Stay a While Route 8 - Lough Neagh

Day 1

10.00

Head off to explore Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Ireland & Britain. Lough Neagh captivates visitors with its tranquil atmosphere, un-spoilt scenery, secluded bays and skyward views. Lough Neagh is a haven for wildlife with many viewpoints around the shoreline.

11.00

Follow signs for Coleraine, and then follow signs for Ballymena and then Antrim. Stop off at Junction One for some shopping at our unique outlet centre with over 70 stores with huge discounts and savings. www.junctionone.co.uk

13.00

Enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants at Junction One

 

14.00

Head towards Antrim Town, when you reach the traffic lights follow straight ahead and turn right to Antrim Lough Shore Park where you can walk along the Six Mile Water River to Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy Arts Centre.  If you visit on a Sunday you can take a boat trip between 12 - 6pm on the Maid of Antrim.  www.antrim.gov.uk

17.00

Follow signs for Toomebridge and then Bellaghy where you can visit Bellaghy Bawn and view the monument recently erected to celebrate the 70th Birthday of local poet Seamus Heaney. http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/bellaghy.htm

18.00

Follow the signs for Castledawson, and then onto Magherafelt an excellent place to stop overnight with many bars and restaurants in the town. If you wish to continue the theme of Seamus Heaney Poetry then we highly recommend an overnight stop at Laurel Villa Town House www.laurel-villa.com

Day 2

10.00

Leave Magherafelt and follow signs to Ballyronan Marina, where you can enjoy some bird watching in our bird hide, or take a leisurely stroll through Ballyronan Wood. www.cookstown.gov.uk

11.00

Leave the marina and turn left, follow the road until you come to a Bridge, then take left and follow the signs for Ardboe Cross, dating from the 10th century and are believed to be the first high cross in Ulster. Standing 18.5ft high with arms of 3.5ft wide, its 22 panels depict various biblical scenes; Old Testament biblical cravings can be seen on east side, whilst New Testament cravings are on the West . Also on site are the remains of a church and abbey, which was founded by St Colman in 590 and the Church is believed to have been built in the 16th Century.  www.cookstown.gov.uk

11.30

Not far from Ardboe cross is Coyle’s Cottage. This 300 year old fisherman’s cottage situated on the Western shores of Lough Neagh is in the town land of Aneeterbeg in Ardboe. It was built primarily of mud walls, supported by far corners built of stone which were whitewashed to help withstand the weathering. The thatch is a local Lough-shore reed which was used because of its durability. The cottage is also the starting point for the Gort Moss Walk which features a number of ramparts and pathways meandering through and over flat cut bog land rich in flora and fauna.  www.cookstown.gov.uk

13.00

Leaving Coyle’s Cottage, follow the road to Coalisland and then follow signs to the M1 (Belfast Direction) Exit the M1 at Junction 10 and follow signs for Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, enjoy lunch in the café and take in the spectacular views of Lough Neagh.

15.00

Take a walk around the Oxford Island Nature reserve and find your way to Kinnego Marina.  Here you will be able to take a boat trip to Coney Island (only available on weekends or by prior arrangement 028 3832 7573)  www.oxfordisland.com

18.00

You can head into Craigavon or Portadown for dinner or an overnight stop.