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 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.
Watch this space for further information
Celebrate the Six Mile Water
22nd August, Antrim Lough Shore Park 11am - 4pm
A fun and informative day out for all the family, along the river corridor in Antrim Town. Activites will include, kayaking, angling workshops, and guided walks and talks on the local history and wildlife of the area. Many of the activities will need to be booked in advance.
For further information contact Elaine Upton 028 9446 3113 Email: elaine.upton@antrim.gov.uk
Murloc Angling Fair
22nd August, Murloc Angling Centre, Aghalee
This is a spectacular day out with fun for the family. Ther will be fly tying demonstrations, casting instruction, beginners courses, trade stands including a taxidermist, country sticks, country clothing and food stands. There will also be a BBQ. All welcome, admission free!
For further information contact Fred 028 9265 1421
Cruise the Lough
22nd Aug, Departs from Kinnego Marina
A guided tour of the Lough by sail or power vessel. Event is open to owners of suitable vessels in partnership with the Lough Neagh Sailing Club.
For further information contact Paul Magee: 028 3832 7573 Email: paul.magee@craigavon.gov.uk
Jazz Night & BBQ
22nd Aug, 7pm, Kinnego Marina
Live jazz music and BBQ open for all! Admission £10
For further information contact Paul Magee: 028 3832 7573 Email: paul.magee@craigavon.gov.uk
Greenmount Garden Gallery
22nd - 23rd Aug, Greenmount College Campus, Antrim
The garden will act as an outdoor gallery for the local artists to display their work. The Greenmount Association Floristry Club will also be creating temporary/transient art using natural materials.
For further information contact Greenmount College 0800 028 4291
Washing Bay Lammas Festival / Feile an Locha
23rd - 30th Aug, Washing Bay
This is a series of events over a five day period showcasing local talent, outdoor activities, historic lectures and lots of family fun and entertainment, not to be missed!
For further information contact Jack Corr 028 8774 0636 Email: info@washingbay.net
Teddy Bear's Picnic
23rd 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 (pre- booking advisable as limited to 15 per workshop). The workshops are suitable for children aged 3 (no needles or sewing required). Cost £9 per child.
For further information contact Antrim Borough Council 028 9446 3113 or www.antrim.gov.uk/teddybearspicnic
Pirate Ship Boat Trips
23rd Aug, Antrim Lough Shore Park
“The Black Pearl" and “The Calypso” are two miniature replicas of a pirate ship which run every Sunday from May to September, and daily throughout the school summer holidays (weather permitting).
Trips will last around 20 minutes and will leave from the jetty, outside the Lough Shore Coffee House. The Pirate Ship can carry groups of up to 12 passengers.
The Pirate shack will be onboard, for the purchase of all your "swash-buckling" needs and accessories. Other children's attractions will also be in rotation throughout the summer months, to include: bouncy castle/assault course, peddle go-carts, swing-boats, miniature bus and roundabout. Adults £5, Children £3
For further information contact Jim 07828 905801
Email: jimmyantrim@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.piratesofloughneagh.com
Ram Raid
23rd Aug, Departs from Kinnego Marina
An opportunity for RIB owners to tour the Lough in the company of others.
For further information please contact John Ramm 07912747586
CHILDREN’S WILDLIFE CLUB
Monday 24th – Friday 28TH August: 2.00pm – 3.30pm
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.
£1.50 per child per day or £5.00 for the week (if paid on the Monday). Parental Supervision Required For Under 8’s. Contact Lough Neagh Discovery Centre 028 3832 2205.
Canoe Taster Sessions
25th Aug, Kinnego Bay
An opportunity for the public to come and try out canoeing and explore the shoreline. Limited numbers, booking essential. Cost Adults £10, Kids/OAP £5
Contact Paul Magee 028 3832 7573 paul.magee@craigavon.gov.uk
Who Was Owen Roe?
26th Aug, 8pm, Owen Roe Pub, Randalstown
An evening of history and folklore learning about the O'Neill Clan. A great nights craic!
Contact 028 796 50277
Canal / Bat Walk
26th August, Toomebridge
Go batty with the Conservation Volunteers and the Northern Ireland Bat Group. Enjoy an evening walk and learn how to listen for Daubenton's bat by using a bat detector. The Daubenton's bat is found on rivers and water bodies, such as the Lower Bann and Lough Neagh. Meet at Canal Walk car park, where we will walk along the River Bann towards Lough Neagh, as they forage over open water, taking insects on or near the surface.
Contact Susan Lynn for details 028 9185 2817
Sailing Taster Sessions
26th Aug, 6 -8pm, Kinnego Bay
An opportunity for the public to come and try out sailing in Kinnego Bay. Limited numbers, booking essential.
For further information contact Paul Magee Tel: 028 3832 7573 or email: paul.magee@craigavon.gov.uk
Broadwater Walk
27th Aug, Aghalee
Join the Lagan Valley Regional Park Staff for a walk along the broadwater and discover a little history of the Lagan navigation, whilst enjoying the wildlife along the way. The walk follows the towpath between Aghalee and Moira and will include a stop to eat your packed lunch. Pick up point Drumbridge car park, Drumbeg, mini bus provided, booking essential.
For further inforamtion contact the Lagan Valley Regional Park 028 90 491 922
Formation of the Lough Tour
27th Aug, 3pm & 7pm, Kinnego Marina
A boat trip with a difference around Kinnego Bay and Castor Bay. A guided talk by Pascal Downing on the Formation of Lough Neagh (approx 1 hour). Limited numbers, booking essential. Adults £10, Children £5
For further information contact Paul Magee Tel: 028 3832 7573 or email: paul.magee@craigavon.gov.uk
Ballyronan Festival of Lights
28th Aug, Ballyronan Marina
A great evening entertainment for all the family with an impressive boat lighting competition, fireworks, BBQ and outdoor disco. Entry free.
For further information contact May Devlin 028 7941 8399 www.cookstown.gov.uk
Magherafelt Arts, Sports and Music Festival
28th - 30th Aug, Magherafelt
There will be something for everyone from Street Theatre, visual arts competitions, workshops and sports competitions to attempting a record breaking “mega-Champ eating” competition, live entertainment and music in various venues throughout Magherafelt. Come along and tantalize your taste buds and sample the great hospitality the District has to offer.
For further information contact 02879 401256
THE 15TH ANNUAL TANNAGHMORE BIRD FAIR
Saturday 29th August 2009: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Tannaghmore Gardens
Our ever popular Bird Fair is a must for anyone interested in poultry or for those looking a great day out for the whole family. Events include Chainsaw carving, sheepdog display, bird sales, Owl display, climbing wall, BBQ, artists and a wide range of children’s events.
Admission £5 per car. Contact Tannaghmore gardens for more information 028 3834 3244.
Lough Neagh Canoe Trail Paddle
29th - 30th Aug, 10am-4pm
This will be a great opportunity to enjoy by canoe/kayak a section of the Lough Neagh Canoe Trail with an overnight camp on Coney Island. Equipment & canoe hire available upon request. Bring own food & Water. Booking Essential.
For further information contact CANI 08702 405 065 Email: office@cani.org.uk Website: www.cani.org.uk
The Ballyronan Cup 2009 - Canoe Polo Competition
29th - 30th Aug, Ballyronan
This will be an International Canoe Polo competition with 3 divisions to enter, Division 1, 2 and 3, with Division 1 hopefully attracting many of the top Irish and Scottish teams. It will also be a very entertaining event for spectators.
For further information contact Nigel Graham 078999 02747 Email: nigel@gelwen.com
Boating Open Day
29th Aug, Kinnego Marina
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.
For further information contact Kevin 07710804169 Website: www.loughneaghsailingclub.org
Boating Open Day
29th Aug, Antrim Boat Club
Part of the Lough Neagh Fest, this is an open day for anyone with an interest in sailing or boating or looking for a family day out on the water. Whether you are a complete novice or have had some previous experience and are considering taking it up again, this is an opportunity to find out more and get out on the water. A range of boats will be available from motorboats and RIBs to sailing dinghies and sailing cruisers.
For further information contact David King 07920 197510 Website: www.antrimboatclub.co.uk
Pirate Ship Boat Trips
30th Aug, Antrim Lough Shore Park
“The Black Pearl" and “The Calypso” are two miniature replicas of a pirate ship which run every Sunday from May to September, and daily throughout the school summer holidays (weather permitting).
Trips will last around 20 minutes and will leave from the jetty, outside the Lough Shore Coffee House. The Pirate Ship can carry groups of up to 12 passengers.
The Pirate shack will be onboard, for the purchase of all your "swash-buckling" needs and accessories. Other children's attractions will also be in rotation throughout the summer months, to include: bouncy castle/assault course, peddle go-carts, swing-boats, miniature bus and roundabout. Adults £5, Children £3
For further information contact Jim 07828 905801
Email: jimmyantrim@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.piratesofloughneagh.com
Lap the Lough
30th Aug 2009
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
Lough Beg Walk
30th Aug, 2pm, 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 staff from RSPB, NIEA and LNLBAC who will show you the rich diversity of wildlife to be discovered on the reserve and Moira O'Rourke, Lough Neagh Heritage Officer who 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.
For further information contact Moira O'Rourke 028 7941 7941
Fortifications of Lough Neagh
31st Aug, 10am, Ballyronan Marina
Come along and learn about the history of Lough Neagh, with a seminar commencing at 10am, lunch and a bus tour in the afternoon themed the Fortification of Lough Neagh. We will visit the sites of Salterstown, Ardboe and Mountjoy. Booking Essential
For further information contact Moria O'Rourke 028 7941 7941 Email: moira@loughneaghpartnership.com