Lough Neagh Tours

Lough Neagh


Lough Neagh is the biggest lake in not only Ireland, but the British Isles too, and has some of Ulster’s most beautiful scenery, with extensive wildlife habitats, unspoilt bays and two secluded islands for visitors to enjoy.

The area around the lake has been inhabited for millennia, with Neolithic artefacts found dating back to 8000 BC. According to Irish mythology, Lough Neagh was formed when the famous Irish giant, Finn McCool, grabbed a chunk of earth to throw at his Scottish enemy, Benandonner. The sod of earth fell in the Irish sea, to form the Isle of Man, while the water flowed into the hole that McCool had created and formed Lough Neagh.

The earliest inhabitants are believed to have fished eels from the freshwater lake and the eel fishing industry remains important to the modern day residents of Lough Neagh. Eels caught from the lake are exported to as far away as the Netherlands and Germany.

Ram’s Island was the site of an ancient monastery, and Coney Island was used by the Normans as an outpost when they invaded Ireland in the 13th Century. Nowadays the islands are a birdwatcher’s paradise, with cuckoos, whooper swans, pochard, tufted duck, scaup and goldeneyes all living on the shore line or the wetlands around the lake.

It’s possible to take boat trips from Kinnego Marina in Lurgan, and to take sailing lessons with Royal Yachting Association-approved instructors. Around Lough Neagh is the Loughshore cycling trail which allows cyclists to do a full 128-mile loop of the lake.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lough Neagh

Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport

Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport

4 out of 5
Belfast International Airport, Belfast, Crumlin, Northern Ireland
Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport
Ballyrobin Hotel

Ballyrobin Hotel

3 out of 5
144/146 Ballyrobin Road, Aldergrove, Crumlin, Crumlin, Northern Ireland
Ballyrobin Hotel
Seagoe Hotel

Seagoe Hotel

4 out of 5
22 Upper Church Lane, County Armagh, Craigavon, Northern Ireland
Seagoe Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Antrim by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Antrim by IHG

3 out of 5
Ballymena Road, Junction 1 Liesure Park, Antrim, Northern Ireland
Holiday Inn Express Antrim by IHG
Clenaghans

Clenaghans

3.5 out of 5
48 Soldierstown Road, Aghalee, Craigavon, Northern Ireland
Clenaghans
Keef Halla Country House

Keef Halla Country House

4 out of 5
20 Tully Road, Crumlin, Northern Ireland
Keef Halla Country House
Ralph's

Ralph's

3 out of 5
65 Main Street, Craigavon, Northern Ireland
Ralph's
The Ballymac Hotel

The Ballymac Hotel

3.5 out of 5
7A Rock Road Stoneyford, Co. Antrim, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
The Ballymac Hotel
Lisburn - 1 Bedroom - Sleeps 2 - Street Parking

Lisburn - 1 Bedroom - Sleeps 2 - Street Parking

3 out of 5
Lisburn
Lisburn - 1 Bedroom - Sleeps 2 - Street Parking
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lough Neagh

Explore the stunning Lough Neagh with various tours that highlight its natural beauty and rich history. Discover local attractions through tourist information centers, enjoy a round of golf at scenic courses, and indulge in delicious food that showcases the region's culinary heritage. Lough Neagh offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation in Northern Ireland.

Food and drinks

Heaney Brewery, located 14 miles from Lough Neagh, offers a delightful selection of crafted beers in a romantic setting. For local flavors, visit Loughside Café, where you can savor the distinct tastes of County Armagh cuisine, perfect for food lovers seeking authentic experiences.

Shopping

The shopping experience near Lough Neagh offers a delightful mix. Station Square Retail Park, 9 miles away, boasts family-friendly stores. If you're up for a drive, explore The Junction Shopping Complex and Linen Green, both around 13-14 miles away, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Peatlands Park, immerse yourself in nature with tranquil walks and relaxation areas, perfect for unwinding. Enjoy the scenic beauty while golfing at Massereene Golf Club and Dungannon Golf Club, where you can engage in outdoor sports amidst lush landscapes and fresh air.

Adventure

At Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre, located 12 miles from Lough Neagh, enjoy exhilarating skiing and sports activities. Explore the breathtaking scenery along Wetlands Way, an 11-mile hiking trail perfect for outdoor adventures. For family fun, visit Dungannon Leisure Centre, also 12 miles away, offering various activities.

Nightlife

Experience the night at Armagh Planetarium, 19 miles away, for a cosmic adventure. Enjoy cultural performances at The Burnavon, 9 miles from Lough Neagh, or catch a show at Market Place Theatre, 15 miles away, perfect for a romantic evening with family-friendly vibes.

Find the best attractions near Lough Neagh

Visiting Lough Neagh offers an array of attractions for every type of traveler, including castles, visitor centers, and museums. Explore the cultural and outdoor experiences at notable sites like Belfast Castle, Lurgan Park, Bellaghy Bawn, and Nefyn Beach. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities or a deeper cultural immersion, Lough Neagh and its surroundings provide plenty of options for a memorable vacation.

  • Ardboe Cross: A stunning 7th-century high cross, Ardboe Cross stands as a testament to Ireland's rich Christian heritage. Located just 0.7 miles from Lough Neagh, its intricate carvings and serene surroundings offer a unique glimpse into the past, perfect for history enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
  • The Jungle: About 9 miles away, The Jungle is an adventure-packed theme park ideal for families. With activities ranging from zip-lining to archery, it guarantees a day full of fun and excitement, making it a perfect spot for thrill-seekers of all ages.
  • Springhill House: Just 7 miles from Lough Neagh, this historic house showcases stunning architecture and lush gardens. Rich in culture, it offers a fascinating insight into 17th-century life, complete with guided tours and seasonal events.

Best time to go to Lough Neagh

Visitor numbers around Lough Neagh is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Lough Neagh is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
February39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
June55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December40.1°F (4.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lough Neagh

To save money on your visit to Lough Neagh, plan your trip between October and December when accommodation prices drop. Look for free attractions like Lough Neagh itself and Ardboe Cross. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Use their search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key program can also unlock exclusive discounts and cash back for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lough Neagh are October to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Lough Neagh about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your Lough Neagh hotel stay with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.