Boat Trips on Lough Neagh
Lough Neagh is the largest body of freshwater in the UK and Ireland—and a truly special place to explore from the water. With its vast open expanse, hidden islands and deep cultural heritage, it offers a peaceful, one-of-a-kind experience away from the crowds.
Most boat tours on the Lough are bookable by request, allowing groups to enjoy tailored, exclusive experiences. Ram’s Island also offers scheduled crossings during the summer months, ideal for solo travellers or small groups. Whether you’re drawn to storytelling, scenic cruises or a historic island adventure, there’s something here for everyone.
🚤 Lough Neagh’s Stories – A Cultural Voyage into Fishing Heritage
A Personal Tour Led by a Seventh-Generation Fisherman
Group Bookings / Private Hire
Hop aboard a 12-seater boat at Ballyronan Marina with Lough Neagh’s Stories. Led by Gary—a seventh-generation fisherman—and Anne Marie, an English teacher with a love for Seamus Heaney, this tour offers a rich and personal look into the traditions, livelihoods and folklore of the Lough.
Custom Itineraries With a Local Feast
Each experience is tailored to your group. Their signature trip includes a stop at a private fishing quay, where you’ll enjoy stories, a dander to the nearby viewing platform, and a fresh-cooked catch of the day served onshore, accompanied by a spread of local produce—perfect for anyone wanting a deeper cultural connection.
📍 Departure points: Ballyronan Marina, Toome – other options on request
🌐 Website: www.loughneaghsstories.com
📩 Booking & enquiries: info@loughneaghsstories.com
📞 Phone: 07900 872169
🚤 River Bann Tours – A Scenic Cruise for Larger Groups
Group Adventures on a 47-Seater Passenger Vessel
Group Bookings / Private Hire
River Bann Tours offers relaxed, group cruises departing from Ballyronan, Toome, Newferry or Portglenone. Their 47-seater passenger boat is ideal for larger outings—from school groups and corporate events to birthdays and sightseeing days.
Flexible, Tailored Experiences
Each trip is fully bookable by request. You can design your own route and include extras like lunch stops, transport or heritage visits. The crew can help shape an itinerary that fits your needs and interests.
📍 Departure points: Ballyronan, Toome, Newferry, Portglenone
🌐 Website: www.riverbanntours.co.uk
📩 Booking & enquiries: info@riverbanntours.co.uk
📞 Phone: 07456584854
🚤 South Shore Marine – Island Escapes and South Lough Neagh
Discover Coney Island and the Southern Shores
Group Bookings / Private Hire
From Kinnego Marina, South Shore Marine offers small-group boat trips across the southern stretches of Lough Neagh. You can explore Coney Island or cruise along southern shores of Lough Neagh, surrounded by nature and heritage.
Coney Island lies just off the shore near Maghery, not far from Kinnego Marina, and is one of Lough Neagh’s most historically significant sites. The island is home to the remains of a 10th-century round tower, believed to be part of an early Christian monastic settlement. Over the centuries, it has served as a strategic fortification and point of defence. An old warden’s cottage, once lived in by the island’s caretaker, still stands today, though now derelict. Coney Island is owned by the National Trust and managed in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, offering visitors a peaceful insight into the Lough’s early ecclesiastical and medieval history.
Tailored Group Tours
Each journey is customisable. Whether you’re after a short wildlife-focused outing or a half-day island tour with a picnic stop, the team will work with you to create a smooth, scenic experience.
📍 Departure point: Kinnego Marina
🌐 Website: www.southshoremarine.co.uk
📩 Booking & enquiries: paul@southshoremarine.co.uk
🚤 Ram’s Island Boat Trips – History, Nature and Scheduled Crossings
A Volunteer-Run Heritage Site with Remarkable Stories
Scheduled trips – individual tickets available, booking essential.
Departing from Sandy Bay Marina, Ram’s Island is home to some of the most fascinating stories on the Lough. The island once housed a medieval monastic site, and later became the summer retreat of the O’Neill family. During WWII, American soldiers stationed nearby burned down the O’Neill summer house—and their names can still be seen carved into the island’s trees. The island was also used as a landing site for sea planes, adding another layer to its remarkable history.
Today, it remains owned by the O’Neill family and is leased to the River Bann & Lough Neagh Association, a volunteer-led charity that maintains and operates the site.
Day Trips and Summer Experiences
A 12-seater passenger boat provides scheduled day trips every Wednesday and Saturday during summer months. The island features a restored barge with toilet facilities, walking trails, picnic areas and scenic viewpoints.
📍 Departure point: Sandy Bay Marina on the eastern shore
🌐 Website: www.ramsisland.org
📩 Booking & enquiries: info@ramsisland.org
Build Your Own Private Group Itinerary
If you’re organising a group outing—whether it’s a family get-together, corporate retreat, special celebration or school group—we can help you plan a complete day, weekend or multi-day itinerary around your boat trip and time on Lough Neagh.
Our team can create themed experiences such as:
- 🐦 Birdwatching tours
- 🥗 Local food and drink experiences
- 🏰 History and heritage tours
- 🚶 Guided nature walks and cultural stop-offs
- ⚓ Cultural heritage of Lough Neagh’s fishing industry
We can also recommend nearby accommodation options to help you build a seamless trip.
📩 To get started, email info@loughneaghtours.com with the following:
- Preferred date(s)
- Group size
- Estimated duration
- Any catering or transport needs
- Budget per person
- Your departure point preference
- Any tour ideas or special interests
We’ll pull together a unique itinerary to suit your group (10–47 guests) and take care of the planning so you can enjoy the day.