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Attractions around the Loughshore | |
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Visitors can enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of the shoreline, explore early Christian architecture, visit the ruins of castles, visits bird hides that surround the Lough or simply stop and admire the most outstanding scenary that this area has to offer. You can also take a break from cycling to go walking, enjoy a round of golf, a bit of fishing or try some of the many water sports on offer at Knnego Marina, Ballyronan Marina or Craigavon Watersports Centre. Click the green discs for more information about the attractions.
The Arts Centre is Antrim Boroughs premiere venue for drama, music & visual arts. It combines a beautiful setting with first class facilities. Surrounding Clotworthy Arts Centre is one of the earliest remaining Anglo-Dutch water gardens in both Ireland and the British Isles. It contains many exceptional features including ornamental canals, a round pond, an ancient motte and a parterre garden. Interpretative displays of gardens and model of former castle at Clotworthy Arts Centre in former coach house. Opening Times:
One of the best access points to Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. The area around the Lough is one of the most important bird habitats in Western Europe and it provides a very productive system which supports thousands of wildfowl as well as a large scale eel fishing industry. As one of the best access points to Lough Neagh, Antrim Lough Shore Park offers excellent views over the water. This pleasant open park includes a pretty riverside walk to Antrim Castle Gardens, fishing stands for coarse angling and opportunity for watersport activities. Rea’s Wood stretches for around a mile along the shores of Lough Neagh, heading south. Rea’s Wood is designated as a National Nature Reserve. It is a fine example of wet woodland being dominated by alder, willow and birch trees. It is particularly pretty in springtime with its plant life and birdsong.
GROUP VISITS ONLY AND BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Opening Hours: The Richardson's Walled Garden, which dates from 1801, is a dramatic and colourful formal garden and is set within a one hectare of the pleasant Greenmount Campus just outside Antrim Town. The Greenmount Trail provides school children and the general public with a better understanding of the interaction between agriculture and the environment. Visitors are welcome on specified dates during the summer months (exact dates can be found at www.cafre.ac.uk). Organised groups can make bookings for Walled Garden Tours and the Greenmount Trail.
The glen consists of an area of mixed woodland with a wide variety of trees, plants and birds . Angling is a popular activity and facilities are available for the disabled . A car park and picnic area have been built adjacent to the start of the riverside walk which leads to the waterfalls and Cockle House. According to folklore the Cockle House was built facing Mecca as a Muslim temple for the landowner’s servant.
Ram’s Island is located approximately 1 mile offshore from Lennymore Bay and Sandy Bay on the Eastern Shore of Lough Neagh. It is nearly one mile long by a quarter of a mile wide and is the largest island on Lough Neagh. Notable features of the island are a round tower and and was designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest. Notable features of the Island are a round tower and the ruins of the O’Neill’s’ 19th century summer house. Its remote wilderness and lost in time qualities make Ram's Island a pleasant and attractive place to visit. A ferry service is available to take visitors to the island and around Lough Neagh.
The reserve lies on the southern shore of Portmore Lough, a small lake at the south east corner of Lough Neagh. In winter large flocks of geese regularly visit as well as smaller numbers of ducks, swans and wadine birds. During the summer dragonflies, butterflies and wild flowers are present. Breeding birds include snipe, skylarks, water rails and reed buntines. There is a carpark, toilets, information boards, nature trails and a hide.
Situated within the Montaighs Moss Area of Specific Scientific Interest an important peat habitat where traditional life still involves fishing on Lough Neagh and willow basket making. Gawleys Gate Quay is a small jetty and picnic area near to The Gate Inn at Gawleys Gate. Sunset viewed from the jetty can be spectacular. On many an evening a flotilla of small craft visit Gawley’s. Further development is planned but the site now has a picnic and barbecue area, indigenous tree planting, a bird screen and for those wishing refreshments or a meal The Gate Inn is the place to watch the sun go down. Meals and information can be obtained from The Gate Inn.
Situated on Lough Neagh on the edge of the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Kinnego Marina is a magnificent rural setting of beauty and tranquillity, giving striking views over the Lough and the distant hills of Tyrone and Antrim.
Accommodation is available at the Marina in the Waterside House Residential & Activity Centre and Kinnego Caravan & Camping Park.
Four miles of foothpaths, five bird watching hides, woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows, picnic and play areas. The centre enjoys a unique and beautiful setting on the edge of the Lough where visitors can learn all about the history, culture and wildlife in and around Lough Neagh. The exhibition in the centre includes audio-visual shows, static displays, computers and interactive games. The centre was voted the most outstanding interpretative facility in the UK in the Interpret Britain Awards of 1994. Other facilities in the centre include:
Opening Times:
Gardens around Georgian Farmhouse. Experience old Irish Gate, tree and sculpture trails. Rare breeds include Irish Moiled and Dexter Cattle, Galway and Jacob Sheep, Saddleback, Tamworth and Glouchester Old Spot pigs. Large selection of ornamental fowl and waterfowl. Barn museum with agricultural exhibits. Farm tours and events, book in advance. Picnic area, barbecue. Large childrens play area. Opening Times:
Acres of parkland surrounding lakes, approximately 3 miles of route. City park offers an extensive network of walking and cycling paths, set within 250 acres of parkland around the Craigavon Lakes. The series of path links the park with the built up areas of Brownlow, Portadown and Craigavon.
Craigavon watersports centre is one of the best centres for outdoor pursuits. The centre is situated on the edge of the Craigavon lakes in attractive open parkland. There are many watersports on offer; choose from banana boating, water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing or canoeing. The shallow lake adjacent to the castle is ideal for beginners while the larger outer lake offers challenges to the advanced watersports enthusiast. our qualified instructors provide modern and advanced teaching techniques using specialist equipment. As an alternative to Watersports why not cycle around the lakes at your leisure. You can take advantage of the centres cycling instructors and cycles can be hired for £1.50 per hour on an individual basis. Group cycle hire is also available
Situated to the east of the River Bann in the rural heart of the region, Emerson’s Quay and Harbour provides and ideal opportunity for contemplation and enjoyment of the rural area. A great spot for bird watching with excellent views over the lough.
Maghery Country Park provides an oasis of calm in the village of Maghery. Situated on the shores of Lough Neagh, the park covers an area comprising 5km of woodland walks and picnic areas in natural surroundings. This is an excellent area for birdwatching, fishing and walking.
The island lies 1km offshore from Maghery Country park and is the only remaining inhabited island on Lough Neagh. It has a rich history reaching back to the time of Saint Patrick and is considered to be one of the most westerly outposts of the Normans after their arrival in Ulster. There are footpaths around the shore of the island of lots to do and see. Boat trips to the island from Maghery Country Park are available at weekends during the summer months (weather permitting).
Opening Times:
Formerly known as the fishing bay, the bay gets its name from the reputed healing qualities of its waters and of the local holy river. Pleasant shoreline walkway through the wetlands with easy access to the Lough. Suitable for canoeing, camping and bird watching.
The castle remains stand on a hill on the western shores overlooking Lough Neagh. Built by Lord Mountjoy in 1602 and partly burned in 1643. The well preserved castle once garrisoned English troops during the early 17th C.
Opened in the year 2000, this impressive centre incorporates a fully licensed restaurant round tower, community hall, computer training suite and workshop units, while the quay and jetty can accommodate up to six visiting boats.
Situated on a height on the shores of Lough Neagh, a national monument which is believed to be the first and finest high cross of Ulster. Old Testament biblical scenes on east side, New Testament on West. A national monument, over 1000 years old dating back to the 10th century.
A public amenity area with the marina providing berths for recreational boats. Home to the Lough Neagh Rescue Service where impressive new lifeboat facilities were opened in 2001. Also has children’s play area and picnic area.
Coyles cottage is a 300 year old fisherman’s cottage. Listed in 1991, restored and officially opened in May 1993. Muintirevlin Historical Society presently maintain the cottage and use it as a meeting place. The cottage is also the starting point for the Gort Moss Walk which features a number of ramparts and pathways meandering through and over flat cut bog land. Rich in flora and fauna .
History of the Lough Neagh Fishing and eel Industry. Displays of old traditional boats and equipment. Boat trips and guided tours by arrangement. Licensed restaurant & audio visual presentation Open daily 2pm-5pm & 7pm-11.30pm
Ballyronan Marina is sited within the village of Ballyronan on the shores of Lough Neagh. The picturesque tourist facility incorporates: Safe Harbour with 72 berths, 2 slipways, Boat park, Picnic area, Play park, Beach area. Caravan and Camping Park includes: 12 Caravan sites, 4 camping sites, service amenity block with toilet, shower and laundry facilities, committee and general function room. To compliment the above facilities there is also a special Woodland Nature Trail ‘Ballyronan Wood’, which through specific pathways, viewpoints and informative signage highlights the natural beauty of the area.
For further information please contact Antrim Borough Council, Tourist Office 028 9442 8331 This quiet scenic pathway follows the Toome Canal to its starting point on the shores of Lough Neagh. Enjoy the stunning views over the Lough from a purpose built viewing platform, dander through the Silvereel wood or simply rest a while on the Silvereel seat - designed and created by the Woodland Trust and Members of the local community.
On the shore of Lough Neagh at Churchtown Point lie the ruins of a 13th Century Irish Church and St. Olcan's Shrine. Near the shore, a few yards east of the church is a holy well, which produces fine spring water and amber coloured crystals. Pilgramages were made to Cranfield annually between May Eve and 29 June. The Legend of the Holy Well Also to this day, the healing tradition of attaching rangs to the overhanging trees and bushes continues. According to the custom, one must bathe the infected part of the body with a rag dipped in the well, pray and then tie the rag to a large overhanging tree. As the rag decays the affliction is supposed to disappear.
Randalstown Forest stretches north from the north shore of Lough Neagh to the west of Randalstown.The Forest is made up of mixed conifer with some broadleaves. Near the entrance there is a deer enclosure with a herd of wild fallow deer. A small area at the loughshore is designated as a National Nature Reserve where you will find a birdwatching hide overlooking the Lough. This is an excellent point to view many of the wetland birds typical of Lough Neagh.
Opening Hours: Tues- Sun (Mar-Oct) 11am-6pm Admission: Adult £3, Children & OAPs £1.50
A quaint thatched cottage pub and one of Irelands most famous Traditional Music Pubs. Musicians from all over Ireland have played within (and outside) its walls. Its was once a Coaching Stop on the old Belfast to Derry road. It was also a shop in a rural community in days gone by (see some of the receipts on the walls). The building is thought to date from around 1740, located in County Antrim, near Toomebridge and Portglenone on the Shores of Lough Neagh.
Facility used as a venue for water sports. Situated on the banks of the Lower Bann. Bar-b-que and picnic facilities available. Excellent spot for fishing and other water sport. Any person wishing to register their boat should contact Ballymena Tourist Information Centre.
Yet another of the regions natural sites of beauty, Portglenone Forest is situated to the north of Lough Beg and is home to a wide range of plants and animals. This natural wood provides an enjoyable recreational environment for all. Includes beech and oak woods, great patches of Rhododendrons, red squirrels, a bluebell Wood, well marked nature trails and the Augustine Henry Grove. Barbeque and picnic facilities available. Opening Hours: The Forest is open every day of the year from 10:00 am until sunset.Admission Fees from 1 February 2005: Car £3.00 Motorbike £2.00 Minibus £8.00 Coach £25.00
The Marina at Portglenone is situated off the Gortgole Road on the banks of the river Bann. Ballymena Borough Council in co-operation with Portglenone Enterprise Group and through 50% European funding constructed an 18 berth Marina on site. In addition to the 18 serviced floating pontoons, the facility also provides a trailer park, slipway, rigging area, car parks and picnic areas overlooking the river.
Bellaghy Bawn and Village were built on behalf of the Vintner’s Company of London following the plantation of Ulster in 1610. The Bawn still remains one of its flanker towers and significant remains of the original complex. The dominating feature in the Bawn today is a large century house, refurbished by Frederick Augustus Harvey, Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry. This house has been restored as an exhibition centre. Opening Times: April to September:Mon-Sat 10am-6pm |
Antrim Castle / Clotworthy Arts Centre
E: 
Antrim LoughShore Park
Managed by Antrim Borough Council
The Richardson's Walled Garden & Greenmount Trail 
Tel: 028 9442 6669 (Richardson's Walled Garden)
Crumlin Glen
Nutts Corner, Crumlin Village,
Rams Island
For further information contact the Project Officer, Michael Savage
Portmore Lough Nature Reserve
Gawleys Gate, Aghalee
Gawleys Gate Inn
Kinnego Marina
Kinnego Marina is the largest marina on the Lough. There is a range of associated amenities on site and instruction on watersports and water safety. The site offers over 120 fully sheltered berths with deep and shallow water access. Assistance for launching boats and stepping masts is provided as well as secured summer and winter storage for 30 boats within the Boat Park on-site. Fully trained and qualified staff onsite offer local knowledge, boat tuition and information on safety on Lough Neagh. Powerboating and sailing are available at the site.
Oxford Island NNR & Lough Neagh Discovery Centre 
Tannaghmore Gardens Farm & Museum
Kilvergan Road, Silverwood,
Craigavon Lakes & City Park
Craigavon Borough Council, 
Craigavon Watersports Centre
1 Lake Road, Craigavon 
Emerson’s Quay & Harbour
Maghery Country Park
Coney Island
Peatlands Park
Peatlands Country Park is the first of its type in the British Isles and was specifically established to promote and facilitate Peatlands awareness. The park is traversed by a network of paths and boardwalks and a narrow gauge railway which links historical and cultural interests in the site. As well as Peatlands the park contains areas of semi-natural deciduous woodland, a bog garden and an area where visitors can get the feel (and smell!!) of cutting Turf.
Washingbay Wetlands Park
Mountjoy Castle
Castle Bay Centre
Ardboe Cross
For further information contact Cookstown Tourist Office Tel: 028 867 66727
The Battery Harbour
For further information contact Cookstown Tourist Office Tel: 028 867 66727
Coyles Cottage
Annaghmore Road, Cookstown
Kinturk Cultural Centre
Annaghmore Road, Moortown, Ardboe
T: 028 867 F: 028 8673 6512
Ballyronan Marina & Caravan Park
135a Shore Road, Ballyronan, Magherafelt
Canal Walk, Toome
Cranfield Church and Holy Well
Randalstown Forest
World Of Owls
Visit World of Owls, Northern Ireland’s only owl, bird of prey and exotic conservation educational centre. Featuring owls from all around the world, as well as falcons and hawks, visitors can make friends with small animals,. See local wildlife and visit the 'Crawlies Cavern' incorporating a display area of reptiles and insects. Groups, schools, parties, seminars, corporate and team building days are catered for. Outreach visits and various courses are available on request. Light refreshments and an educational room are available on site.
Cross Keys / Thatched Pub
40 Grange Road, Toomebridge 
Newferry
Portglenone Forest
Portglenone Marina
Bellaghy Bawn
Castle Street, Bellaghy.