Undoubtedly tourists visiting Ireland will be impressed with the warmth of its people, cultural activities, and unique and beautiful cities, but Ireland offers the visitor a diversity of geographical interests and outdoor activites that should not be missed. Lough Neagh is one of these places, and located just a 20 minutes’ drive out of Belfast.

The freshwater lake is the largest in the U.K., and one of the largest in Western Europe, covering almost 400 square km. Lough Neagh is a vacation draw and weekend getaway for many Belfast residents, and features top rate activities and lodgings. Whether looking to relax, put your feet up, and sip a glass of your favorite beverage in one of the resorts, bed and breakfasts, or guesthouses located on Lough Neagh’s shores, or even engage in something more exhilarating, anyone’s needs can be accommodated along the shores of this beautiful place. Outdoor enthusiasts will find almost any pursuit available. The following are just some of the activities that are offered at Lough Neagh. Visitors will find numerous professional outfitters and guides for all of these activities.

• Fishing: Anglers will especially be thrilled with the amount, size, and energy that the Lough Neagh fish possess. Several species of hearty game fish are native to the Lough, such as several types of trout, bream, rudd, roach, perch, and pike. Also, if you’re lucky enough to hook a salmon-trout, you will certainly have a fight on your hands! For years, the Lough has been a commercial eel fishery, so don’t be surprised if you hook one of these creatures either!
  
• Boat Rides: The best way to see the entire lough, as well as the many islands offshore, is by taking one of the many cruises or charter boat services from any of the harbors and marinas. Coney Island is 1 km offshore and offers evidence of some of the first humans to settle here more than 10,000 years ago. Rams Island is the largest island in the lake, and offers chances to see animals, flowers, and the abandoned O’Neill house.
  
• Cycling: The Loughshore Trail is one of the prettiest and well-kept cycling trails in Ireland. The 113 mile route is made up of country lanes and paths that circle the entire lake with stops at all of the major sites of interest. There’s hardly a better way to see this unique region than touring on a bike at your own leisure. Along the way are information panels with the history and cultural facts about the important locations.
  
• Others: There are also golf courses, horseback riding, skiing, shooting, paintball, and even flying lessons available from a number of outfitters on the lake.
  

Although only a short drive from Belfast, Lough Neagh certainly feels like an altogether different world. Most of the hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses are family-run establishments, so the famous Irish hospitality will be there to welcome all visitors. There are also campgrounds for those looking for a more rugged adventure. Also, visitors flying into Belfast during the day should keep a close eye open as Belfast International Airport is located on the banks of the lake.

Ireland

Mourne Mountains

Thatched Cottages

Belfast Lough