chocolate brown head. brown chocolate

are mottled grey with a with grey mottled are

Females are smaller, and smaller, are Females

cured by bathing in the holy waters. holy the in bathing by cured barring and speckling. and barring front of the yellow eye. yellow the of front

that skin complaints and other ailments could be could ailments other and complaints skin that made up of exquisitely fine exquisitely of up made circular white patch in patch white circular

the river that flows into the Lough. They believed They Lough. the into flows that river the close up the grey colour is colour grey the up close greenish black head and a and head black greenish

reputed healing qualities of qualities healing reputed

black rear end. When seen When end. rear black look black and white with a with white and black look

Male Goldeneye the by place the to drawn mallard, and with an obvious an with and mallard, sized diving ducks. Males ducks. diving sized

Male gadwell

as 1712, pilgrims were pilgrims 1712, as

a little smaller than the than smaller little a Goldeneyes, medium Goldeneyes, • •

their ailments. As far back far As ailments. their coloured dabbling ducks, dabbling coloured wet woodland. woodland. wet

hoping to be healed from healed be to hoping

Gadwalls are very grey- very are Gadwalls hedgerows and patches of patches and hedgerows • •

history of attracting people attracting of history dollaghan trout and lamprey. lamprey. and trout dollaghan unimproved grassland, unimproved

Washing Bay has a long a has Bay Washing

pollan, eel, atlantic salmon, atlantic eel, pollan, especially where there is there where especially

Holy River

within the Lough include Lough the within frequent the shoreline, the frequent

Washing Bay Washing Point: Access Fish. Species of interest of Species Fish. Irish Hares, which Hares, Irish

• • • •

Irish Hare Eel

Look out for: out Look Look out for: out Look

and blotchy cheeks. blotchy and

increased to 40 acres when the Lough was lowered! was Lough the when acres 40 to increased shore reed was used because of its durability. its of because used was reed shore

is brown with a dark head dark a with brown is

O’Neill for 100 guineas in 1804, but subsequently it subsequently but 1804, in guineas 100 for O’Neill withstand weathering. The thatch, a local lough- local a thatch, The weathering. withstand

breast and tail. The female The tail. and breast

acres in size when a local fisherman sold it to Lord to it sold fisherman local a when size in acres by four stone-built corners and whitewashed to help to whitewashed and corners stone-built four by

and neck, and a black a and neck, and around the base of the bill. the of base the around

about a thousand years old. The island was only 6 only was island The old. years thousand a about today. It was primarily built of mud walls, supported walls, mud of built primarily was It today.

grey with a rusty red head red rusty a with grey characteristic white patches white characteristic

Celtic monastic settlement monastic Celtic cottage, the 300 year old Coyle’s Cottage still stands still Cottage Coyle’s old year 300 the cottage,

mallard. The male is pale is male The mallard. tail. Females are brown, with brown, are Females tail.

and is the remains of a of remains the is and Neagh plying their craft. Historically a fisherman’s a Historically craft. their plying Neagh

ducks, smaller than a than smaller ducks,

flanks, grey back and a black a and back grey flanks, Male Scaup

Male Pochard on the island is 43 feet high feet 43 is island the on eel fishermen of Lough of fishermen eel

Pochards, stocky diving stocky Pochards,

shoulder and breast, white breast, and shoulder • • Image: Paul Glendell/Natural England Glendell/Natural Paul Image:

settlement. The round tower round The settlement. to observe the traditional the observe to

west shore of the Lough. Lough. the of shore west Males have black heads, black have Males

was once a monastic a once was facilities. It is a good place good a is It facilities.

Ballinderry River on the on River resemblance to tufted ducks. tufted to resemblance

island on and Neagh Lough on island caravan and camping and caravan

the River Blackwater and Blackwater River the Scaups, diving ducks with a with ducks diving Scaups, • •

Rams Island is the largest the is Island Rams overnight stays, plus full plus stays, overnight

Rams Island jetty

spotted in the areas near to near areas the in spotted brown and orange-tip. and brown

serviced berths for berths serviced

which occasionally can be can occasionally which including ringlet, meadow ringlet, including Rams Island Rams Point: Access

Battery Harbour has fully has Harbour Battery

Coyle’s Cottage Coyle’s

White-clawed crayfish, White-clawed Butterflies, along the shore, the along Butterflies,

• • • •

White-clawed crayfish

Orange-tip butterfly

Look out for: out Look Look out for: out Look

Battery Harbour Battery Point: Access

young grebes often ride on their parents' back. parents' their on ride often grebes young

traditionally managed meadows. managed traditionally on regular tours. regular on out of the water and shake their heads. Very heads. their shake and water the of out

Pleasant walks wind through the woods and woods the through wind walks Pleasant her original condition and now leaves from from leaves now and condition original her display in which they rise they which in display

bird hides that are located around the Island. the around located are that hides bird on the Clyde in 1963 and has since been restored to restored been since has and 1963 in Clyde the on have an elaborate courtship elaborate an have yellow eye. yellow

watch birds and other wildlife of the Lough from six from Lough the of wildlife other and birds watch passenger vessels in . She was built was She Ireland. Northern in vessels passenger ornate head plumes. They plumes. head ornate have a small crest and a and crest small a have

National Nature Reserve is an excellent place to place excellent an is Reserve Nature National Maid of - one of the oldest wooden-hulled oldest the of one - Antrim of Maid elegant water birds with birds water elegant and white on the sides. They sides. the on white and

has exhibition and conference facilities. The facilities. conference and exhibition has shore of Lough Neagh. The Marina is home to the to home is Marina The Neagh. Lough of shore living here are delightfully are here living head, neck, breast and black and breast neck, head,

home to the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre which Centre Discovery Neagh Lough the to home Ballyronan Wood has a pleasant walkway along the along walkway pleasant a has Wood Ballyronan Great crested grebes, crested Great mallard. They are black on the on black are They mallard. • •

Male Tufted Duck Male Tufted

Island National Nature Reserve. Oxford Island is also is Island Oxford Reserve. Nature National Island Ballyronan is known for its pubs and live music. live and pubs its for known is Ballyronan diving ducks, smaller than a than smaller ducks, diving surface of the water. the of surface Great crested grebe

the edge of the Oxford the of edge the The friendly village of village friendly The Tufted ducks, medium-sized ducks, Tufted hunt very close to the to close very hunt • •

situated on Oxford Island at Island Oxford on situated and full camping amenities. camping full and the Washing Bay area. Bay Washing the to likes which Bat) Water

picnic area. The Marina is Marina The area. picnic and picnic areas, a restaurant a areas, picnic and historically been recorded in recorded been historically the as known (also Bat

has 190 berths, a play and play a berths, 190 has over 70 berths, slipways, play slipways, berths, 70 over Islands at and has and Toome at Islands Daubentons the is these of

Neagh Rescue service and service Rescue Neagh picturesque facility boasting facility picturesque the shoreline near Three near shoreline the One evening. late in Neagh

launching site for the Lough the for site launching Ballyronan Marina is a is Marina Ballyronan lady’s tresses orchid grow on grow orchid tresses lady’s Lough over hunting found

Kinnego Marina is a is Marina Kinnego The newly upgraded newly The Rare plants, including Irish including plants, Rare are species Several Bats.

• • • •

Daubenton’s Bat Daubenton’s Irish lady’s tresses Irish lady’s Kinnego Marina Kinnego Ballyronan jetties

Ballyronan Marina Ballyronan Point: Access Kinnego Marina Kinnego Point: Access

At Antrim Lough Shore Park look out for: out look Park Shore Lough Antrim At At Washing Bay look out for: out look Bay Washing At

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

In the unlikely event of an Emergency use the following numbers: Police and Ambulance 999 or 112 (all phones) and ask for the Coast Guard. cano e * Note that mobile phone reception is unreliable in many areas. TRAI LS Access Point: Cranfield

SAFETY Cranfield Church On the shores of Lough Canoeing is an adventure sport and as such should be treated Neagh at Churchtown Point Finding freedom in Northern Ireland on the with respect. If you are new to the sport, it is advisable to join lie the ruins of an ancient an organised club where expert coaching can be provided. Irish Church and St Olcan’s (Details of clubs and courses can be found at www.cani.org.uk) Lough Neagh Holy Well. Tradition states that the well was blessed When taking part in canoeing consider the following safety Canoe Trail with healing properties by advice: LOUGH NEAGH IS THE ’S LARGEST INLAND St Olcan who, it is reputed, lies buried at 1. Be aware of the limitations and needs of larger craft that LAKE WITH A SHORELINE OF OVER 90 MILES/150KM. PADDLERS CAN Cranfield's 13th Century church in earth brought are restricted to deep water channels. EXPLORE THE NUMEROUS BAYS AND INLETS AROUND THE LOUGH from Rome. The well’s fine spring water and 2. Be aware that large sand barges operate in Lough Neagh, OR THE VAST EXPANSE OF OPEN WATER WHILST OBSERVING Lough Neagh is the United especially near sand quays. A DIVERSITY OF WILDLIFE AND HISTORICAL SITES. amber coloured crystals were believed to protect Kingdom’s largest inland lake with a 3. Be aware that seaplanes may operate on the Lough. women during childbirth, men from drowning and 4. Wear adequate buoyancy in the form of a personal life shoreline of over 90miles/150km. homes from fire and burglary. Emigrants to jacket or buoyancy aid. Canoe buoyancy should be The Lough Neagh Trail links the America carried the crystals to protect them from sufficient to keep the canoe afloat if you capsize. Blackwater Trail, which enters at shipwreck. 5. It is not recommended to canoe alone – three boats is the the southern end, and the Lower minimum required for most rescues. Bann Trail, which exits at the Look out for:

6. Remember! A canoe may be difficult to see from a larger northern end. Combining these trails it is possible Otters • Otters, which live around craft so carry a whistle. to paddle from the southern part of Northern most of the Lough may be 7. You do not need to be a strong swimmer but you will need Ireland to the Atlantic Ocean on the north coast. sighted in early morning or the water confidence to deal with a capsized boat and get late evening. ashore safely. In the days when waterways provided a means of • Coots, which are all- 8. Wear adequate clothing. Prolonged immersion in cold water transporting goods Lough Neagh was an important black and larger than their leads to hypothermia – hypothermia can kill. hub which linked the Lagan, the Blackwater and 9. Consider attending a recognised training course, which cousin, the moorhen. and . Today the main water Their distinctive white

explores skills, safety and environmental issues. Coot 10. Carry and know how to use a map and compass. based transport is by sand barges which remove beak with 'shield' above 11. Lough Neagh can become rough in strong winds - carrying sand from the lough bed and transfer it to quays earns them the title 'bald'. rafting poles is a sensible precaution (rafted canoes are on the northern and eastern shores. more stable in rough conditions). 12. Leave details of your journey with a responsible adult. A unique and diverse shoreline together with the vastness of open water provides for the novice and FURTHER INFORMATION experienced paddlers, while the rich wild life – the Tourist Information Centres/Accommodation: Antrim T: +44 (0) 28 9442 8331 lough being an important conservation area- and Access Point: Antrim Lough Shore Park T: +44 (0) 28 9266 0038 numerous historical sites ensures that the paddlers Craigavon T: +44 (0) 28 3832 2205 have a fulfilling experience. Boats at Lough Shore Park Situated on the shores of Lough T: +44 (0) 28 8776 7259 Neagh, Antrim Lough Shore Park T: +44 (0) 28 8676 9949 T: +44 (0) 28 7963 1510 The trail can be started at any access point and is an area steeped in history Police - non-emergency: T: 0845 6008000 can be completed in full or in part. It can be a and natural beauty. Information Updates: Any changes to the trail that may serious undertaking as large waves build up on the The Lough Shore Coffee House occur will be updated on our web vast expanse of open water during windy periods, is open all year round and site as we are made aware of during the summer months them. Please log on and tell us challenging the most competent paddler. what’s old, what’s new and there are a range of events from Summer Bands and what you thought of the trail! This guide has been designed for canoeists by Childrens Activities to Boat Trips and the Viking Boat Race CAAN: www.canoeni.com canoeists. It provides practical advice on on Lough Neagh. A slipway offers free access to the Lough NITB: everything required for an enjoyable experience for boats and canoes and camping is available onsite. www.discovernorthernireland.com including details of camp sites, access points, The Park is within walking distance of Antrim Town and Acknowledgements: Photography: Alan Pentland, Boyd McClurg, local attractions including Antrim Forum Leisure Centre, John Doherty, Think Studio phone numbers etc. Design: g2 design Antrim Castle Gardens, Clotworthy Arts Centre and Disclaimer: The information on this guide may not be 100% accurate – it is designed to be used in conjunction Happy paddling! Rea's Wood. with an OSNI 1:50,000 map. The publishers, authors and contributors can accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person as a result of information or advice given in this guide. Lough Neagh Canoe Trail Legend has it that Lough Neagh was created by the Finding freedom in Northern Ireland on the great Irish giant Finn McCool. The story goes that whilst chasing away a Scottish rival, 'The Mighty Man' scooped out the Lough basin and threw it after the interloper, who was attempting to flee Ulster by way of the Giant’s Causeway. He missed, and the piece of land fell into the Irish Channel and in doing so formed the .

The name means the Lough of the horse-god Eochu.

LONDONDERRY DONEGAL ANTRIM LOUGH He was the lord of the underworld, who was supposed BEG

to exist beneath its waters. TYRONE B182 B18

FERMANAGH DOWN Scientists say that the Lough was formed in the early

MONAGHAN A ANTRIM LOUGH SHORE PARK Tertiary period, some 50 million years ago, when a fault CAVAN Lower Antrim Lough Shore Park LOUTH River Maine line occurred and an area of land sunk allowing it to fill START OF Moyola River GR 136 869 LOWER BANN TOOME Showers and TIC available at caravan park B18 with water. Six major rivers flow into Lough Neagh, and CANOE TRAIL Warning: Weir - short portage required T: 028 94464963 (March - October) M22 only one, the Lower Bann, flows out to meet the A6 Rea’s Wood National Nature Reserve Randalstown Forest and Farr’s Bay Atlantic Ocean north of . The level of the Doss Wildfowl Refuge National Nature Reserve POINT Lough has been lowered on 4 occasions, the first in 1846 Traad Point ANTRIM and the last in 1959. GR 958 873 Traad Local Nature Reserve CRANFIELD A Cranfield BALLYRONAN MARINA A GR 055 852 Ballyronan Marina GR 947 855 Skady Tower Lough Neagh Islands National GR 998 845 Nature Reserve Ballyronan Wood Local Nature Reserve (Torpedo Platform)

TIC available Water Abstraction Tower GR 122 829

BALLYGINNIF Ballinderry River B160 Ballyginnif GR 110 810

KINTURK QUAY Kinturk Quay GR 962 792 Cultural Centre T: 028 8673 6512 BATTERY HARBOUR A Battery Harbour GR 965 771 Lifeboat rescue station LOUGH NEAGH CRUMLIN

Brookend Nature Reserve A RAMS ISLAND Rams Island GR 096 723 Brockagh Informal camping only outside GR 909 690 breeding season (March- July)

WASHING BAY A Ballinderry River Washing Bay GR 901 661 Area for pitching tents Community hall on site may have access to and toilets Washing Bay Local Nature Reserve GAWLEYS GATE Gawleys Gate GR 087 674 Fresh water available at back of public house FINISH OF Derrywarragh Island Toilets available in public house BLACKWATER CANOE TRAIL BARTINS BAY Bartins Bay GR 075 657 Bannfoot Emerson’s Quay Lough Neagh Islands National Nature Reserve (Tolan’s Flat) River Blackwater River Bann GR 961 628 GR 013 634 Navigable to Navigable to Tolan’s Point and Bartin’s Bay Wildfowl Refuge Maghery Lough Neagh Islands National Nature Reserve (Padian) GR 922 636 Maghery Wildfowl Refuge CONEY ISLAND M1 Coney Island GR 937 640 LOUGH NEAGH TO Earning a Welcome DISCOVERY CENTRE A 1 Please be friendly and polite to local residents Lough Neagh Discovery Centre KINNEGO MARINA GR 048 621 Kinnego Marina and other water users. GR 059 613 PORTADOWN Education Centre TIC available 2. Drive with care and consideration and park sensibly. Oxford Island National Nature Reserve Lifeboat rescue station 3. Change clothing discreetly, preferably out of 0 1 2 3 4 5 Kilometres Kinnego Bay Wildfowl Refuge public view. 4. Gain permission before going on to private property. 0 15 30 45 60 75 Estimated paddling time (mins) 5. Minimise your impact on the natural environment KEY and use recognised access points. APPROXIMATE SCALE 6. Be sensitive to wildlife and other users regarding Official campsite Shower Parking Informal camping Public house Historical building/ruins the level of noise you create. OSNI 1:50,000 map used Shop Slipway Jetty 7. Observe wildlife from a distance and be aware of Fresh water Cafe/restaurant Hospital - AE sensitive times when birds are nesting or over wintering. Telephone Toilets Canoe Step 8. Maintain positive, co-operative relationships with MAPS NEEDED: OSNI DISCOVERER SERIES A Access points other water users and landowners. LOUGH NEAGH: 1:50,000 Sheet 14 National Nature Reserves 9. Please keep clear of anglers. Friendly ARMAGH: 1:50,000 Sheet 19 Wildfowl Refuges communication can create a positive reaction. CRAIGAVON: 1:50,000 Sheet 20 GR Grid reference 10. Follow the ‘Leave no Trace’ principles. For more Detailed Admiralty Chart 2163 available for Lough Neagh. Town facilities include shops, banks, post offices and restaurants. information visit www.leavenotraceireland.org. Detailed Pilot Book available for River Bann and Lough Neagh Public houses on the shore are open at nights and weekends. Cafés/restaurants and o official campsites are mainly open in the summer months. can e 11. Keep the numbers in your party consistent with TRAI LS ISBN 0 9517068 9 6. All sites with slips and jetties cater for disability access with varying degrees safety, the nature of the water conditions and the depending on the water level. It is recommended to check before starting a journey. impact on your surroundings. Getting There Note distances/times are based on the nearest access point on Lough Neagh. The Lough is approx 40 miles Camping Facilities from top to bottom and 20 miles across. Official campsites CANOE TOURS Action Outdoors +44 (0) 28 4483 2894 (instruction, guided tours) Belfast Activity Centre +44 (0) 28 9060 0132 (canoe hire, instruction, guided tours, provision for disability) To Lough Neagh from: CAMPSITE TELEPHONE OPEN FROM Bluelough Adventure Centre +44 (0) 28 4377 0714 (canoe hire, instruction, guided tours, provision for disability) Antrim Lough Shore Park 028 9446 4963 March - October BELFAST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Kinnego Marina 028 3832 7573 April - September Clearsky Adventure Centre +44 (0) 28 4372 3933 (instruction, guided tours, provision for disability) Distance: 5 miles Ballyronan Marina 028 7941 8399 April - September Craigavon Watersport Centre +44 (0) 28 3834 2669 (canoe hire, instruction, guided tours, provision for disability) Time: 10 minutes All the above sites have toilets, fresh water and shower facilities Mobile Team Adventure +44 (0) 28 9180 0809 (canoe hire, instruction, guided tours, provision for disability) THE GEORGE BEST BELFAST CITY AIRPORT 24 hours per day (see map and key for extra facilities). Outdoor Concept +44 (0) 28 9753 1343 (canoe hire, instruction, guided tours, provision for disability) Distance: 18 miles Advance booking is advised – a camping fee is charged. This fee varies per site. Time: 35 minutes For insurance purposes some companies may only allow you to hire their boats if you have a minimum of a BCU Level 2 coach award (or equivalent) for the craft that you wish to use, otherwise you will need to hire a qualified instructor. BELFAST FERRY TERMINALS Overnight camping Bluelough offer a 50% discount to all CANI, ICU, BCU, SCA and WCA members! Distance: 15 miles Time: 30 minutes Is possible on the grass/beach at the public access sites but note that some sites are fairly limited with room for 2-3 tents maximum. FERRY TERMINAL Distance: 22 miles Site Parking Toilets Showers Water Facilities Nearby This leaflet has been produced by CANI and CAAN. Gawleys Gate • • • • Pub nearby serves food Time: 35 minutes Bartin’s Bay • Pub at Gawleys Gate The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland is the Washing Bay • Shops at Brockagh 3km governing body for canoeing in Northern Ireland. CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT Battery Harbour • • Pub nearby serves food Email: [email protected] Distance: 60 miles Brockagh • • • • Pub nearby Website: www.cani.org.uk Time: 1 hr 20 minutes Camping is also possible on Rams and Coney Island but there are no The Countryside Access and Activities Network is responsible for the strategic development, DUBLIN AIRPORT facilities, including water, and restricted in the nesting season. management and promotion of countryside Distance: 80 miles recreation across Northern Ireland. Do not light fires at any of the above sites unless permission has been The Countryside Time: 1 hr 40 minutes Access and Activities Network Email: [email protected] given by the landowner. Never miss an opportunity to use a proper for Northern Ireland Website: www.countrysiderecreation.com toilet facility. If you must go in the outdoors follow the ‘Leave no DUBLIN AREA FERRY TERMINALS Trace’ principles and guidelines. Both CANI and CAAN endorse the principles of Distance: 90 miles ‘Leave No Trace’. Time: 2 hours This project has received financial support from: This project has

RAMSAR site also been supported by: ROSSLARE FERRY TERMINAL Lough Neagh is an Area of Special Distance: 180 miles Scientific Interest (ASSI); a Special Time: 4 hours Protection Area (SPA) designated CORK AIRPORT/FERRY TERMINALS under the EU Birds Directive; and Distance: 240 miles Time: 5 hrs 20 minutes one of the World’s most important Wetlands – listed as a RAMSAR site.

European Union Structural Funds

ACCESS MAP:based upon 2008 Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland 1:50,000 map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright 2008. Permit no 70101.