lough neagh system

Lough Neagh System

Antrim
Antrim
Phone:
Fax:

Lough Neagh has been described as a huge fish factory. It is the biggest lake in the British Isles, and it covers 153 square miles (400 km). Its uncanny similarity in size and shape to the Isle of Man gave rise to the legend that the mythical giant Fiann McCool scooped out a huge lump of earth and threw it into the Irish Sea - the lump of earth formed the Isle of Man, and the hole filled with water became Lough Neagh.

For the tout angler its main interest is the dollaghan, a unique species of lake trout.

These trout can be caught when they run the many tributaries from mid-July.

Dollaghan are in many ways similar to salmon and grow by up to 3Ib every year while in the lough.

Successful methods are spinning, worming and fly fishing.

The many tributaries also support a large stock of native brownies from 1/2 Ib with the occasional big river trout specimen.

Tangible evidence of more legends can also be found as you travel around this historic region.

Description

Lough Neagh System

Description

In the hills to the West the famous Beaghmore Stone Circles are popularly believed to have powers of fertility and on the crest of a hill outside Dunadry stands the finest Bronze-age holestone in the British Isles where it's believed lovers in ancient times solemnised their marriages.

Over hundred of years the Celts, along with the Vikings, Normans, Scots and English, have all left their footprints around this inland sea. The hill top enclosure of Tullyhogue near Cookstown is where the Celtic kings of Ulster were inaugurated as the O' Neils, while at Donaghamore you'll find a fine example of an early Christian Cross.

Further north on the western shore Ardboe Cross a one-thousand-year old Celtic crosses which is intricately carved with biblical scenes has been described as "the finest High Cross in Ireland".

Places such as the fine monastery Round Tower in Antrim which has withstood the dramas of ten centuries, or the excellently preserved artillery fort built in the picturesque village of Hillsborough in 1640 lie waiting to be discovered.

Accommodation in surrounding areas

Around South Antrim

Antrim County

OUR PARTNER SITES:

Operated by Gulliver Infores Services, Registered in Ireland, No. 256041.
Registered office: FEXCO Centre, Killorglin, Co. Kerry
Copyright ©