Belfast Lough

Belfast Lough (Loch Lao in Irish) is a large intertidal sea lough situated at the mouth of the River Lagan on the east coast of Northern Ireland. The inner part of the lough comprises a series of mudflats and lagoons. The outer lough is restricted to mainly rocky shores with some small sandy bays. Belfast Lough is the gateway for the City of Belfast to the Irish Sea

Related Topics:
Irish - River Lagan - Northern Ireland - City of Belfast - Irish Sea

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Belfast Lough is a wide expanse of water, virtually free of strong tides, lying between Orlock Point and Blackhead, extending westwards to the Port of Belfast. It's ideal as a stopping off point on Irish Sea passages. If you're a racing sailor, then this is a competitor's dream, giving 30 square miles of open water and enough coast line to make short inshore races day long affairs.

Related Topics:
Orlock Point - Blackhead - Port of Belfast

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Coastal towns include, Holywood, Bangor, Carrickfergus. Holywood and Bangor are situated on the southern side of the lough in County Down whilst Carrickfergus which boasts a 12th century Norman castle is on the northern side in County Antrim. Popular for sailing the lough has two Marinas one at Bangor the other located in Carrickfegus. The Port of Belfast at the head of a lough contains the famous ship builder of the RMS Titanic fame, Harland & Wolff, now no longer a great ship builder, but a company that sustains itself as a repair company/ refitter for large tankers and oilrigs. CoastGuard Offices for the Lough although refered to as 'Belfast Coastguard' are located in the town of Bangor by the Marina.

Related Topics:
Holywood - Bangor - Carrickfergus - RMS ''Titanic'' - Harland & Wolff

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The Lough hosts two Royal Yacht Clubs. One at Cultra just outside Holywood 'The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club', and the 'Royal Ulster' based from Bangor.

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