Ireland:Belfast Lough
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General
Belfast Lough (Loch Lao in Irish) is a large, natural intertidal sea lough situated at the mouth of the River Lagan on the north-east coast of 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 Belfast to the Irish Sea.
Belfast Lough is a long, wide and deep expanse of water, virtually free of strong tides, lying between Orlock Point and Blackhead, extending westwards to the Port of Belfast. It is ideal as a stopping-off point on Irish Sea passages. For racing sailors, this is a competitor's dream, giving 30 square miles of open water and enough coastline to make short inshore races day long affairs. Three main arteries serve the lough close to Belfast: the Herdman Channel on the County Antrim coast side; the Victoria Channel, the central and longest route; and the Musgrave Channel on the County Down side.
Coastal towns include Holywood, Bangor and Carrickfergus. Holywood and Bangor are situated on the southern side of the lough in Down, whilst Carrickfergus, which boasts a 12th-century Norman castle, is on the northern side in Antrim. On older maps of Ireland, made before Belfast grew to be a city, the lough was referred to as Carrickfergus Lough.
Popular for sailing, the lough has two marinas: one at Bangor, the other located in Carrickfegus. Belfast docks at the head of a lough contain the famous shipbuilder of the RMS Titanic fame, Harland & Wolff, now no longer a great shipbuilding company but one that has shed most of its workforce and diversified into repairing and refitting large tankers and oilrigs. Coastguard offices for the lough, although referred to as Belfast Coastguard, are located in the town of Bangor by the marina.
Approaches, Routes and Navigation
Tidal information and currents
Charts
Weather
Major ports
Marinas and Anchorages
Anchorages information goes here
Bangor Marina
Carrickfergus Marina
See Carrickfergus
Chandlers and Repair Facilities
Victuals (Food and Drink!)
Sailing Clubs
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.
