chocolate brown head.
are mottled grey with a
, and Females are smaller
cured by bathing in the holy waters.
front of the yellow eye. barring and speckling.
that skin complaints and other ailments could be
circular white patch in made up of exquisitely fine
the river that flows into the Lough. They believed
greenish black head and a close up the grey colour is
reputed healing qualities of
look black and white with a black rear end. When seen
Male Goldeneye drawn to the place by the
sized diving ducks. Males mallard, and with an obvious
Male gadwell
as 1712, pilgrims were
Goldeneyes, medium a little smaller than the
•
their ailments. As far back
wet woodland. coloured dabbling ducks,
hoping to be healed from
hedgerows and patches of Gadwalls are very grey-
•
history of attracting people
unimproved grassland, . dollaghan trout and lamprey
ashing Bay has a long W
especially where there is
Holy River
pollan, eel, atlantic salmon,
frequent the shoreline, within the Lough include
ashing Bay W oint: Access PIrish Hares, which Fish. Species of interest
•
Irish Hare
•
Eel
Look out for: Look out for:
and blotchy cheeks.
. shore reed was used because of its durability increased to 40 acres when the Lough was lowered!
is brown with a dark head
withstand weathering. The thatch, a local lough- O’Neill for 100 guineas in 1804, but subsequently it
breast and tail. The female
by four stone-built corners and whitewashed to help acres in size when a local fisherman sold it to Lord
around the base of the bill. and neck, and a black
. It was primarily built of mud walls, supported today about a thousand years old. The island was only 6
characteristic white patches grey with a rusty red head
s Cottage still stands cottage, the 300 year old Coyle’ Celtic monastic settlement
ochard
tail. Females are brown, with mallard. The male is pale
s Neagh plying their craft. Historically a fisherman’ and is the remains of a
Male Scaupflanks, grey back and a black ducks, smaller than a
Male P
eel fishermen of Lough on the island is 43 feet high
shoulder and breast, white ochards, stocky diving P aul Glendell/Natural England Image: P
•
to observe the traditional settlement. The round tower
Males have black heads, west shore of the Lough.
facilities. It is a good place was once a monastic
resemblance to tufted ducks. Ballinderry River on the
caravan and camping island on Lough Neagh and
Scaups, diving ducks with a the River Blackwater and
•
overnight stays, plus full Rams Island is the largest
Rams Island jetty
brown and orange-tip. spotted in the areas near to
serviced berths for s Cottage
including ringlet, meadow which occasionally can be
Rams Island oint: Access P
Battery Harbour has fully
Coyle’
Butterflies, along the shore, White-clawed crayfish,
• •
Orange-tip butterfly
White-clawed crayfish
Look out for: Look out for:
Battery Harbour oint: Access P
young grebes often ride on their parents' back.
on regular tours. traditionally managed meadows. ery out of the water and shake their heads. V
her original condition and now leaves from Ballyronan Pleasant walks wind through the woods and display in which they rise
on the Clyde in 1963 and has since been restored to bird hides that are located around the Island.yellow eye. have an elaborate courtship
passenger vessels in Northern Ireland. She was built watch birds and other wildlife of the Lough from sixhave a small crest and a ornate head plumes. They
Maid of Antrim - one of the oldest wooden-hulled eserve is an excellent place to National Nature Rand white on the sides. They elegant water birds with
shore of Lough Neagh. The Marina is home to the has exhibition and conference facilities. Thehead, neck, breast and black living here are delightfully
ufted Duck
ood has a pleasant walkway along the Ballyronan W home to the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre whichmallard. They are black on the Great crested grebes,
•
Male T
Ballyronan is known for its pubs and live music. eserve. Oxford Island is also Island National Nature R Great crested grebediving ducks, smaller than a . surface of the water
The friendly village of the edge of the Oxfordufted ducks, medium-sized T hunt very close to the
•
and full camping amenities. situated on Oxford Island atashing Bay area. the W ater Bat) which likes to W
and picnic areas, a restaurant picnic area. The Marina ishistorically been recorded in Bat (also known as the
over 70 berths, slipways, play has 190 berths, a play andoome and has Islands at T of these is the Daubentons
picturesque facility boasting escue service and Neagh Rthe shoreline near Three Neagh in late evening. One
s Bat
s tresses
Ballyronan Marina is a launching site for the Loughs tresses orchid grow on lady’ found hunting over Lough
The newly upgraded innego Marina is a KRare plants, including Irish Bats. Several species are
• •
Ballyronan jetties
Irish lady’
K
innego Marina
Daubenton’
Ballyronan Marina oint: Access P innego Marina K oint: Access P
ashing Bay look out for: At W ark look out for: At Antrim Lough Shore P
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
In the unlikely event of an Emergency use the following numbers:
Police and Ambulance 999 or 112 (all phones) and ask for
the Coast Guard.
can
o
e
* Note that mobile phone reception is unreliable in many areas.
TRAI LS
Access Point: Cranfield
SAFETY
Cranfield Church
On the shores of Lough
Canoeing is an adventure sport and as such should be treated Neagh at Churchtown Point
Finding freedom in Northern Ireland on the
with respect. If you are new to the sport, it is advisable to join
lie the ruins of an ancient
an organised club where expert coaching can be provided.
(Details of clubs and courses can be found at www.cani.org.uk)
Lough Neagh
Irish Church and St Olcan’s
Holy Well. Tradition states
When taking part in canoeing consider the following safety
Canoe Trail
that the well was blessed
with healing properties by
advice:
LOUGH NEAGH IS THE UNITED KINGDOM’S LARGEST INLAND St Olcan who, it is reputed, lies buried at
1. Be aware of the limitations and needs of larger craft that
LAKE WITH A SHORELINE OF OVER 90 MILES/150KM. PADDLERS CAN
Cranfield's 13th Century church in earth brought
are restricted to deep water channels.
EXPLORE THE NUMEROUS BAYS AND INLETS AROUND THE LOUGH
from Rome. The well’s fine spring water and
2. Be aware that large sand barges operate in Lough Neagh, OR THE VAST EXPANSE OF OPEN WATER WHILST OBSERVING
Lough Neagh is the United
especially near sand quays.
A DIVERSITY OF WILDLIFE AND HISTORICAL SITES.
amber coloured crystals were believed to protect
Kingdom’s largest inland lake with a
3. Be aware that seaplanes may operate on the Lough.
women during childbirth, men from drowning and
4. Wear adequate buoyancy in the form of a personal life
shoreline of over 90miles/150km.
homes from fire and burglary. Emigrants to
jacket or buoyancy aid. Canoe buoyancy should be
The Lough Neagh Trail links the
America carried the crystals to protect them from
sufficient to keep the canoe afloat if you capsize.
Blackwater Trail, which enters at
shipwreck.
5. It is not recommended to canoe alone – three boats is the the southern end, and the Lower
minimum required for most rescues. Bann Trail, which exits at the
Look out for:
6. Remember! A canoe may be difficult to see from a larger
northern end. Combining these trails it is possible
Otters
•
Otters, which live around
craft so carry a whistle.
to paddle from the southern part of Northern
most of the Lough may be
7. You do not need to be a strong swimmer but you will need
Ireland to the Atlantic Ocean on the north coast.
sighted in early morning or
the water confidence to deal with a capsized boat and get
late evening.
ashore safely.
In the days when waterways provided a means of •
Coots, which are all-
8. Wear adequate clothing. Prolonged immersion in cold water
transporting goods Lough Neagh was an important
black and larger than their
leads to hypothermia – hypothermia can kill.
hub which linked the Lagan, the Blackwater and
9. Consider attending a recognised training course, which
cousin, the moorhen.
Ulster and Newry canals. Today the main water
explores skills, safety and environmental issues.
Their distinctive white
Coot
10. Carry and know how to use a map and compass.
based transport is by sand barges which remove
beak with 'shield' above
11. Lough Neagh can become rough in strong winds - carrying
sand from the lough bed and transfer it to quays
earns them the title 'bald'.
rafting poles is a sensible precaution (rafted canoes are
on the northern and eastern shores.
more stable in rough conditions).
12. Leave details of your journey with a responsible adult. A unique and diverse shoreline together with the
vastness of open water provides for the novice and
FURTHER INFORMATION
experienced paddlers, while the rich wild life – the
Tourist Information Centres/Accommodation:
Antrim T: +44 (0) 28 9442 8331
lough being an important conservation area- and
Access Point: Antrim Lough Shore Park
Lisburn T: +44 (0) 28 9266 0038
numerous historical sites ensures that the paddlers
Craigavon T: +44 (0) 28 3832 2205
have a fulfilling experience.
Boats at Lough Shore P
Situated on the shores of Lough
Dungannon T: +44 (0) 28 8776 7259
Cookstown T: +44 (0) 28 8676 9949
Neagh, Antrim Lough Shore Park
Magherafelt T: +44 (0) 28 7963 1510 The trail can be started at any access point and
is an area steeped in history
Police - non-emergency: T: 0845 6008000
can be completed in full or in part. It can be a and natural beauty.
Information Updates: Any changes to the trail that may
serious undertaking as large waves build up on the ark The Lough Shore Coffee House
occur will be updated on our web
vast expanse of open water during windy periods, is open all year round and
site as we are made aware of
them. Please log on and tell us
challenging the most competent paddler. during the summer months
what’s old, what’s new and
there are a range of events from Summer Bands and
what you thought of the trail! This guide has been designed for canoeists by Childrens Activities to Boat Trips and the Viking Boat Race
CAAN: www.canoeni.com
canoeists. It provides practical advice on on Lough Neagh. A slipway offers free access to the Lough
NITB:
everything required for an enjoyable experience for boats and canoes and camping is available onsite.
www.discovernorthernireland.com
including details of camp sites, access points, The Park is within walking distance of Antrim Town and
Acknowledgements: Photography: Alan Pentland, Boyd McClurg,
local attractions including Antrim Forum Leisure Centre,
John Doherty, Think Studio
phone numbers etc.
Design: g2 design
Antrim Castle Gardens, Clotworthy Arts Centre and
Disclaimer:
The information on this guide may not be 100% accurate – it is designed to be used in conjunction Happy paddling!
Rea's Wood.
with an OSNI 1:50,000 map. The publishers, authors and contributors can accept no responsibility for
any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person as a result of information or advice given in
this guide.
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