The Oyster cruise

Dublin - Carlingford Lough: 62 nm
Carlingford Lough - Portaferry: 40 nm
Portaferry - Bangor: 36 nm

Carlingford
For lovers of oysters, look no further than the Mountains of Mourne and cast an eye across to the 'Fjord of Carlinn'.This is the Viking name for present day Carlingford, a town on the west shores of Carlingford Lough, renowned for its oysters. In June, the Moneley Oyster Pearl Regatta is held and a crafts fair takes place on the harbour pier. Carlingford has a strong sense of its medieval history which is clearly evident with its Norman Castle of St. John, sited close to the lough shore.The local heritage centre in a former church traces the fascinating history of this town with its narrow streets of craft-shops and restaurants.An adventure centre is based in the town and water sports on the lough. For cyclists and hillwalkers the Tain Way route is on the mountains behind the town on the Cooley Peninsula. The marina is only 1 km north of the town and has an on-site restaurant with striking views of the mountains that sweep down to the sea.At the lough mouth is Haulbowline Lighthouse, where caution is required during strong onshore winds and ebbs tides.The approach to the marina should be taken at 90 degrees, entering from the north to avoid the Carlingford Bank.At the far end to the north is the Newry Canal, the first ship canal in Europe which is navigable as far as Newry town.

Portaferry
Further north is Portaferry in Co. Down, on the shores of Strangford Lough.The stretch of water between Portaferry and the lough entrance is known as 'the narrows' and where a local car ferry shuttles to and fro to the town opposite at Strangford. Both towns have shops, craft shops, restaurants.The lough is an area of outstanding natural beauty which has drawn great interest from marine & nature scientists and nature groups. In Portaferry is the extensive Exploris aquarium and wildlife seal sanctuary. The town is host to the Galway Hookers regatta, a gathering of traditional Irish boats and the Portaferry Gala Week.The lough has good water-sporting activities and many islands are accessible by boat. Surrounding the lough are Norman castles, country house estates, golf courses and sailing clubs. Strangford Lough can be explored as far as Newtownards at the north-east, although this is somewhat limited to 3 hours either side of HW and distance offshore.There are numerous other places to anchor with local yacht clubs nearby, some with pontoons/jetties. Contact yacht clubs for details. The marina at Portaferry has chain-fixed pontoons and provides good shelter, although the current can reach up to 11 knots. Unique to the marina is the option to stay overnight ashore in local accommodation at Barholm House.The house is within sight of the marina and has superb sea views of Strangford Lough and Portaferry Castle. Facilities at Barholm are comprehensive and residency with full board can be provided. It is a popular place during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in March.

Bangor
On the northern shore lies Bangor. The town is a popular seaside resort with good shops, restaurants and hotels very close to the marina.The town attractions are the Heritage Centre, beside Bangor Castle, and for the railway enthusiast the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum on the outskirts. The marina is in the town centre, affording good shelter, although in certain conditions the wash from fast ferries is noticeable in the harbour.The town is a major sailing centre in the province and home to six yacht clubs, some of which are based to the east at Ballyhome Bay. Anchor in the bay with views of the yacht clubs and Belfast Lough or to the west off Grey Point at St. Helen's Bay beach, near Crawfordsburn Park.