Days Out NI
Boat trip Ballyronan

Ballyronan Marina & Beach

A Blue Flag Lough Neagh marina and beach where boat trips set off and kids play free.

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Runs all yearMarina and grounds year-round; cruises, w…
FreeBook ahead
Ballyronan Marina…Departs from
Get directionsOfficial website
Varies by trip - check with the cruise operatorHow long
FreeCost
All yearSeason
Families and yo…Best for
Ballyronan Mari…Departs

Ballyronan Marina & Beach — A Blue Flag Lough Neagh marina and beach where boat trips set off and kids play free.

  • The trip: Council-run marina, beach & recreation site; launch point for skippered cruises and watersports.
  • Departs from: Ballyronan Marina, 135A Shore Road, Ballyronan.
  • You may see: Lough Neagh islands and shoreline; you may spot wading birds and wildlife (never guaranteed); views toward the Sperrins, Belfast Hills and Mournes.
  • Season: Marina and grounds year-round; cruises, watersports and caravan park seasonal (camping 17 Mar - 30 Sep), weather-dependent.
  • Booking: Advised - book cruises and activities ahead.
  • Cost: Marina, beach and play area free; cruises and activities charged separately - check current prices with the operator.
Plan your visit

The trips and the water

Ballyronan is the launch point for skippered Lough Neagh cruises aboard the Maid of Antrim, with a guide covering the lough's history, traditions and wildlife as you sail out toward nearby islands and harbours. Other boats run private charters, leisure cruises and fishing trips from the same marina. For hands-on water time there's canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and windsurfing on offer through activity providers based here. You may spot wading birds and other lough wildlife from the water or the on-site bird hide, though nothing is guaranteed. The cruises and watersports are run by separate operators and are weather- and sea-state-dependent, so sailings can change or be cancelled.

Lough Neagh marina & beach Maid of Antrim cruises Canoe, kayak & fishing All-inclusive play area Blue Flag sandy beach Book trips ahead
Good to know before you go:

Operators based at Ballyronan add seasonal sailings, charters and special cruises through the warmer months, and the marina hosts events including being a start point for the Lough Neagh triathlon. Timetables are seasonal and weather-dependent, so check the marina and operator pages for current sailings, dates and prices.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🧥Warm, windproof layersIt is always cooler and breezier out on the water — dress for it.
  • 🧢A waterproofA bit of sea spray is all part of the adventure.
  • 📷A cameraFor the wildlife, the coast and the castles seen from the sea.
  • 🎫Your bookingMost trips need booking ahead — have the confirmation ready.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
Council-run marina, beach & recreation site; launch point for skippered cruises and watersports
Departs from
Ballyronan Marina, 135A Shore Road, Ballyronan
Duration
Varies by trip - check with the cruise operator
What you may see
Lough Neagh islands and shoreline; you may spot wading birds and wildlife (never guaranteed); views toward the Sperrins, Belfast Hills and Mournes
Season
Marina and grounds year-round; cruises, watersports and caravan park seasonal (camping 17 Mar - 30 Sep), weather-dependent
Booking
Advised - book cruises and activities ahead
Cost
Marina, beach and play area free; cruises and activities charged separately - check current prices with the operator
Suitable for
Families and young children; all-inclusive play area, disabled toilets and Changing Places facility on site
Parking
On-site parking
Address
Ballyronan Marina, 135A Shore Road, Ballyronan, Magherafelt, BT45 6JA
Questions

Before you go

Do I need to book?
Advised - book cruises and activities ahead
How much is it?
Marina, beach and play area free; cruises and activities charged separately - check current prices with the operator
How long is the trip?
Varies by trip - check with the cruise operator
What might we see?
Lough Neagh islands and shoreline; you may spot wading birds and wildlife (never guaranteed); views toward the Sperrins, Belfast Hills and Mournes
When does it run?
Marina and grounds year-round; cruises, watersports and caravan park seasonal (camping 17 Mar - 30 Sep), weather-dependent
Getting there

Ballyronan Marina & Beach departs from Ballyronan Marina, 135A Shore Road, Ballyronan. On-site parking. Tap below for directions to the departure point.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around BallyronanSee what else is close by More boat trips across NISea, lough and river cruises
The story

About the trip

Ballyronan Marina is run by Mid Ulster District Council on the western shore of Lough Neagh and holds Blue Flag status, with its sandy beach first awarded in 2010. It has had a major upgrade and redevelopment, adding hardstanding caravan pitches, on-water glamping pods, a viewing platform and a wetland and eco trail through five acres of woodland.

The marina is best known as a base for getting out on Lough Neagh - skippered cruises aboard the Maid of Antrim, charters, fishing and a range of watersports - alongside its free beach, all-inclusive play area and nature trail that make it an easy family stop.