Maid of Antrim Lough Neagh Cruise

A short skippered cruise the whole family can relax on

This is a skippered sightseeing cruise: you sit back while the crew handles the boat. The Maid of Antrim is a purpose-built pleasure cruiser licensed for around 100 passengers, so there is plenty of room on deck and a steady ride for little ones. The public taster trip runs around 40 minutes to an hour, sailing from the marina down the Sixmile river and out into Antrim Bay. On-board commentary picks out Shane's Castle, the old torpedo platform that is now a tern colony, and the open water with views inland. You may see herons, kingfishers and other birds along the river, though wildlife is never guaranteed. Tea or juice and biscuits are usually served on the public cruises.

Skippered cruise Leaves Antrim Marina ~40 mins to 1 hour Apr-Sept (weather-dependent) Shane's Castle & Antrim Bay Call ahead to confirm

Good to know before you go:

Operators add sunset and special cruises, private charters and seasonal sailings through the summer; timetables are weather-dependent and seasonal, so check their own pages for current sailings, dates and prices.

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.

Everything before you go

Type

Skippered sightseeing cruise (not self-drive or ferry)

Departs from

Marina at Antrim Lough Shore, down the Sixmile river into Antrim Bay

Duration

Around 40 minutes to 1 hour for the public taster cruise

What you may see

Shane's Castle, the old torpedo platform (tern colony), Antrim Bay; you may spot herons and kingfishers (never guaranteed)

Season

Roughly April to September, weather-dependent

Booking

Advised - call ahead to confirm the boat is sailing

Cost

Check current prices with the operator

Suitable for

Young children (short, calm trip); wheelchair access not confirmed - check with the operator

Parking

Antrim Lough Shore Park

Address

Antrim Lough Shore, Antrim, Co. Antrim

Questions

Before you go

Do I need to book?

Advised - call ahead to confirm the boat is sailing

How much is it?

Check current prices with the operator

How long is the trip?

Around 40 minutes to 1 hour for the public taster cruise

What might we see?

Shane's Castle, the old torpedo platform (tern colony), Antrim Bay; you may spot herons and kingfishers (never guaranteed)

When does it run?

Roughly April to September, weather-dependent

Getting there

Maid of Antrim Lough Neagh Cruise departs from Marina at Antrim Lough Shore, down the Sixmile river into Antrim Bay. Antrim Lough Shore Park. Tap below for directions to the departure point.

Directions on Google Maps Official website See it on our map

Nearby

Make more of the day

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

The story

About the trip

The Maid of Antrim is a restored, purpose-built pleasure cruiser licensed to carry around 100 passengers on Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. For years it has run public Sunday cruises from Antrim's Lough Shore through the summer season, with commentary on the bay's landmarks, alongside private charters for groups and weddings.

The route past Shane's Castle and the old wartime torpedo platform - now a nesting colony for terns - has made it a long-standing way for families to get out onto a lough that is more often seen from the shore than the water.