The Causeway cruise

Glenarm - Ballycastle: 23 nm
Ballycastle - Coleraine Estuary: 26 nm
Coleraine - The Foyle Pontoon, Derry: 29 nm
Derry - Lough Swilly Marina: 60 nm

The stretch of coastline on the north-east of Ireland is home to the famous Glens of Antrim and to the west the spectacular Causeway coast. The Antrim glens are particularly picturesque.

Glenarm
The charming small town of Glenarm is situated in one of nine 'glens' surrounded by mountains with woodland. It is one of the oldest towns in Ireland with a charter granted by the Anglo- Norman King John in the 13th century.The most notable feature is Glenarm Castle, off the main street with its Barbican Gate, the architecture is designated as a conservation town.There are some shops, a supermarket and pubs. Constructed in 2002, the marina is easily approached and sheltered except in a NE gale.The pontoon berths are fully serviced within the old harbour in front of the town.

Ballycastle
North is the imposing and distinctive headland of Fairhead, with Ballycastle beyond. Its name is derived from, 'baile' Irish for town / village and 'caisleain' for castle. It is a popular seaside town and is famed for its historic and lively 'Lammas Fair' held in August. On the Quay Road are shops, restaurants and bars all within close distance of the marina. The sheltered berths of the inner harbour are accessible at all stages of the tide.The approach is past the ferry berth for Rathlin Island (see the bird sanctuary or dine on the island's restaurant). Ballycastle is the most northerly marina in Ireland and is an ideal 'gateway' from the approaches due north in Scotland, to the east on the Clyde, the North Channel, the Irish Sea and is convenient for the Causeway coast. Approximately midway on the coast between Ballycastle and Coleraine is the Giants Causeway with its unique basalt columns jutting out into the sea.The site is protected by UNESCO as a site of great importance in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Close by is the Old Bushmills Distillery, a steam-railway and the rope bridge at the Carrick-A-Rede.

Coleraine
Coleraine, a university town on the banks of the River Bann, is situated 5 miles inland from the open sea, and is renowned for its linen and whiskey heritage. Invaders have included sieges by both Kings of Ulster and Munster, and in the 17th century the 'Plantation' of settlers took place. Today pedestrian streets offer many shops, a cinema and leisure facilities, in addition a busy cultural scene is evident with visitors. marinas downstream, north of the town. Only a mile away is Coleraine Marina and some two miles further is Seatons Marina, three miles from the open sea.The entrance to the river consists of two training walls - do not attempt to enter in strong on-shore winds or during heavy swells breaking at the pierheads. Good shelter is afforded once inside and downriver at the marinas.The marina at Coleraine is combined with a caravan complex and the Seatons Marina has pontoon berths and caters for open-water moorings.

Derry
Upriver suitable craft can navigate the Lower Bann Navigation into Lough Neagh. On both sides of the Inishowen Peninsula, there are facilities for visiting craft at the Foyle Pontoon, Derry and Lough Swilly Marina, Fahan.The former is in the historic walled city of Londonderry where the popular Foyle Regatta is held and in the latter is in there beautiful surroundings of Lough Swilly, Co Donegal.