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Belfast Lough ('''Loch Lao''' in Irish ) is a large intertidal sea lough situated at the mouth of the River Lagan on the northeast coast of Ireland . The inner part of the lough comprises a series of mudflats and lagoons. The outer lough is restricted to mainly rocky shores with some small sandy bays. Belfast Lough is the gateway for Belfast to the Irish Sea Belfast Lough is a wide expanse of water, virtually free of strong tides, lying between Orlock Point and Blackhead , extending westwards to the Port Of Belfast . It's ideal as a stopping off point on Irish Sea passages. For racing sailors, this is a competitor's dream, giving 30 square miles of open water and enough coast line to make short inshore races day long affairs. Coastal towns include, Holywood , Bangor , and Carrickfergus . Holywood and Bangor are situated on the southern side of the lough in County Down whilst Carrickfergus which boasts a 12th century Norman castle is on the northern side in County Antrim . Popular for sailing the lough has two Marinas one at Bangor the other located in Carrickfegus. The Port of Belfast at the head of a lough contains the famous ship builder of the RMS ''Titanic'' fame, Harland & Wolff , now no longer a great ship builder, but a company that sustains itself as a repair company/ refitter for large tankers and oilrigs. CoastGuard Offices for the Lough, although referred to as ''Belfast Coastguard'', are located in the town of Bangor by the Marina. The Lough hosts two Royal Yacht Clubs. One at Cultra just outside Holywood '' The Royal North Of Ireland Yacht Club '', and the ''Royal Ulster '' based from Bangor. BELFAST LOUGH NATURE RESERVE The reserve is situated within the Belfast Harbour Estate on the shores of Belfast Lough. The RSPB manages some mudflats in Belfast Lough, together with an area of grassland with a pool and ditch complex near Belfast City Airport , and a lagoon with a hide and viewpoints. The mudflats are important feeding areas for a variety of wading birds and wildfowl. At high tide, flocks of wading birds, such as Redshank , Oystercatchers and Black-tailed Godwit s, can be seen from the hide and viewing points. SEE ALSO List Of Irish Lochs And Loughs |
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