The Lough Neagh Fest celebrates the uniqueness of the largest inland water lake in Britain & Ireland, with 10 fun-filled days of events for all the family. The festival features everything from major sporting events, to family days out, to food and music festivals centred at Lough Neagh’s main marinas.
This year’s festival will be held from 16th to 25th August and promises to be as exhilarating and fun filled as last year. Some highlights of the festival include the Lough Neagh Triathlon, Lap the Lough Cycle Event, Lap the Lough Sail Race and the Ballyronan Food and Boat Festival.
See below for a full listing of events taking place during the festival:
Lough Neagh Triathlon
16th Aug, Ballyronan Marina
Details to be confirmed
check the website www.loughneaghtri.com
Maid of Antrim Cruise
16th Aug, 10-1.30pm, Ballyronan Marina
Sailing from Ballyronan to toome Locks, where you will dis-embark and have a guided tour of the new walkway to the point of the fort at the canal entrance, you will also see the locks working, then back on board for the return journey to Ballyronan.
Adults £8 Children £5 Concession £6
Contact Con Law 07969927098 www.loughneaghcruises.co.uk
Boating Open Day
16th Aug, Antrim Boat Club & Lough Neagh Sailing Club, Kinnego
For those who are interested in sailing or looking for a family day out, Lough Neagh Sailing Club host their Open Day. If you're interested in sailing this is your opportunity to find out more and get out on the water.
Antrim Boat Club contact Joe Allen 02894 467726 / 07868780341
Lough Neagh Sailing Club contact Kevin Cushnahan 07710804169 www.loughneaghsailingclub.org
Local History around the Lough Lecture
16th Aug, 11am-12 noon, Craigavon Museum Services, Waterside House, Oxford Island
An opportunity to find out more about the local history of the area surrounding Lough Neagh and a chance to see objects from the Craigavon Museum Collection related to the history of the Lough.
Free entry
Contact Craigavon Museum Service 02838 341635
Heritage Bus Tour of the Lough Shore
16th Aug, 11am-3pm, Craigavon Museum Services, Waterside House, Oxford Island
The tour will focus on Oxford Island to the Bannfoot and there will be talks by various local historians along the way. Booking is essential as places are limited.
Full details are available from the museum service on 028 3834 1635
Pirate Ship Trips
17th Aug, Antrim Lough Shore Park
The Black Pearl" is the miniture replica of a pirate ship,which will run every Sunday from 19th May,and daily throughout the school summer holidays.(weather permitting of course)
Trips will last around 20 mins,will leave from the jetty,outside "Joeys Cafe"at the Lough Shore Park.
We can carry groups of up to 12 passengers. adults £5 children £3
The Pirates shack will be on-site ,for the purchaes of all you're "swash-buckling" needs and accessories. Other children's attractions will also be in ROTATION throughout the summer months, to include: bouncy castle/assult course, peddle go-carts, swing-boats, miniture bus, and roundabout.
Pictures of the above can be found at: www.partytimewebsite.com
Contact Jim on 07828905801 or 02894468106 jimmyantrim@yahoo.co.uk
Teddy Bear's Picnic
17th Aug, 2-5pm, Antrim Lough Shore Park
Come along to the Teddy Bear’s picnic at Antrim Lough Shore Park! Listen to teddy bear music and meet bear characters There will be prizes for the best dressed bears so bring along a rug and your favourite teddy! There will be an opportunity to create your own bear at the Bear & Co. workshop. Each hourly session at 2pm, 3pm & 4pm costs £9 (pre- booking advisable as limited to 15 per workshop). The workshops are suitable for children aged 3 (no needles or sewing required).
Contact Antrim Borough Council 02894 463113 www.antrim.gov.uk/teddybearspicnic
Lough Beg Walk
17th Aug, 2.30pm, Lough Beg
Lough Beg National Nature Reserve, situated just north of Lough Neagh is a haven for wildlife. It is a pristine wetland habitat and anyone with an interest in the local wildlife and heritage should come along. The walk will be guided by Seamus Burns, the Biodiversity Officer for the Lough Neagh Wetlands, who will show you the rich diversity of wildlife to be discovered on the reserve, and tell you about the local history of Church Island. Parking will be available on Ballydermot Road, off the B182, one mile south of Bellaghy, opposite Church Island. Waterproof footwear recommended. Booking Essential.
Contact Seamus 02879 301289
Linear Park Discovery Day
17th Aug, 10.30am-12.30pm, Toomebridge
Join the local Biodiversity Officer to discovery this hidden site in Toomebridge. We hope to spot elegant Great Crested Grebe, beautiful Yellow Flag Iris, and delicate Damselfly. Meet at the Canal Walk car park, where we will walk along the River Bann towards Lough Neagh. Booking not required. Free Entry
Contact Ruth Wilson 02894 463113
Summer Bands Concert
17th Aug, 3-4pm, Antrim Lough Shore Park
The cream of Northern Irish Brass and Silver Bands returns to the idyllic setting of Antrim’s Lough Shore Park for weekly entertainment throughout July and August. A perfect Sunday afternoon’s family entertainment.
Free Entry
Contact Clotworthy Arts Centre 02894 481338
Maid of Antrim Cruise
17th Aug, 12-6pm, Antrim lough Shore Park
Sailing every hour on the hour. The Cruise passes the Tern Colony on the old Maritime Torpedo Testing Station, Shane's Castle, the River Main and back to Antrim.
Adults £8 Children £5 Concession £6
Contact Con Law 07969927098 www.loughneaghcruises.co.uk
Childrens Wildlife Hour
18th - 22nd Aug, 2pm, Oxford Island
Have fun and learn lots of new wildlife skills at Oxford Island. On each day of the week, we will look at a different aspect of nature such as; pond life, insect life, birds, woodlands and crafts with a wildlife theme. A certificate will be issued on completion of all 5 activities. Suitable for children aged 5 years and over. Parental Supervision Required For Under 8’s.
Contact Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, 028 3832 2205, www.oxfordisland.com, oxford.island@craigavon.gov.uk
Entrance fee: £1.50 per child per day or £5.00 for the week (if paid on the Monday)
Summer Activity Day
19th Aug, 9.30am-4.30pm, Craigavon Watersports Centre
These days are a must this summer, a combination of land and water based activities that will leave you exhilarated. Banana boating, canoeing, climbing, cycling, snow tubing, team challenges are just some of the activities involved. Book with a friend or come on your own. Once you’ve tried one, you’ll be back for more!! Suitable for children aged 10 – 16 years. Cost £20 per person including lunch. All equipment provided.
Contact Craigavon Watersports Centre, 028 3834 2669
Entrance fee: £20 per person
Coalsialnd Canal Walk
This event has been postponed due to local bereavement.
20th Aug, 7pm, Cornmill, Coalisland
Walk to Moor Bridge and return, approx 3 miles. Refreshments and talk on the history and wildlife along the canal afterwards in the Cornmill
Conatct Jim Canning 02887740467 / 0780167507 jim.canning3@btopenworld.com
Maid of Antrim Traditional Music Cruise
21st Aug, 7.30-10pm, Ballyronan Marina
A two hour cruise from Ballyronan to Salterstown Castle past the pumping ground where sand is extracted from the bed of the Lough, past the Battery Harbour where Lough neagh Rescue is based, past Ardboe Cross and then on to Ballyronan. Great party atmosphere with traditional / folk music group. Tea & coffee served.
£10 per person
Contact Con Law 0969927098 www.loughneaghcruises.co.uk
Broadwater Walk
21st Aug, 10am, Aghalee - Meet at Drumbridge Car Park
Join Lagan Valley regional Partnership staff for a walk along the Broadwater. Discover a little of the history of the Lagan Navigation, whilst enjoying the wildlife aliong the way. The walk follows the towpath between Aghalee and Moira and will include a stop for eating your packed lunch. Limited transport is provided by minibus from Drumbridge Car park, Drumbeg. For those wiching to make their own way there, meet at the entrance on Soldierstown Road, in Aghalee Village
Tel 02890 491922
Booking essential
Bird Fair
23rd Aug, 9am-4pm, Tannaghmore Gardens
Traditional show of the wide variety of hens, ducks and geese we have in Northern Ireland.
Contact Tannaghmore Farm & Gardens 02838 342115
Lap the Lough Sail Race
23rd Aug, 10.30am, Lough Neagh Sailiang Club, Kinnego Marina
A sailing race lapping the Lough (weather permitting) followed by a BBQ and entertainment in association with Craigavon Borough Council. Race Briefing LNSC 10.30am,
Contact Kevin Cushnahan 07710804169 www.loughneaghsailingclub.org
BBQ & Jazz Night
23rd Aug, 8pm, Kinnego Marina
After the days programme on the water why not relax with a BBQ followed by an evening of jazz music. Late Bar. Open to all. £5 for BBQ
Contact Kinnego Marina 02838 327573
BBQ Food & Boat Festival
23rd Aug, 1pm-11pm, Ballyronan Marina
This festival has something for all the family; from local and international food stalls, to illumination of the boats competition, BBQ, entertainment, boat trips, fireworks and much much more! Free entry
Contact Liam Glavin 02896763853
Paddle Your Bike event
23rd August, Ballyronan Marina
Fed up? bored? need a challenge? then create your own floating bike and take part in our competition. The bike raft must be created from old bicycle frame and old / waste / scrap materials [NB It's 'International Year of The Environment' so nothing new must be used!!!]
A series of age-related heats will take place with winners being the team of 4 whose raft stays afloat the longest and travels the furthest in sheltered harbour area
Entries invited from teams of 4 young men / women aged 13 - 24 years
Request entry pack by email: loughshoreyouth@aol.com
Maid of Antrim River Cruise
23rd Aug, 10am - 7pm, Ballyronan Marina
Sailing from Ballyronan to Hutchinsons Quay near Portna, Kilrea. The boat will pass into the canal at Toome through the lock gates and into the Lower Bann, past the eel fishery and below the new bridge at Toome, travelling downstream through Lough Beg, Newferry & Portglenone to Hutchinsons Quay, where we will turn for the journey back to Ballyronan, making a stop at Portglenone for lunch in the Wild Duck.
Adults £30, Children £20, Concession £25
Contact Con Law 0969927098 www.loughneaghcruises.co.uk
Lough Neagh Canoe Trail Paddle
23rd - 24th Aug, 9am, Maghery
This will be a great opportunity to enjoy by canoe/kayak the Lough Neagh Canoe Trail with an overnight camp on Coney Island.
Contact CANI 08702 405065 www.cani.org
Lap the Lough
24th Aug, 9am, Starting Point Kinnego Marina
Lap The Lough is a cycle sportiff, meaning it's not a competitive cycle, it's just you against the distance. We're in our second year and still on course to make this one of the best events on the Irish cycling calendar. We've tweaked a few things from last year but we hope it's all for the better.
For further information log onto www.lapthelough.org
Entrance fee: £20 online, £25 on the day
Summer Bands Concert
24th Aug, 3-4pm, Antrim Lough Shore Park
The cream of Northern Irish Brass and Silver Bands returns to the idyllic setting of Antrim’s Lough Shore Park for weekly entertainment throughout July and August. A perfect Sunday afternoon’s family entertainment.
Free Entry
Contact Clotworthy Arts Centre 02894 481338
Maid of Antrim Cruise
24th Aug, 12-6pm, Antrim lough Shore Park
Sailing every hour on the hour. The Cruise passes the Tern Colony on the old Maritime Torpedo Testing Station, Shane's Castle, the River Main and back to Antrim.
Adults £8 Children £5 Concession £6
Contact Con Law 0969927098 www.loughneaghcruises.co.uk
Pirate Ship Trips
24th Aug, Antrim Lough Shore Park
The Black Pearl" is the miniture replica of a pirate ship,which will run every Sunday from 19th May,and daily throughout the school summer holidays.(weather permitting of course)
Trips will last around 20 mins,will leave from the jetty,outside "Joeys Cafe"at the Lough Shore Park.
We can carry groups of up to 12 passengers. adults £5 children £3
The Pirates shack will be on-site ,for the purchaes of all you're "swash-buckling" needs and accessories. Other children's attractions will also be in ROTATION throughout the summer months, to include: bouncy castle/assult course, peddle go-carts, swing-boats, miniture bus, and roundabout.
Pictures of the above can be found at: www.partytimewebsite.com
Contact Jim on 07828905801 or 02894468106 jimmyantrim@yahoo.co.uk