8 VISITOR ATTRACTIONS NEWS
Secluded bays and unspoilt scenery...
ORDERING five of Northern Ireland’s six counties, Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles at 18 miles long and 7 miles wide and the third biggest in Europe and is a popular choice with visitors. Lough Neagh captivates visitors with its tranquil atmosphere, un-spoilt scenery, secluded bays and skyward views.
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A haven for wildlife and home to a wealth of flora and fauna, the lough also has a rich Christian heritage, with the remnants of three round towers and one of the finest high crosses in the whole of Ireland, Ardboe Cross. Local legend has it that the cross was built with the help of a ‘magic cow’ (the Gaelic Ard bó meaning ‘height of the cow’) which stepped out of the lough and provided workmen with lashings of cream, milk and butter whilst constructing it.
There are a number of canals linked to the lough including the Lagan Canal, the Ulster Canal, the Newry Canal and Coalisland Canal. There are heritage and ecological sites of interest both on its shores and on islands within the Lough.
The surrounds of the lough can be investigated by foot, car or bicycle whilst the lough itself is navigable by following the Lough Neagh Canoe Trail, and various forms of boats ranging from yachts and barges to cruisers. There are a number of stations on the shoreline at various points around the 79 mile perimeter, bases for jetties, marinas, and water-based activities.
The richness of the wildflower meadows, woodlands, shoreline and open water means that there is always something special to see. The lough has two major islands; Ram’s
Island and Coney Island, both of which have significant historic interest.
Visitors can explore Lough Neagh on a day trip on The Maid of Antrim or the Islands of Lough Neagh on the Coney Explorer or the Island Warrior. Lough Neagh is also growing as a major boating and sailing destination and has four main marinas at Kinnego, Ballyronan, The Battery and Sandy Bay.
Whether it is the mythical story of Finn McCool or the more scientific explanation that you choose to believe about Lough Neagh’s history, the largest natural resource in Northern Ireland is undoubtedly an ‘eco-treasure’. There is so much to see and do from history and heritage, visitor attractions to land and water based activities including a cycle trail, the Peatlands Park and the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre & Oxford Island Nature Reserve.
The Lough Shore Cycling Trail is well known to both racing and leisure cyclists. A unique cycleway, not only because of its location, but because it uses quiet country lanes and consists of mainly flat terrain. As well as providing breathtaking views the trail also incorporates over 25 major sites of interest including marinas, nature reserves, parks and sites of archaeological interest.
Indulge in a shopper’s delight by viewing the Potters at work at Ballydougan Pottery and why not browse the gift shop, once an 18th century house and select the perfect piece to take home.
Or enjoy the best of high street fashion and retail at Junction One Outlet, Antrim. Lough Neagh’s best kept secrets are just paradise waiting to be explored.
The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island - just one of the many attractions round the shores of Lough Neagh, the biggest freshwater lake in the British Isles
Experience the Causeway Coast
THE National Trust has teamed up with local tour company, ‘Away A Wee Walk,’ to offer adventurers the opportunity to take the road less travelled – a stunning journey along the Causeway Coast’s clifftop path. The Giant’s Causeway Clifftop Experience is a fantastic 5-mile hike from the ruin of Dunseverick Castle to Northern Ireland’s first World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway. Walkers will pick their steps along undulating grass and gravel paths and be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Ireland’s most famous coastline.
Alastair Walker, Giant’s Causeway Site Manager, explained: “We want people to delve deeper and experience more of this gorgeous coastline. It is an incredible hike, and visitors will have the opportunity to ask lots of questions about the area as well as finding out more about the conservation work of the National Trust across the Causeway Coast and Glens.” Eimear Flanagan, Away a Wee Walk said: “Away A Wee Walk is thrilled to be working with the National Trust on this venture. The cliff top path is simply spectacular and the 850,000 annual visitors to the site can now experience much more of this amazing coast.” The National Trust, the UKs largest conservation
charity, maintains this section of the famous Ulster Way walking route and the charity’s conservation work will be explored as part of the tour commentary. The spectacular cliff landscape and coastal farmland boasts habitat rich in biodiversity; cattle and sheep populate the surrounding fields, unaware of the importance of their work chomping down long grasses - so that insects might thrive below.
The Clifftop Experience walk departs daily from Saturday June 18 until the end of September. Walkers meet at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre at 12.30pm for the Rambler bus to Dunseverick Castle. The walk returns along the cliff tops to the Giant's Causeway and is expected to take around 3 1/2 hours to complete. Maximum group size is 18. Children must be age 12 years plus.
Sturdy walking shoes are essential and a waterproof coat is advisable. A good level of health and fitness is required to complete this hike. Walkers are also advised to carry some water and sunblock. You are advised to book by 4pm the day before you intend to do the walk. If spaces are available, late bookings will be taken until 12 noon on the day of the walk.
July/August 2016 Travel News
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