"Embrace a Giant Spirit Experience"
The Lough Neagh Fishing Story
Take a passenger boat tour, which will acquaint you with the working lives of traditional Lough Neagh fishermen - unfortunately, now very much an endangered species themselves - and the importance of the entire Lough Neagh ecosystem. Experience the sights and sounds of giant Lough Neagh, our inland sea, from the water.
Start your excursion by departing from Ballyronan Marina. As you cruise along, take in the impressive, natural landscape, keeping your eyes peeled for views of the Belfast Hills, the Sperrin Mountains, the international airport and even the Mourne and Cooley Mountains
(Weather Depending).
The Lough Neagh Family Taster Tour
Enjoy a short private family cruise on Lough Neagh with a
seventh-generation, commercial Lough Neagh fisherman,
who has over thirty years’ experience operating in these waters.
Head up tranquil and picturesque Toome Canal and then along the shoreline of either Lough Neagh or the Lower River Bann (weather-dependent).Learn a little about Lough Neagh wildlife, ecology and fishing.
Leaving from the Lock-Keeper’s Cottage Tearoom
and Visitors’ Centre, Toomebridge.(approximately 45 mins on the water/ 15mins safe boarding and health and
safety matters / 15 mins safe disembarking).
Passengers will have the option to purchase their lunch at the Lock-Keeper’s Cottage, before or after their cruise.
A Lough Neagh Sequel Literary Tour
This is a unique, exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with the authentic Lough Neagh landscape and people which inspired Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney to write “A Lough Neagh Sequence” (1969). This three hour boat trip combines the fishing and literary expertise within Lough Neagh’s Stories, and endeavours to provide truly unique insight into Heaney’s “A Lough Neagh Sequence”.
It is guided by Gary, a practising Lough Neagh fisherman, and his wife Anne-Marie, a local English teacher.
A three hour round trip which would depart from, and return again to, “The Lock-Keeper’s Cottage Tea Room and Waterways Heritage Centre”, Toomebridge (BT41 3TE).
Toome Bay Afternoon Tea Package” in association with The Lock-Keeper’s Cottage Heritage Centre and Tearoom, Toomebridge!
Enjoy a leisurely four-hour round trip from Ballyronan marina to Toomebridge village, with some close friends, on a Lough Neagh’s Stories’ Cruise.
At the end of the working week, unwind and recharge your batteries enroute, as you savour the refreshing sights and sounds of Lough Neagh.
Travel up tranquil and picturesque Toome Canal and through the lock, to the pier outside the Lock-keeper’s Cottage, where the staff will await you with a warm old-fashioned welcome, their best china, and a feast of delectable homemade goodies! Indulge your eyes, your taste buds, your chat, your laughter, before contentedly sailing back to Ballyronan, with full bellies and warm-hearted, golden memories.
The Lough Neagh Ecology & Wildlife Story
As you leisurely make your way from Ballyronan Marina, past Traád Point to Toomebridge village, and then into the Lower River Bann, hear first-hand why this area is a hidden ecological gem of international importance.
Experience sailing through a canal lock gate and enjoy a delicious waterside lunch before the return journey.
The Lough Shore Locals' Cruises
The clue is in the title with these PRIVATE CHARTER cruises, which are aimed at local people, in the safety of their own families/bubbles (personal or work-related).
Join Gary, a passionate, seventh-generation, practising commercial Lough Neagh fisherman, to enjoy a familiarisation trip with your local Lough Neagh shoreline.
Cranfield Church & Holy Well
Anne-Marie, a local English and History teacher, will take you on a reflective guided tour on the northern shore of Lough Neagh.
You’ll savour the panoramic views and feel humbled to be in the presence of the ruins of a thirteenth century church. This ancient, quiet place offers opportunity for ‘time out’ and (spiritual) reflection for people of all faiths and none. Anne-Marie will share with you what is known of the site’s history and its legends.
Learn a little of how Lough Neagh and its shoreline communities were much impacted by World War Two, including in this area. And take your opportunity to get personally acquainted with the long famed and revered Holy Well of St. Olcan.
