Lough Neagh Stories Boat Tours
Cultural Tour of the northern shore of Lough Neagh
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.
Visitors will then make their way to the homely Lock-Keeper’s Cottage Tearoom and Visitors’ Centre in Toomebridge village, where Anne-Marie will hand over to her husband, Gary, a practising commercial Lough Neagh fisherman and a member of the Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-Operative Society. Join Gary for a short boat trip (departing from The Lock-Keeper’s Cottage Tearoom and Visitors’ Centre) to learn a little about his on-going work and of the ecological importance of this location directly from this traditional fisherman, who will also teach you about the wide variety of fish found in these waters, and the sustainable fishing methods used on Lough Neagh. He’ll talk you through his typical day working on Lough Neagh; the joys and challenges of Lough Neagh fishing; and share photos of his fishing ancestors, who date back at least seven generations and one of whom was a real local legend. His passion for these waters and shorelines, and their creatures, is palpable; and the real-life stories he shares will make it an unforgettable experience.
Next, indulge in a visit to the homely Lock-Keeper’s Cottage Tearoom and Visitors’ Centre, to purchase your lunch. It is possible to pre-order a range of lunch options in The Lock-Keeper’s Cottage through us, at cost, at the time of booking.
Please come suitably prepared: Health and Safety
*This tour involves walking over uneven ground / surfaces, and thus would, unfortunately, not be suitable for wheelchair users.
*Even on a perfectly still, calm summer’s day on land, there can often be cold wind-chill and wave on the Lough. It is essential that tour participants come equipped with flat footwear, and warm, waterproof and windproof clothing. They should also enjoy a moderate level of good physical health.
*Obviously, boat trips are weather-permitting. We always monitor weather conditions and forecast in advance, and have contingency plans in place, including amending timings and routes to suit weather conditions, to enable us to proceed with the booking if at all possible. In the highly unlikely event of LNS being unable to proceed with the booking for any other reason, a full refund will, of course, be provided to customers (within seven days).
*Unfortunately, it will not be possible to issue a refund if a customer cancels a booking with less than forty-eight hours’ notice.
*This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it is cancelled because the minimum number isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This your is currently only available for group bookings