The
North East
Lough
Foyle to Carlingford Lough
The writing of this section of the guide was greatly
assisted by referring to ‘A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to the
Lough
Foyle
C660-390
Sheet 3/4
Embarkation
The logical embarkation point for the outer regions of Lough
Foyle is Magilligan Point, by the
Further to the E, beyond the military zone, there is public access at about C716-363. There is a concrete slip across the beach. However, the beach surfs and there is a strong tidal drift. This may have relevance for launching. Expect caravans, lifeguards, and beach casting anglers.
Military installations on both sides show the importance of the lough in such terms.
The whole lough is less interesting inwards to the SW. There
are large areas of mudflats on the E side. That said, it is a busy, well marked
and well lit area. It is excellent for night navigation, sheltered but with
strong tides. If paddling up into the city, it is possible to take out at Prehen
Boat Club upstream of the
Road access is better on the Donegal side and there are nice secluded beaches. Greencastle at C648-400 lies directly across from Magilligan Point. The Donegal shore gets the more interesting up towards Inishowen Head at C685-438. The sea is much more exposed beyond the head.
Tides
Fierce tides push through the narrows. Rates of 3.5 knots should not be treated lightly. Eddies on the Donegal side are more pronounced and more usable in the latter half of flood and ebb. The ingoing stream is from about HW Belfast +0330 and the outgoing from HW Belfast -0230.
The
Spanish Armada
The Trinidad Valancera hit a reef of Inishowen and came ashore East of Lough Foyle. Its crew of 450 mostly got off safely. They were surrounded by the English and eventually surrendered. 36 of them were ransomed, and the rest of the prisoners were put to death.
Downhill
C753-362
Sheet 4
There is public access at the extreme E end of
There is good access and parking at Castlerock village itself at C766-365, where there is parking and toilets at the beach access point.
River
Bann
C783-367
Sheet 4
To the E of Castlerock village is the Bar Mouth, where the River Bann flows into the sea. Turbulent water can be experienced quite a distance offshore. The flood at the mouth is weak by comparison to the ebb. Especially when the river is up, the ebb and the flow of the river combine to produce mighty standing waves. The flow of the river is controlled by floodgates well upstream. Powerful rip currents either side of the mouth are dangerous enough. The mouth artificially narrows the stream and this projects the fresh water out with great force. The fresh water is easily distinguished in the sea water and gives a good guide as to tide direction and strength off the beaches. The river is marked as far up as Coleraine. The area is a noted birding spot in winter.
Portstewart
C815-386
Sheet 4
The area behind Portstewart Strand to the W of the town is part golf course and part National Trust. There is fee-paying access to the NT section, where there are toilets and parking. There is a powerful rip each end of the strand. When the strand is dumping, it is better to launch off a slip at Portnahapple at C813-376, which is usable in most conditions.
The harbour at C815-386 can be difficult to enter or exit in heavy seas, with multi-directional reflected waves. The slip is exposed to surge. There is good parking and this is the access of choice in calm conditions.
There is some interesting rock hopping locally, clapotis almost always and some small caves and a blowhole that performs well in good swell. The tide can run fast around Portstewart Point.
Portstewart
to Portrush
C815-386
to C856-407 Sheet
4
The coastline here is basalt and reasonably interesting, low lying at first. Rinagree Point at C833-397 is the halfway point. To its W is Black Rock and just off it lies Lawson’s Rock, which breaks even in a moderate swell. It is possible to shelter in the lee of Black Rock. There is a tiny storm beach accessible from landward just E of Rinagree Point. Boomers may be expected hereabouts. Rock hopping and narrow channels are best enjoyed in calmer conditions and at about HW.
Portrush
C856-407
Sheet 4
Ramore Head is interesting exploring in calm conditions. Skerries Sound often kicks up and is best avoided by the inexperienced. The ebb sets up powerful standing waves.
The Skerries
Portrush
C875-427
Sheet 4
These rocky islands lie about 2km NE of Portrush. The
islands are basalt and the N side is ‘steep to’ and usually has unsettled sea
conditions as the tide and swell often work in opposition. They are mostly
grassy and low on the S side. Strong tide races set between the islands and
associated rocks to their N. The sheltered S side is usually settled, and the
best landing on the large skerry is towards the E end where there is almost a
gap in the island. The Skerries are privately owned so get permission to land
from Mr Metson in Portrush at 028 70857412, especially if intending to camp.
There is a small brackish lake on the large skerry. Large numbers of birds nest
and some rabbits survive. The best embarkation point is at
The Storks at C897-425 are rocks lying 2km ESE of the Skerries, and 1km NNW of Dunluce Castle. They are marked by a tall, unlit red beacon. Fishing is good hereabouts.
Portrush to
Portballintrae
C856-407
- C930-424 Sheet
4
It is mainly cliffs eastwards to Portballintrae. There are a
number of interesting caves in the first section along under prominent
In
Portballintrae
to Dunseverick
C930-424
to C999-447 Sheet
5
The rocks between the harbour and Bushfoot Strand can be fun
at HW. On passage however, give them plenty of clearance. Stay at least 200m
clear of the E harbour entrance to avoid a boomer called the Blind Rock.
Bushfoot is named for the River Bush which flows in here at the SW corner.
Upriver 2km is the town of
The coastline eastwards is the
Just SE of the off-lying rock, the Mile Stone at C934-440, is the massive and beautiful Runkerry Cave at C935-439, complete with boulder beach and long dry passage. There are other caves hereabouts, most notably in a small cove 0.5km E of Runkerry called locally Portcoon, with a dry side entrance.
There is a slip in Portnaboe, the last cove before the Causeway proper. Visitors once walked from this point, before the access from above was organised.
The Causeway section itself is 5km around Benbane Head (C965-461). There are many exposures of geological features; dykes, sills and the various layers of volcanic activity are easily seen. The Causeway itself and all the related geology are far better seen from seaward. In strong offshore winds there are vicious down draughts and each of the bays can funnel the wind to strong gusts.
The
Spanish Armada
The tragedy of the Girona, wrecked at Lacada Point
C952-455, was that it was the most seaworthy of several ships that sailed on
16th October 1588 from Killybegs for
Formidable tides run off Benbane Head and great seas can build up off it and off Bengore Head 1km E.
Port
Moon
Port Moon at C979-451 on the E side of Contham Head C978-4456 is a natural small boat harbour among low rocks at the base of a 60m cliff. A stone cottage with a rusty roof marks the spot to the passerby, as do the salmon net poles around it, when close in. The gut is 100m by 8m and there are rings on either side for shorelines. The port enjoys 1.5m LWS at the outer end. Landing is possible onto a sheltered but rough and stony shore/slip. Camping is nearby on grass, and there is even a stream. It has the remote feel of an island, despite a steep zig-zag path up the cliff to the public Causeway Coast Path.
The coastline eastwards towards
Dunseverick
to Ballintoy
C999-447
- D039-456
Sheet 5
The rocky area immediately E of Dunseverick is cliffy with
caves hidden from view by raised beaches.
There is a youth hostel set high above the beach itself, behind the official car park. It is a long carry to the beach and not really suitable for kayak launching. The beach gives good surf though. Boulders and a dyke called the Long Causeway obstruct the E end. The rocky islets E of the beach towards Islandoo at D038-457 are NT and give good sport in the right conditions.
Ballintoy -
Ballycastle
D039-456
- D121-415
Sheet 5
Inside Islandoo lies the wonderful Ballintoy harbour at D039-456, a splendid embarkation place for this area generally, or for just a lunch stop. The tides are really powerful through the channels, even right outside the harbour mouth. The harbour has a strand for landing, two slips, toilets and even a coffee shop. It gets congested in summer. Take care towing a trailer down to the harbour, as the road is steep and twisty. Good facilities, great views. Lovely.
The tides set so strongly and eddy so fiercely in the main
offshore current that it is possible to surf the deep water eddies in
D048-458
Sheet 5
There is a strong eddy between the island and Larry Bane Head at D049-452. The power of the eddy gives only a hint of the strength of the tide races in the main current on the N side.
Landing
Landing can be made at two points. On the N of the island is an obvious bay. A boulder beach at the head of the bay gives access to a corrie-shaped area whose southern side is a narrow ridge linking the higher points of the SW and NE sides. The climb from the boulder beach is firstly on easy grassy slopes but then onto steeper rock. An exposed climb leads onto high grassy slopes. The climb should not be underestimated as the rock is loose and the slope steep.
A second landing, with easier access and support holds, is located on the SE corner.
SPA
Cormorant
D062-449
Sheet 5
Carrickarede
to Ballycastle
The cliff scenery now becomes quite majestic. The small wooded area at Port More is very unusual. Buzzards are common hereabouts. Landing may be had by an old winch on the W side of a forest. It is possible to escape here, but it is a long scramble to the nearest road.
Watch for the splendid through-cave in Kinbane Head at D088-438. Tides set strongly at the head, and a very defined line separates the eddy from the flow. This is an excellent teaching area. Landing is possible on the W side of the head. A long steep path leads up the cliff to a car park on the E side.
Nice cliffs join Kinbane Head to Ballycastle, with dramatic caves. The cliff structure hereabouts is liable to rock fall, the slips evident by lack of vegetation. One such is directly above an inviting cave entrance, so do take care.
Ballycastle has a number of options for landing. The large breakwater has a concrete slip. The old pier has a slipway beside it. Car parking abounds, except in summer congestion. There is also a car park at the E end of the beach at D132-416 by Pans Rocks.
Chart 2798 covers the general area, as does OSNI Sheet 5. The information in the Pilot and the Sailing Directions is essential on this challenging section of coastline.
Rathlin lies just over 10km N of Ballycastle, where there is
a good embarkation place at the pier at D122-415. The island is served by
regular ferry, and boasts a stable population. Most of the habitation and
services are at
The island, steeped in history, has a distinct character all
its own. Wallace Clark’s book ‘Rathlin - Disputed Island’ gives a lot of
information about its history from the earliest settlers to modern times. In
earliest times porcellainite, or flint (as in stone age axes) was mined here and
exported. The island was successively conquered and reconquered by the Vikings,
Scots, Normans and the English. Most famously, it was litigated over between
Circumnavigation
For the sea canoeist, this is one of the most committing of paddles, which is best done clockwise as the shape of the island sets up eddies to one’s advantage. The E side is the only part where progress could be made against the tide. The island is ‘L’ shaped and at each of the headlands there are major tide races, which are always active except at slack water, though it is generally possible to stay inshore and avoid their full force. The MacDonnell Race at the NE corner is particularly fearsome.
The cliffs on the N side are high and dark and the feeling
of exposure is greatest here. There are caves in the NE corner near the E
lighthouse, the most famous of which is said to have been used by Robert the
Bruce, where he met his spider. The S facing cliffs W of Church Bay are chalk
overlaid with basalt, and very picturesque. There are some interesting shapes
and stacks as one nears the W end of the island. There is an old pier at
D102-509 in
SPA
Peregrine, Guillemot, Razorbill.
The island, and the NE corner of
A large colony of Common Seal may be found in
Rathlin mice are the biggest in
Embarkation
and Tides
The most obvious embarkation place is from Ballycastle, and
the best time to start the crossing is just before slack water
Ballycastle
- Cushendall
D121-415
- D263-256
Sheet 5
There is a good view of
The shore from Pans Rock at D133-417 to
These cliffs were discovered for climbers by a sea kayaker on passage, Keith Britton. In 1964, Geoff Earnshaw and Calvert Moore put up the first climb - Earnshaw’s Chimney. By 2003, there were 363 routes at Fair Head cliffs, the finest in the land, bar none. This was the first recorded of many such interactions between these symbiotic outdoor pursuits, kayaking and climbing.
Eastwards, the shoreline changes to steep and unstable grass slopes, intermingled with loose cliff and scree. There is a small landing E of Torr Head at D234-408. Have a look at the interesting stone shelter in the mouth of the cave. The local fishermen are particularly informative. Have a fair tide hereabouts, or suffer.
The coastline S is much the same, steep grass eroded to provide exposed rock on the shore. The lack of distinct features makes judging progress difficult. There are some pleasant shingle beaches N of Cushendun.
At Cushendun, land at the S end where a lane gives access to
a car park, near the outflow of the
The coastline S to Cushendall is similar. There is a car park in Cushendall at the N end of the beach, with easy access at D263-256.
The
Maidens
The Maidens or Hulin Rocks are two small lighthouse islands
located 9km ENE of Ballygalley. The West Maiden is also known as the Northern
Rock, its lighthouse is called the
Embarkation
The most convenient is from a large car park with a slipway and access to a small shingle beach at D378-080 between Ballygalley and Ballygalley Head.
Shipping:
The safest route to the island means staying N of
Ballygalley Head. The port of Larne just S is busy with very fast cross channel
ferries and shipping. Most take a line from Larne to
West
Maiden
D450-115
Sheet 9
The West Tower Lighthouse and its attendant three storey cut-stone buildings dominate the island. The lighthouse tower can still be climbed internally, as the old stairway steps are still in reasonable condition. Access to the flat unprotected roof is through a narrow opening in the top floor. The view is worth the effort. An interesting iron walkway bridge links the tower to the accommodation block. The keepers’ quarters are now quite ruined and their layout compares interestingly with those on the more modern East Maiden.
Landing
Landing on the West Maiden is more difficult than on the East Maiden. The most suitable area for deep water landing onto rock shelves is located on the W side, N of the old pier under some large rocky outcrops. No beach was found but several cuts may be usable at HW. There is an old pathway that leads NW from the main building to NW corner but no steps or obvious landing was located. The old pier at the SW corner is not suitable for kayak landings.
East
Maiden
D457-114
Sheet 9
This is a small but attractive low-lying rocky island dominated by the East Tower Lighthouse and its attendant buildings. Space is at a premium but the lighthouse buildings are well maintained and their layout invites one to explore.
Landing
Landing is at either the NW or SE corner onto steps or onto rock shelves at lower tides. Landing should not be underestimated as tides run strongly around the island and through the sounds and channels that separate the lighthouse islands from a series of outlying skerries. An older disused pier is located at the S end.
D465-025
Sheet 9
A medium sized island, about 1km N/S, located 300m off the
mainland near the beautiful little
J536-837
Sheet 15
Rumoured to be either privately owned or National Trust
property, Cockle is quite extensive at LW but tiny at HW. It shelters the harbour at Groomsport,
enabling a couple of dozen moorings in its lee. A remarkable reef, it is submerged by
the highest tides, and there is no grass or greenery of any kind. It is always separated from the shore by
deep water. Black Headed Gulls and
Herring Gulls occupy different sections of it for roosting. There are reports of Terns nesting. Its claim to fame includes a Sooty Tern
(called locally “Wideawake Tern” in
Launch from the slipway at Cockle Island Sailing Club on the pier just SE (the pier is not shown on the OS).
Groomsport is an unsatisfactory embarkation point for the Copelands because the tides are never right. The ebb from Belfast Lough pushes E towards the islands while the ebb outside is pushing N away from them. The flood in the Lough pushes away when outside it is pushing towards. A slingshot from Donnaghadee is far preferable, if it can be arranged.
Sheet
15
Embarkation
Donaghadee is the logical embarkation point for a day trip
to the
Tides
There are strong tide races through the sounds. The tide floods SE from Belfast HW +0500 to HW 0100, about an hour ahead of the tide on the rocks by the shore. The streams through Donaghadee Sound achieve 4.5 knots in places, and through Copeland Sound achieve 2.5 knots, so great care is necessary.
Off the islands, the tide turns about an hour later. The infamous Ram Race forms just at the E tip of Mew, and extends for up to 2km SSE on the flood and NNW on the ebb. On the S going flood a huge eddy forms behind Mew. This loops back on itself, along the coast from about Ballyferis Point, 7km S of Donaghadee, and then out E of the islands. The race to the SSE of Mew is at its worst where the two re-join, on the second half of the flood, from about HW Belfast -0215 to +0030 (i.e. about local HW). The NNW race occurs on the last half of the ebb from HW Belfast +0345 to +0615 (i.e. about local LW).
SPA
Arctic Tern, Brent Goose, Ringed & Golden Plover, Turnstone.
Fauna
The islands are internationally important sites for breeding
populations of Manx Shearwater and Arctic Tern and nationally important sites
for breeding Mediterranean Gull, Common Gull and Eider Duck. The Manx Shearwater colony on
Big Copeland has an internationally important Arctic Tern
colony, with some 550 pairs. The site now represents the largest colony for this
species in
The islands are the most
important breeding sites in
Big Copeland has recently held
The islands are home to a
nationally important population of breeding Eider Duck. In total the three
islands account for 14% of the Irish population. Non- breeding Eider form part
of the nationally important population that occurs along the Outer Ards coast
and Belfast Lough areas.
Other breeding colonies of note include Black Guillemot,
Water Rail and Stock Dove. The latter species has suffered a dramatic decline in
Breeding waders such as Lapwing and Snipe may be found further inland. Here the taller vegetation, interspersed with open areas, provides an ideal breeding habitat.
Birds of prey favour the islands when the breeding season is over. Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine are all be seen regularly.
Grey Seal and Common Seal can be found off the
J590-834
Sheet 15
The very beautiful
History
Historically called
The graveyard 200m from the landing at
Landing
Sandy beach landings are possible in
Flora
and Fauna
Grazed mainly by rabbits and sheep, the island is short grassed and pleasant to walk. Two immature Golden Eagle were seen in April 2006, some Pheasant, and a Short Eared Owl.
J597-856
Sheet 15
Lighthouse Island (sometimes referred to as John’s Island)
lies 2km N of Copeland Island, is owned by the National Trust, and has a bird
observatory on top, used by the NT. Landing is at the SE corner at J597-856 onto
sand at LW but stones on higher tides. Originally the lighthouse was here, but a
later light was lit on the better placed
J602-861
Sheet 15
Before the lighthouse was built on Mew, a spectacular wreck
was that of the ‘
A great tragedy was played out here on 31st January 1953
when the ferry ‘Princess Victoria’ got into trouble en route from Stranraer to
When the rescue services finally came on the scene, the seas were truly mountainous. Great heroism later merited several gallantry awards of the highest level available to non-military personnel. Captain Ferguson (brother of Harry Ferguson, inventor of the modern tractor) and his radio operator David Broadfoot stayed at their posts to the end and went down with the ship. 121 died. There were 44 survivors, all adult males.
The same storm peaked in the
Sheet
21 / Sheet 15
The paddling from Donaghadee at J691-802 to Ballyquintin
Point at J624-454 at the mouth of
The coastline from Donaghadee to Ballyhalbert Point at J664-630 is less interesting than further S, being of shingle and sand beaches.
Next comes Portavogie at J663-595, a busy fishing harbour often congested with trawlers. North Rock at J674-561 with its breeding Grey Seals, lies 3km SSE. South Rock at J677-531 lies 2km offshore and 3km N of Kearney Point. The rocky shoreline of Kearney Point at J645-511 is owned by the National Trust and is a good place to go ‘rock pool peering’ for marine invertebrates such as Dog Whelks, Mussels, and Starfish. It is a very enjoyable day trip to catch the ebb tide from Strangford out to the mouth, then N to the Rocks, and back on the flood. The South Rock lightship, fully automated, lies 2km ENE of the South Rocks. There is a spit of land between the North Rocks and Ringboy Point at J650-574 to the WNW. Occasionally the sea can become steep and untidy here, particularly when the swell is against the tide.
Tides
The tidal stream decreases as one travels southwards towards Ballyhalbert from 4.5 knots in Donaghadee Sound to about 2.5 knots off Skullmartin Rock at J649-687. Further S, from Ballyhalbert Point at J664-630 to Ballyquintin Point at J624-454, the tides run along the coast and reach 1.5 knots in springs.
Strangford
Lough
Sheet
21
Strangford Lough is one of the largest sea loughs in
SPA
Strangford is the premier autumn arrival site for the Brent
Goose. Some remain on for the winter but most disperse to other sites throughout
There are 2 species of seal to be found around our coasts. They are the Common (or Harbour) Seal and the Grey Seal. They are quite distinctly different. The Common has a spaniel dog type of head and is considerably smaller than the Grey, which has a flat head with a large obvious nose. There are about 400 Common Seals and 80 Grey Seals in the lough.
The Common Seal give birth in June and it is most entertaining to watch the antics of the pups from the quiet position of a sea kayak. The greys give birth in October and it is a rare and beautiful sight to see the white furry pups of these much larger seals.
Chart 2156 and OS sheet 21 each covers the lough in detail.
Angus
Rock
Sheet
21
J610-453
Angus Rock is the first point of note entering the
There are overfalls and broken water around Angus Rock, both on the flood and ebb tide. See the tidal stream atlas for details. On spring tides, from the 1st to 3rd hour of the ebb, an interesting grade 2 rapid occurs on the N side of the Angus Rock. This can get up to about a grade 3 with a diagonal stopper during very big equinoctial springs. There is a drop in sea level across the rocks of about 3 feet and it is possible to get good surfing on the stopper wave.
On the last hour of the ebb, an enjoyable set of waves often form, again on the N side of the Angus Rock, where you can join the seals for some surfing. On the flood tide, again just N of the Rock, another small set of overfalls is formed. There is an obvious drop in the sea level followed by small boils and whirlpools.
The
Sheet
21
Strangford Lough covers 150km2 of sea and
contains 1650 million m3 of sea water at high tide. HW at Portaferry
is at least 2 hours later than at the mouth of the
Tides
At the entrance to the
The next point of interest is the Routen Wheel, just SW of
Rue Point. The Wheel is on the E side of the channel. It is quite easy to avoid
by closely hugging the coast along the E side. A good viewing point is from the
wee island called
The Wheel is characterised by short-lived but heavy and violent boils, whirlpools and stoppers. It is caused by an underwater ridge of rock only 4.6m below the surface, rising suddenly either side from 18m below, sticking diagonally out from the shallower E side of the main channel into the main flow. The NE/SW ridge that creates the Wheel is situated along a line 200m SW of Rue Point at J597-487 to J599-489. This is no ordinary rapid. A boil forms, then another beside it swivelling the other way, and soon a whirlpool forms on the boundary. Admire it as pretty, but then you are in it, sinking ever lower, pointing upstream, to the side, down again, then the whirlpool stops and away you go again. Paddling back up through the Wheel is an experience too as you try to read the water, the way boils are pushing and so on. A good eddy exists S of Rue Point on the E side, as far as Gowland Rock at J603-485, so that a number of runs of the Wheel can be enjoyed.
The Wheel occurs during both the flood and ebb tide although it tends to be more violent during the ebb. The turbulence lasts for about 400m and any capsizes can easily be dealt with beyond the turbulence. Rescues need to be swift as the speed of the current reaches 7.5 knots. It is safer to play during the flood.
There is a rapid beside a beacon to one side, Gowland Rock at J603-485, where a surf wave forms, just like on a river. The area around here is used a lot by seals to haul out on the rocks. Care should be taken not to disturb them from their haul outs as it can cause injury.
One of the greatest dangers on the
‘Exploris’, an excellent aquarium, is situated within a minute’s walk from the main slip at Portaferry and is well worth a visit as it has displays of the marine wildlife of the lough and the Irish Sea.
Another place well worth a visit is the Barn at Castleward,
owned by the National Trust, in
Audley’s Castle, built in the 16th Century, lies on the W
side of the
Inner
Strangford Lough
Sheet
21
Tides
Inside the lough, the tidal strength decreases from 6 knots
between the two towns to 4 knots at
The E coast of the lough has a lot less of interest to the canoeist than the W due to the lack of islands etc. However, at ‘The Dorn’ at J593-568, there is a reasonable tidal flow from an enclosed bay of up to 2.5 knots, especially on the ebb and a spectacular marine waterfall about an hour to two after high water.
The W side of the lough is a fascinating maze of submerged
drumlin hills forming over 100 islands and rock pladdies.
In the SW corner,
To the SW of Salt Island lies the
Heading N from the barrage which protects Downpatrick from
tidal flooding, lies
Between Taggart and
Green Island Rock at J545-602 is a haul out for Common Seal and is very accessible to allow a group of novices to experience canoeing with seals.
To the W and N of Rainey Island at J527-630, there are two
channels where the tide runs either side of the island at up to 5 knots in its
rush to fill or empty
Swans 290+
Geese 13,500+ (including 1,300 Pale-bellied Brent
Geese, more than 75% of the world population)
Ducks 9,000+
Waders
50,000+
The lough has areas renowned for their beauty or scientific importance and legislation protects this valuable and unique area. Access is unrestricted in the lough and conservationists rely heavily on the goodwill of recreational users. The National Trust has produced ‘The Castaways Code’ and map for those using the lough for recreational boating. This should be consulted before paddling in the lough during the nesting season (April-June) and the islands marked ‘Birds Welcome’ should be avoided.
J596-415
Sheet 21
Most of the time, a reasonably strong tide runs between
There is a lovely old stone navigation marker painted white on the SE tip. Beside it lies the remains of an old ruined church. Thick grass covers the island. Very attractive spot.
Fauna
The SE side of Guns Island is a mass of nesting Kittiwake, Guillemot and Cormorant on the cliff ledges and paddlers should keep a reasonable distance offshore to avoid disturbance during the nesting season (April-June). The N side is favoured by a large colony of gulls that nest on the tussock grass just above the shore.
Strangford
Lough to Carlingford Lough
Sheet
21/Sheet 29
Killard Point at J613-435, a National Nature Reserve, is well worth a visit, especially in June to see the abundance of butterflies and wild flowers growing on the sand dunes. Among these can be found the beautiful Bee Orchid, Spotted Orchid, Wild Thyme and Yellow Rattle. Butterflies include the Common Blue, Small Heath and Meadow Brown.
The 14km from the entrance of Strangford Lough to St.John’s Point is a lovely paddle along small cliffs and a rocky shore of siltstones and shales believed to be formed during the Silurian period, 435 million years ago. This area is known as the Lecale and shortly after the last ice age would have been a large island with the sea connecting Dundrum inner bay with Strangford Lough.
At Legnaboe, on the mainland about 600m S of the southern tip of Guns Island, there is a narrow sea cave which appears safe to enter at all states of the tide, provided there is little swell.
Along this piece of coast lie the villages of Ardglass at J563-373 and Killough at J540-363. Although Killough was an important fishing port, the harbour is now derelict, whilst Ardglass has taken over as a principal fishing port, famous for its herrings, pronounced locally as ‘hearns’. A new marina has been built at Ardglass and there is easy access to the sea from both Killough and Ardglass.
SPA
Brent Goose (
From St. John’s Point at J526-333 to Newcastle (a distance of 15km as the crow flies or as the canoeist paddles), the scenery is dominated by the beach and sand dune systems of Murlough National Nature Reserve (NNR).
Within the inner bay at Dundrum, there is a causeway and
bridge at J402-356. This connects the farms and houses within Murlough NNR to
the main Dundrum to
During the ebb from Dundrum inner bay, tremendous deep water
surfing waves can be formed at the entrance if there is even a little swell from
the S or E. However, once the tide has finished ebbing, the only practical
course of action is to paddle to
For 2km to the S and 3km to the N of the entrance to Dundrum
inner bay, care must be taken due to the rifle range at the army camp at
Ballykinler. There are 3 yellow marker buoys marked DZ and the paddler should
keep to the seaward side of these when the red flag (day) or red lights (night)
are visible over the base just N of the entrance to the inner bay. However,
tracers have been sighted by local canoeists doing a night paddle from St.John’s
Point to
The tides along this section of coast to St.John’s Point are weak. A trip from St.John’s Point to Newcastle is a very popular paddle on a good moonlit night as you have the lighthouse flashing behind you, the twinkling lights of Newcastle to aim for and the foreboding outline of the Mournes dominating the paddle.
A sewage outfall pipe lies about 1 cable offshore to the S
of the harbour and, although
The scenery of the
From
There are a number of small but enjoyable caves in the area,
one of which has a blowhole at the top. There are also two bigger caves, one of
which involves a 50m squeeze, where hands are needed to get through. This cave
is not obvious from the sea but it can be found with careful exploring and it’s
worth going through, especially in a plastic boat!. The other large cave has a
small rocky beach at the back and if there isn’t much swell, it’s good fun
landing and exploring on up the cave. A short trip from
The next principal port is Annalong which has a small
harbour at J378-197, used mainly by small craft engaged in creeling (laying
lobster pots). Further along the coast is a small rock called
Then, passing Lee Stone Point at J334-144, the large granite
boulder (another relic of the ice age known as an erratic) is an obvious
feature. The fishing
Carlingford
Lough
Carlingford Lough is the most dramatic sea lough on the E
coast of
The S side of the lough is in the
The tidal streams within the lough are weak and a pleasant and undemanding crossing can be made from Killowen or Rostrevor Quays to Carlingford village. However, during strong WNW winds, squalls funnel down from the hills around Rostrevor and cause little cyclones and mini tornadoes on the sea. These are known locally as ‘Kettles’ as the water appears to boil and steam off the surface.
The
SPA
Common and
J255-096
Sheet 29
The lighthouse just to the E at J260-096 is 20m high with a white light flashing three times every ten seconds and an ancillary red light lower down continuously flashing. Landing at the lighthouse is not permitted and anyway can only be achieved in calm conditions. The main channel into the lough passes to the N of the island, where one must avoid commercial shipping. Navigation in the lough is very buoyage orientated so consider using Chart 2800.
Embark on the southern side of the lough from Greenore or
from the pretty
On
Tides
Tides run strongly in the lough entrance near the island,
where the ebb and flow start with -local HW and LW, which are much the same as
Good overfalls and races occur during both the flood and the ebb around the Haulbowline Lighthouse. The most pleasant and relatively safe playing in these overfalls is on the flood tide. The area is regularly used by local clubs and centres for rough water training.
The
East Coast
Greenore
Point to