Lough Neagh Walkways in Ireland
The Largest Freshwater Lake in Ireland or Britain
Lough Neagh captivates visitors with its tranquil atmosphere, unspoilt scenery, secluded bays and skyward views. It is the largest Lough in Ireland or Britain and third largest lake in Europe measuring over 300 square kilometres. It contains over 800 billion gallons of water, enough to fill 7 million swimming pools.
The name means the lough of the horse-god Eochu. He was lord of the underworld that supposedly existed beneath the waters of the lough. Legend has it that Irish giant Finn MacCool scooped out the lough basin to toss it at a Scottish rival that was fleeing Ulster by way of the Giant's Causeway. The piece of land fell into the Irish channel and formed the Isle of Man.
The Lough is a haven for wildlife with many view points around the shoreline. Here are several of the walkways that any visitor should experience:
Ballyronan Wood Walk
Ballyronan wood is a beautiful walk through a small 5 acre wet woodland on the western shores of Lough Neagh. The adjacent south Derry area boasts a wealth of wildlife easily viewed from the woodland path, such as mute swan, great crested grebes and tufted duck.
The walk is located beside Ballyronan Marina, in the village of Ballyronan. Starting from Ballyronan Marina car park and heading in the direction of the caravan park at the north of the site, follow the yellow way markers on a circular path along the Lough Shore past the picnic areas. The return part of the walk is via a woodland trail that leads back around to the start / finish point at the caravan park. The total distance is 1 kilometre.
Gort Moss Walk
This is a linear walk of 5 miles, along old moss roads and between leafy hedgerows close to the village of Ardboe in County Tyrone. It passes the Kinturk Cultural Centre and Coyle's Cottage - a 300 year old fisherman's cottage, made of mud, clay and wood, thatched with reeds.
Starting at Kinturk Cultural Centre car park, walk along Kinturk Road to Coyle's Cottage. Follow the blue markers through farm lane fields to the cot bridge and cot lane to Ballylifford. The total distance is 8 kilometres.
Peatland Walk
Set in the amazing surroundings of Peatlands Park close to the village of Loughgall in County Armagh, visitors can explore the 680 acre site on foot along its many paths and wooden walkways. There are over 10 miles of paths leading the visitor through the many and varied habitats within the park. At 5.5 miles the walk is one of the longest walks within the Park providing opportunities to see dragonflies and Scottish wood ants (found nowhere else in Ireland).
The Broad Water
This is a towpath walk of some three miles between Aghalee and Moira Railway Station and takes you along the route of the original Lagan Canal through Soldierstown. The route begins in the village of Aghalee in County Antrim and follows the line of the towpath of the old Lagan Canal to Moira Railway Station.
Since the canal was abandoned in 1954 the banks have become overgrown and an array of colour is provided by a variety of trees, shrubs and wild flowers. Just over half way along the route you will see the picturesque Soldierstown Church on your right. The final section of path goes to Moira Railway Station, with the canal and towpath passing under the railway bridge which was built in 1833.
near Coyle's Cottage
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