyle to Carlingford Lough’ is the responsibility of ‘The Belfast Coastguard’ who also monitor along with the inland waterways of Lough Neagh and Upper and Lower Lough Erne.
Even though coastal vessels no longer call at the harbour, it is still used commercially by trawlers landing their catches or lying over and mussel boats which may be involved in dredging in Belfast and Larne Loughs.
An annual visitor to the harbour is ‘Fred Olsen’s Black Prince’, anchoring in Bangor Bay before transferring its passengers to tenders. Also ‘The Hebridean Princess’ has visited, and likewise anchoring in the bay and transferring her passengers to ‘Zodiacs’.
The ‘Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club’ is one of a few clubs on the lough that form part of the Belfast Lough Yachting Conference. Formed in as early as 1899 by an amalgamation of the ‘Ulster Sailing Club’ and the ‘Cultra Yacht Club’, and was named ‘The North of Ireland Yacht Club’, renamed again now known as ''The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club’, by His Majesty King Edward VII.
The mid 70’s saw the introduction of the Squib Class. The popularity of these boats has fluctuated over the years but, with over 40 boats, the clubs fleet is now the largest in the UK.
Many Club members have cruising boats. Nowadays they keep them in their local marinas or in the Strangford Lough.
Holywood Old Pier
The Old Pier in Holywood has been out of order for many years but the slip is still used by the ‘Holywood Yacht Club’.
The Club is located in Holywood, County Down, on the south shore of Belfast Lough.
It was established in 1861. The clubhouse has been renovated many times, most recently in 1998.
This small club is one of only a few on the lough that form part of the Belfast Lough Yachting Conference.
Belfast Harbour Marina
Titanic Quarter is home to Northern Ireland’s largest city marina. It provides 45 berths for yachts and leisure craft beside the Odyssey and Titanic Belfast.
The marina also provides a wide range of services such as power and water. Operated by Belfast Harbour, the marina offers easy access to Belfast Lough and the Irish Sea. The Harbour has future plans to develop the facility into a fully equipped 300 berth marina.
Port of Belfast
Ireland's major gateway to Europe is ‘The Port of Belfast’. This port facilitates up to 70% of N. Irelands trade, and 25 per cent of the whole of Irelands sea borne trade. In 1999 it received over 9,000 vessels and about 25% of the maritime trade of the entire island of Ireland.
The three ferry services operating from the Port of Belfast, Stena Line's HSS to Stranraer, Merchant Ferries' linking with Heysham and the Norse Irish Ferries route to Liverpool. There are 80 weekly ferry sailings to these and other UK ports.
Belfast Harbour Estate plays host to many well-known Northern Ireland businesses, such as Harland and Wolff, George Best Belfast City Airport, Bombardier Aerospace, Odyssey, the Catalyst Inc, Titanic Quarter and Titanic Belfast.
Belfast Harbour's origins date back as far as 1612 when a Royal Charter for the Corporation of Belfast declared the need for a wharf at the confluence of the rivers Lagan and Farset in what is todays Belfast’s High Street.
In WW2 II the Port of Belfast was the port of choice of the Royal Navy as their base for ships that escorted Atlantic and Russian convoys including Captain-class frigates, HMS Caroline was a First World War light cruiser permanently berthed in Belfast Harbour.
Stena Line's Belfast to Stranraer route and Belfast to Heysham service together carry over 306,000 freight vehicles. This figure represents over 20% of the Irish Sea Ro-Ro market. 125,000 containers and 6.0 million tonnes of bulk cargo were handled in 2009.
Stena Line now sails between Belfast and Cairnryan.
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus Waterfront is on the north shore of Belfast Lough. It includes two harbour facilities, several bars, restaurants and a promenade area.
The two harbours have rugged breakwaters, absorbing energy from heavy seas.
The harbour is a 12th-century Norman building, made during the construction of Carrickfergus Castle in 1127. It is in two sections, the larger being closer to the mouth of the harbour and the smaller section being used primarily for smaller boats and is equipped with a slipway. The harbour features a 260 metre quay and is an enjoyable area for fishing and leisurely walks. The promenade and the close by Marine Highway were refurbished in 2010.
Carrickfergus Marina 200 metres west of the harbour opened in 1986.
It provides 300 berths, is professionally supervised and offers individual access to water and power. Fuel services are at hand and the complex also provides lifting equipment for wheelchair users.
The town is said to take its name from ‘Fergus Mór’, the legendary king of Dál Riata. It is said his ship ran aground on a rock by the shore which became known as ‘Carraig Fhearghais’ the rock of Fergus.
Carrickfergus pre-dates N.I’s capital city Belfast and was for a long time larger and more prominent than the capital city. Belfast Lough itself was known as 'Carrickfergus Bay' well into the 18th century. Carrick and the local area, for a time was treated as a separate county.
AES Kilroot Power Station
At Cloghan Point overlooking Belfast Lough, Coal was delivered to the jetty at Kilroot by small colliers typically capable of carrying 8,000 tonnes of coal. Then discharged by the collier onto Kilroot's conveyors, and transported to the junction tower.
White harbour Whitehead
For many years this old harbour, built around 1849 by David Stewart Kerr lay in ruins, but pictures from 1859 show this little harbour was full of sailing ships. In 1852 a thriving limestone and brick trade, as well as the ferry passenger service from Belfast to Whitehead showed a busy time for the harbour. There was a Harbour Master's house and a wooden jetty running from the harbour.
The harbour was bought privately by a Mr Murdock and restoration work begun in 1998. During dredging in the harbour the following year, the remains of an old boat were discovered. In 1990 the first boat in over 100 years entered the harbour, and was followed in 1993 by the first sailing boat.
An extensive restoration commenced in Spring 2014. The harbour was dredged, new pontoons were put in place and harbour walls and buildings were made structurally sound. The harbour is now welcoming applications for pontoon and quayside berths, along with many other events and activities.
It is now the home of ‘County Antrim Yacht Club.
Portmuck
Portmuck is named after ‘Muck Isle’ whose name was derived from the Irish Muc (meaning pig), as the island is supposed to resemble a sleeping pig. Portmuck is situated in the parish of Islandmagee and the historic barony of Belfast Lower.
The bay of Portmuck has had its fair share of history as in its time. It has been a coast guard station, a revenue station, an export harbour, the site of a fortress, a monastery and it was also known for smuggling.
It is designated an area of special scientific interest.
Islandmagee (meaning "Magee’s island) is actully a peninsula and parish on the east coast of Co. Antrim, between the towns of Whitehead and Larne. Close to the Gobbing footpath.
As part of an agricultural crop rotation programme of old, beans were grown to supply nitrogen to the soil. "Bean Eaters" became a nickname for the people of Islandmagee. It is the site of Northern Ireland's main power station Ballylumford and the endpoint of the Scotland-Northern Ireland gas pipeline.
Portmuck is part of the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and is a rural community with a long history as far back as the Mesolithic period.
In the early medieval period it was known as ‘Semne’, a petty kingdom in Ulaid.
Ballylumford
Ballylumford power station produces about half of Northern Ireland's electricity. It sits on the edge of Larne lough opposite Larne town on the Islandmagee side which separates Larne Lough from the Irish Sea. The lough is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The power station has three chimneys which reach over 120 metres tall. Occasionally there would be a passenger ferry running between Larne and Ballylumford Harbour.
Tankers with cargoes of oil would visit the power station jetty regulary.
The harbour at Ballylumford has a number of moorings for visiting l small fishing vessels and eisure craft.
Islandmagee Boat Club
Islandmagee Boat Club has a mixture of sailing and motor boat classifications which makes for a diverse crowd but with the same passion for getting out on the water. The club house and compound are located at the south side of Ballylumford Dock.
The Boat Club is one of the region's premier aquatics sports clubs. With its picturesque peninsula backdrop of Co. Antrim, its club plays host to a mix of motor boats and sailing as well as regular aquatic activities including fishing, sailing and cruising.
East Antrim Boat Club
East Antrim Boat Club was established in the 1950’s and set up by Neil Kitson, Graham Gingles Snr.
In 2013 the club was delighted to be awarded the RYA Volvo Champion Club status. There is an active keel boat fleet, with racing the summer months.
Competitive Dinghy racing all year round, with back to back races in the Winter months. The Summer Regatta takes place every year and dinghy sailors can look forward to the annual Halloween and festive Christmas regattas.
Larne
Larne (Latharna) is an inportant seaport and industrial town. It is a civil parish on the east coast of County Antrim, and has a population of over 19,000.
Larne has been used as a seaport for over 1,000 years, and is today a major passenger and freight roll-on roll-off port. Larne is administered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Larne is steeped in maritime history, mainly because of its potential as a safe haven for ships. The first written reference of Larne port occurred at the time of the Roman Empire around 204BC.
Viking burial sites and artefacts have been discovered in the area dating from the 8th and 9th centuries AD.
Early In the 13th Century the Scots Bissett family built Olderfleet Castle at Curran Point. In 1315 Edward the Bruce of Scotland (brother of Robert the Bruce) landed at Larne with his 7000 strong army on route to conquer Ireland.
During the 18 & 19th century, many Scots/Irish emigrated to America from Larne port. The return journey brought imports of to***co and flax from the new world. Coal imports were a major feature from the 17th century until the 1970's.
Closed since 1995, the Bank Quay situated on the shore of Larne Lough has imported coal through the Quay along with other cargoes such as china clay. It was also a regular calling point for the Kelly collier fleet.
Tweed's Port Slipway
Carnfunnock Bay slipway has provided private sea access for over 100 years. Originally constructed by the owners of Cairndhu House. Cairndhu Rowing Club and others such as Larne Sea Cadets and a few local diving clubs having enjoyed the use of the slipway in recent years.
The water depth in the bay rises significantly at high tide which gives sufficient depth for most water sports including small rowing boats. Although Carnfunnock Bay is classified as open sea it has good access to the emergency rescue services as there has been a dedicated National Lifeboat Station launching from Larne Harbour into the waters of East Antrim and the North Channel since 1994.
Carnfunnock slipway is not suitable for deep keeled yachts and there is a height restriction barrier present to restrict access to the site. However there are other local harbours and slipways which specifically cater for the launching of larger boats e.g. Glenarm, Carnlough, Ballylumford, Ballygally.
Coast Road car park Ballygally
Ballygalley (meaning Geithleach's townland) is a village in County Antrim which lies on the Antrim coast, approximately 3 miles north of Larne.
Ballygally has a modern jetty and double slipway which is steep so suitable for boats with a deep keel. In the 1990s archaeological excavations were carried out in Ballygally and remains of a number of Neolithic houses on low ground about 500m from the shore of Ballygally Bay.
Notable features include the distinct headland of Ballygally Head.
Ballygally beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike especially during the summer months.
Ballygally Castle is now a modern luxury hotel and is reputed to be the oldest occupied building in Ireland.
Cairncastle is a prime filming location for the famous ‘Game of thrones TV series’. Many of the first episodes were filmed in this area.
Cairncastle is a townland of 769 acres. It had a population of 821 in the 2011 Census and is located within the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area.
Glenarm
Glenarm (meaning 'valley of the army') is a village in County Antrim which lies on the North Channel coast north of the town of Larne and the village of Ballygalley and south of the village of Carnlough. It is situated in the civil parish of Tickmacrevan.
Glenarm, first of the nine Glens of Antrim is said to be the oldest town in Ulster having been granted a charter in the 12th Century.
The most recent development in the village is the restoration of its distinctive harbour which is limestone built. The restoration cost over £3.2 million and was grant aided by Heritage Lottery Fund and Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The small marina is fully serviced for the residents and visiting mariners in a deep, attractive and secure harbour setting.
Glenarm has long been a port of call for sailors and yachtsmen travelling to and from Scotland's island studded western coast and has proved a welcoming haven to visitors from around the world.
Dating back to Norman times, the village is the family seat of the MacDonnells, who once occupied Dunluce Castle on the north coast. The village is now a Conservation Area, and its main street (Altmore Street) leads directly to Glenarm Forest. The magnificent Glenarm Castle can be seen from the forest. The Castle dates back as far as 1750.
The imposing entrance to Glenarm Castle is the Barbican Gate which spans the river in the heart of the village.
Glenarm village is part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and had a population of 1,851 people in the 2011 Census. Glenarm takes its name from the glen in which it lie, and is the southernmost of the nine Glens of Antrim.
Carnlough
Carnlough is located at the foot of Glencloy and is one of the nine Glens of Antrim. On the shores of Carnlough Bay this sheltered and compact harbour is the focal point of Carnlough village.
The Marchioness of Londonderry built the harbour around the 1800’s and it was used to export limestone until 1945 when the nearby Glencloy quarries closed.
Carnlough Harbour was eventually acquired by Larne Borough Council in 1981. The harbour has undergone extensive refurbishment since that time.
The harbour is now used by pleasure and small fishing boats and offers opportunities for sea angling. Pleasure cruises are also available with ‘Carnlough Bay Boat Tours’.
Carnlough Harbour is a must see when traveling along the Causeway Coastal route for Game of Thrones® fans. Fans will recognise the stony staircase leading down to the sea, filmed as part of the Free City of Braavos Canal, where Arya Stark crawled up from the waters after being stabbed by the Waif. These steps are now known locally as ‘Arya’s Steps’s’
Glenariff Harbour
The Glenariff Iron Ore and Harbour Company (GIOH) was a railway and harbour company in Glenariff, County Antrim. It operated Red Bay Pier on the Antrim coast and about 4 miles of narrow gauge railway between the pier and Cloughcor Mines. The railway carried iron ore from the mines to the pier, where it was loaded onto cargo ships for export to ironworks in Scotland and England.
The pier and railway were completed in 1873, making it the first 3 ft narrow gauge railway in Ireland.
A bridge carried the railway across the Antrim Coast Road near Waterfoot. There were two Ulster White Limestone piers and the embankment approaching one of the piers still survive. The piers are called the White Arch.
Waterfoot harbour
Waterfoot harbour is situated on the Co. Antrim coast road at Red Bay between the towns of Carnlough and Cushendall. It is one of the most sheltered harbours on the Antrim Coast. The bay gets its name from the red sandstone cliffs above the north side of the bay. It was likely to have been used as far back as the 7th century by the Vikings.
Red Bay Pier was erected in 1849 to create a harbour for nearby Cushendall and Waterfoot. The most of its trade would have been the export of iron ore to Britain from the Glenravel mines, south-west of Glenariff. After 1876, business declined when a railway linked the mines to Ballymena, and on to the larger ports of Larne and Belfast.
Waterfoot is a typical coast road village, with one main street passing through and a beach that overlooks the harbour situated a short distance across the bay. Fishing boats can be hired at the harbour. Pleasure boating is also welcome.
Cushendall
Cushendall lies at the heart of the Glens of Antrim on the shores of the sea of Moyle between the towns of Carnlough and Cushendun. The area's natural beauty was officially confirmed when it was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Cushendall has a small and lively harbour, known locally as the Waterford Slipway. It has a caravan camping site situated with beautiful views of north and south headlands and on a clear day Scotland and some of its western islands are also visible. This area is a popular place for fishing, picnics, sailing and water-sports and has good diving and yachting facilities.
The R.N.L.I lifeboat house is one of nine lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland providing search and rescue cover for a large part of the Antrim coast. The inshore lifeboat at Red Bay has been operating an for over 30 years.
The station now has a state of the art Atlantic 85 class lifeboat B843 Geoffrey Charles was placed on service on 29 July. Lifeboat B728 Dorothy Mary has been withdrawn.
Cushendun Harbour
Cushendun Harbour (meaning foot of the brown river) is the nearest harbour to Scotland, some sixteen miles away. It offers a safe and sheltered anchorage at the mouth of the River Dun. It has been a landing place and ferry point between Ireland and Scotland since the Antrim coast was first inhabited. There was a constant passage of travellers from Cushendun to the opposite coast of Kintyre, who carried back with them cattle and pigs.
Several factories were built beside the south quay, including a ropewalk (a long narrow shed for spinning rope) and starch works, to which later was added a steam-powered flax-mill - the only one in the glens.
The village is a peaceful area with just a few small fishing boats tied up along the riverside.
The village is another filiming location for the Game of Thrones® hit series.
Portaleen harbour
This small harbour and salmon fishery of Portaleen lies below the mighty Torr Head mountain which shelters it from prevailing winds. The tide’s around Torr Head are treacherous even on a still day, when a flood tide is running, it roars with the sound of a fast flowing river around the headland.
On weekdays during the late spring and summer, a net could be seen stretched across the bay (from the former coastguard station) to catch salmon nosing their way along the coast in search of their birth river.
Torr Head is Ireland's closest point to Scotland. just a mere 11 miles away.
The slipway is quite shallow and can only be used for small boats without a keel.
Ballycastle Harbour
Ballycastle has been an important landing place since at least the mid 1400’s. It was the main port for coal boats when coal was mined at Fairhead. In recent years the harbour has become extremely popular with fishermen and deep sea divers.
Ballycastle Marina was officially opened in June 1999. All of the 74 berths have fresh running water and a power supply within easy reach.
It now has a rock surround ensuring that it will be here for some time to come.
The adjoining harbour has also been upgraded to allow access for two ferry services. A small ferry which transports cars, people or even sheep from Ballycastle to Church Bay, Rathlin Island on a daily basis and a pedestrian fast service.
Rathlin Island Harbour
Rathlin island marina facilities include, anchorage, safe mooring, fresh water, shorepower, a provisions store and a slipway.
Rathlin Island is an ideal stop for sailors, birdwatchers and divers.
The island has spectacular cliffs and is world known for its colonies of guillemots, puffins, kittiwakes and razorbills. The waters around Rathlin have strong tides and are strewn with wrecks. The harbour in Church Bay has pontoon accommodation for ten to twelve yachts. It also has a ferry service to Ballycastle.
Ballintoy
Ballintoy is situated about 5 miles west of Ballycastle. The present harbour was built in the 17th century to facilitate shipping of coal to Ireland.
During the late nineteenth century the harbour was extensively used for the shipping of sett stones a small rail track once existed for moving the piles of sett stones and limestone to the quayside. Ballintoy is still a working harbour for local fishermen.
In recent years the harbour has been upgraded and is still a working harbour for local fishermen dealing mainly with salmon and lobster fishing. It is also used as a base by deep sea divers. A number of pleasure craft use the harbour.
It is sheltered from prevailing winds by scores of basalt islands. The harbour mouth looks towards Sheep Island.
Ballintoy was a principle film location for The Game of Thrones. In the series the harbour was referred to as, ‘The Iron Islands’.
The harbour at Portbraddon
Portbraddon or Portbraddan (meaning "port of the salmon") is a hamlet in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The hamlet has an ancient salmon fishing station.
A popular saying states that Portbraddon contained the smallest church in Ireland. The church, which was named after St. Gobban, and measured 11 feet 4 inches long, 6 feet and 9 inches wide, was demolished in 2017 by the new owner.
Just 10 minutes away from the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. If you’re brave enough to walk across the 100 ft high bridge, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the enchanting Cliffs below.
Another 10 minutes away is the of Giant’s Causeway’s iconic basalt columns. There you can join a guided tour or pick up an audio guide to discover more about this natural marvel. There’s also a visitor centre, café and gift shop.
Dunseverick
Dunseverick (meaning 'Sobhairce's fort') is a small hamlet near the Giant's Causeway about seven miles west of Ballycastle close to the small village of Dunseverick and the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim.
The harbour is where many local people began their long emigration trail, during the mid 1800’s. Emigrants were rowed out to catch a passing schooner bound for Glasgow or Londonderry where they would embark on one of the many emigrant ships to New Zealand, Australia or the Americas.
The harbour is still used by local fishermen. A number of pleasure craft use the harbour.
Dunseverick Castle and earthworks are Scheduled Historic Monuments in the townland of Feigh, in Moyle District Council area,
The Causeway Cliff Path leads to Dunseverick Harbour on the east and to the Giant's Causeway.
Saint Patrick is recorded as having visited Dunseverick castle in the 5th century AD, where he baptized Olcán, a local man who later became a Bishop of Ireland.
The original stone fort that occupied the position was attacked by Viking raiders in 870 AD.
Portballintrae
Portballintrae (meaning port of the beach settlement) situated at the mouth of the River Bush 3 miles east of Portrush and 3 miles west of the Giant's Causeway. This small sheltered harbour is home port to several local fishermen.
Portballintrae was originally a fishing village with whitewashed cottages around Ballintrae Bay. Many of the older buildings have been restored and maintained.
The ruins of Dunluce Castle sit on the edge of a cliff near Portballintrae and Portrush. The castle was the stronghold of the MacDonnell chiefs of Antrim.
The Giant's Causeway railway runs through the sand dunes above the largest beach in Portballintrae, locally known as Runkerry Strand, and Bushfoot Golf Club. This railway runs between The Giants Causeway and Bushmills.
It was at the coast of Portballintrae where a team of Belgian divers brought up the greatest find of Spanish Armada treasure ever recovered. Much of the Girona's recovered gold jewellery is now on show in the Ulster Museum in Belfast.
Portrush Harbour
Portrush Harbour On the North Coast of Northern Ireland is situated approximately ten miles east of the entrance to Lough Foyle, on the west side of the Ramore Head promontory. It is a small harbour enclosed by two piers where it is possible to berth alongside a pontoon or to pick up moorings in the harbour area. It has moorings for over 90 craft of up to 10m in length. Visiting craft are welcome with quayside fuelling and fresh water facilities available.
Behind the promontory there is substantial breakwaters, providing good protection and shelter from most elements in all reasonable conditions. However in very strong north or north westerly conditions shore swell enters the harbour making it slightly uncomfortable.
There is a minimum of two metres in depth at the entrance at LWS. However Portrush Bay is subject to a slight groundswell that runs across the harbour entrance making it hazardous to attempt in any west or north-westerly winds over force 3 to 4.
Portstewart
Portstewart is famous for its long sandy strand and harbour beach, which is ever popular with surfers. It is the second largest resort on the north coast after Portrush. Portstewart serves as the resident port for the pilot's vessel which guides the cargo ships up the River Bann on its course up the winding tidal stretch to Coleraine.
The harbour lies within a natural rocky inlet with a blowhole which is spectacularly powered by Atlantic break waves. It is a seaside resort neighbouring Portrush. Its harbour and scenic coastal paths form an Atlantic promenade leading to over a long of golden sand (Portstewart Strand).
Portstewart was a popular holiday destination in Victorian times to middle-class families. Its long seafront promenade is sheltered by rocky headlands.
Although it has been little more than a fishing village since the mid 18th century, Portstewart has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. Portstewart developed to a modest size seaside resort in the mid 19th century. From the 1950s until into the 1980s the town's main development thrust was as a residential area, with steady construction of new dwellings mainly for owner occupation.
West of the town stretches Portstewart Strand, a long blue flag beach, ownd by the National Trust. Portstewart Strand has been the most popular attraction of Portstewart to holiday-makers in recent times.
Saint Patrick's well can be found at the head of the strand. The strand which was used for horse racing in the 19th century and early 20th century. The beach finishes at the mouth of the River Bann next to Castlerock.
Beneath the convent is a cliff path which stretches along the coast from the Promenade to the Portstewart Strand. From here it is a popular walk to the Barmouth, where the Bann meets the Atlantic Ocean. The cliff path has panoramic views across the Strand and Downhill with Donegal in the background. The Barmouth is a sanctuary for waders, wildfowl and nesting birds. Beyond the Barmouth lies Castlerock, Mussenden Temple, Benone Strand and the Magilligan Strand.
Magilligan Point
Magilligan Point heads the mouth of Lough Foyle and is home to Lough Foyle Ferry and Martello Tower. The Lough Foyle Ferry Company runs a frequent vehicle ferry service from Magilligan Point to Greencastle in Donegal for the summer months.
Magilligan is a peninsula at the entrance to Lough Foyle. It is a massive 80,000 acre coastal site. It is situated within the Causeway Coast and Glens district. A short beach walk through a National Nature Reserve provides opportunities for visitors to spot birdlife or explore the beach.
Londonderry Harbour
Earliest references to Londonderry Harbour have been found in as early as the 6th century. It was in the 16th and 17th centuries when the English focused their attention on the natural resources of the region that Derry had to offer.
Today the harbour is mostly an import facility however, a number of products are also exported. The locations move to Lisahally was particularly important for bulk commodities, that can now be scoured directly from deep sea destinations and has enabled Port users to realise economies of scale and to source markets from further ports.
The Derry / Londonderry Port can now handle a wider range of liquid and dry bulk trades. The port throughput figure in 1999 was over 1,200,000 tonnes.https://www.shutterspeedireland.com/piers-jettys-marinas-harbour-villages-of-northern-irelands-coastline-part-2-co-antrim-derry-londonderry/
ShutterSpeed Ireland have over 150 photos and video multimedia of ‘Piers, Jettys, Marinas & Harbour Villages of Northern Ireland’s Coastline’ in Northern Ireland which are available to download.
Some of the information sourced in this blog has come from-
http://www.ports.org.uk/area.asp?area=31
www.visitbelfast.com
www.ireland.com
www.irelandbeforeyoudie.com
Are you visiting Northern Ireland?
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