Belfast Lough mini cruise

Bangor-The Lagan Weir, Belfast: 12 nm
The Lagan Weir, Belfast-Carrickfergus: 8 nm
Carrickfergus-Bangor: 5 nm

Bangor
On the south shore leading into Belfast Lough is Bangor, a popular seaside town with many good shopping facilities and services.The proximity of Belfast and prosperity that arose during the industrial revolution can be seen in the Heritage Centre or visit the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum on the town outskirts. The marina itself is neatly tucked into the town which surrounds most of the harbour and affords good shelter. Bangor is a leading centre for sailing and has an extensive race events programme. In certain conditions the wash from fast ferries in the area can sometimes be noticed within the harbour. There are many yacht clubs located in the area including Ballyhome Y.C. and Royal Ulster Y.C. Both these clubs can be viewed from the anchorage in Ballyholme Bay which lies due east of Bangor. Alternatively on the west side, anchorage can be found due east off Grey Point in St. Helen's Bay.The bay has a beach which is part of the beautiful country park at Crawfordsburn.The lough narrows at Grey Point as the shoreline opposite on the northern side at Kilroot Point tapers inwards inland. Proceeding further along the south shore is the home of the Royal North of Ireland Y.C. at Cultra, where the village of Hollywood is over a mile away. Anchorage is possible here outside of the yacht moorings. At this stage the presence of the Belfast city skyline becomes more prominent.

Belfast
The approaches to the busy port of Belfast should be taken with care as there are regular fast ferries and other merchant shipping movements using the Victoria Channel that leads into the port.The towering giant yellow cranes of the Harland & Wolff shipyard, known as 'Samson and Goliath' remain as a legacy to the city's famous shipbuilding era. Contact should be made to both the port regarding passage and to use the pontoon berths with the relevant authorities. Pontoons are located in the Abercorn Basin and also at the Lagan Weir and have no services or security.To reach the Lagan Weir pontoon, craft must pass under Lagan Bridge (M3 motorway) and Dargan Bridge (railway).The harbour master can advise on clearance.Again caution should be heeded to the wash generated even after the fast ferry has docked. The 'Lookout' visitor centre is incorporated into the Lagan Weir structure and is one of many visitor attractions. All are within easy reach including the impressive Waterfront Hall, Odyssey Complex and for children the interactive discovery centre at the W5 and the IMAX cinema. Only a few streets away is the imposing City Hall on Donegall Square and good shopping streets lead off onto Donegall Place and adjoining Royal Avenue. For theatregoers there is the Grand Opera House on Great Victoria Street and also the flamboyant Victorian interior of the Crown Liquor Saloon. Or take a stroll in Botanic gardens beside Queen's University at Stranmillis.

Carrickfergus
After exploring just some of the city's attractions there is the northern shore of the lough to visit. Sailing east en-route for Carrickfergus is an anchorage point south of Newtownabbey. From here there are views of the city and also Cave Hill that rises boldly behind. The approach to Carrickfergus is convenient from the south-west and is dominated by Ireland's oldest Norman castle.The marinas 'Waterfront' complex has comprehensive facilities and along the seafront or Marine Highway, there are great views of the lough. Medieval-style banquet festivals are held celebrating the 14th century castle or take a visit to the aptly named 'Flame' gasworks museum.