Mid Ulster’s Lough Neagh shoreline gives you access to an array of water sports and leisure activities.
There is so much to see and do from history and heritage, visitor attractions and crafts to land and water based activities. Boating on Lough Neagh is now accessible to all with two secluded islands steeped in history, flora and fauna - a paradise just waiting to be discovered!
Plan your perfect adventure on the enormous Lough Neagh
The entire western shore of Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Ireland is in Mid Ulster. As inland tourist destinations go, you can’t get much closer to a trip to the coast than that. And with such a big expanse of shoreline comes an even bigger expanse of water to explore — more than 800 billion gallons of water, in fact.
From relaxing boat trips to take in the gorgeous scenery through to high-octane water sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy along Mid Ulster’s Lough Neagh shoreline. And you’ll find it all in a picturesque setting that supports a diverse wetland habitat of plants, bugs, waterfowl, birds and fish, including many rare species.
Legend has it that the lough was formed when the giant Finn McCool scooped up the land to throw at a fleeing Scottish rival. The dislodged earth landed in the Irish Sea, becoming the Isle of Man, while the hole left behind became Lough Neagh. Whatever the lough’s origins, with 151 miles² of open water at your disposal, there’s plenty of room for you and the wildlife to each make the most of everything it has to offer.
Water sports on Lough Neagh
Paddleboarding, wind-surfing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing and wakeboarding — whatever sort of water-based adventure you fancy you’ll find the offering of water sports on Lough Neagh has something to suit you.
Many water sports activities are available at Ballyronan Marina, just a few miles outside Magherafelt. The award-winning marina has Blue Flag status for the cleanliness of its shoreline, so it’s the perfect place from which to embark on your Lough Neagh adventure.
Boat trips on Lough Neagh
Ready to take a relaxing trip on the water? Boat trips on Lough Neagh depart from Ballyronan Marina. The Maid of Antrim cruiser will take you out into open water, where you can enjoy a Lough Neagh cruise while also being rewarded with spectacular views inland towards the Sperrin Mountains.
There are several other boats operating on Lough Neagh for public cruises and private chartering. Some offer destination tours to harbours or islands, some cruise around waters so you can see as much of Lough Neagh as possible, while others offer experience-based tours. Why not head out on the water with a local fisherman for a traditional Lough Neagh fishing tour!
Fishing and angling on Lough Neagh
Fishing has a long tradition on Lough Neagh. The lough is home to many freshwater fish, including pollan, perch and the native dollaghan trout, but is of course best known for its eel fishing. Lough Neagh is home to the biggest eel fishery in Europe.
There are still around 200 Lough Neagh fishermen working on the lough. Some, such as seventh-generation Lough Neagh fisherman Gary McErlain, of Ballyronan-based Lough Neagh Stories, will take you out in their boats for tours or Lough Neagh fishing experiences.
Alternatively, you might like to go angling on the shores of Lough Neagh or the banks of one of the dozens of rivers and streams that flow into it. Just make sure you have the right licence and permit to fish the stretch of water you have in mind.
Savour the views between the shore and the high horizon. Stay a while in on-water glamping pods. Step out along boardwalks to drink in views of the water or catch glimpses of blue as you wander through woodlands.
