Top 5 Lakes around Ballycastle
Best lakes around Ballycastle offer diverse natural and historical experiences in Northern Ireland. The region features coastal landscapes and unique geological formations, including significant loughs and smaller, often intermittent, lakes. Ballycastle serves as a base for exploring various water bodies, providing opportunities to observe natural phenomena and historical sites. The area is known for its scenic beauty and varied aquatic environments.
Best lakes around Ballycastle
- The most popular lakes is Whiterock Harbour, a settlement and coastal area on the…
Last updated: August 9, 2026
Whiterock Harbour
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WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
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View of Scrabo Tower from Ballydrain Road
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Ballydorn Bay & Lightship LV Petrel
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Kiltonga Nature Reserve Lake
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There is an observation area to …
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Tips from the Community
A pathway along the lake allows for closer inspection of the birds. For example, swans, mallards, little grebe, moorhens, and coots are usually present. There is an observation area to view the birds and other wildlife. Parking is available. In July 2000, Kiltonga Nature Reserve became the first site in the UK to be awarded BT Millennium Miles status.
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Ballydorn, or 'The Dorn' as it is locally known, is a beautiful and popular mooring ground with a short-stay pontoon attached to a permanently moored lightship called The LV Petrel that is now the Down Cruising Club headquarters. The LV Petrel was commissioned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1913, and built by the Dublin Drydocks Company. This Lightship spent most of its previous working life at Blackwater Bank on the River Blackwater, Wexford. It was then sold in 1968 to Hammond Lane foundries in Dublin, before being saved to use as the cruise club HQ. The boat is registered as a national historic ship in the UK.
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WWT Castle Espie is home to the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Ireland. Wide open spaces, and wetlands full of the sights and sounds of nature. Surprised by just how much there is to see and do including a Cafe / Gallery, plenty of walks, and places to just sit and take it all in.
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It's home to two yacht clubs: Strangford Lough Yacht Club and 1.5 kilometres (0.95 mi) to the north, Down Cruising Club. Between the two yacht clubs is Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island, now in a state of ruin. To the south of Whiterock is Ballymorran Bay.
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If you get caught in a rain shower, there is decent shelter to be had, just opposite the moorings around the same position as this Highlight. The view will keep you settled.
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Picturesque rolling trail through Barley fields, and vistas of the beautiful Strangford Lough always present. Hosts great views of Scrabo Tower in the distance, and if you catch this trail at twilight on a clear summers eve, you will be rewarded with such magnificent colours. Strangford Lough is also a designated 'Dark Skies' area for you star gazers.
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In the Caravan / Car park just on the shoreline you will find Toilets, and if you fancy a bit of refreshment there is a Pub called Daft Eddy's on Sketrick Island, just to your left.
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The Route 99 of the National Cycle Network leads from Belfast along the Comber Greenway. The 11.5-mile (18.5 km) long, traffic-free path is a wonderful ride towards the mouth of the Comber River. Watch your speed, as the Greenway is shared with walkers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about the lakes near Ballycastle?
The most unique lake near Ballycastle is Loughareema, often called 'The Vanishing Lake'. It's known for its intermittent appearance, sometimes full of water and other times a cracked mud bed, due to its connection to underground drainage systems. This geological phenomenon makes it a captivating natural site.
Are there any historical or folklore elements associated with the lakes?
Yes, Loughareema is steeped in local legends and ghost stories. One notable tale recounts the tragic drowning of a coach and horses in the 19th century. It's said that on nights when the lake is full, a phantom ghost haunts the shoreline, with travelers reporting sounds of hooves and cries.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Loughareema?
Loughareema is a karst lake, meaning its vanishing act is due to a sinkhole draining water into an underground system. The surrounding area is bleak and isolated, often shrouded in fog and blanket bog, contributing to its mysterious atmosphere. Three rivers flow into it, but there's no visible outflow.
Are there other lakes or water bodies to explore near Ballycastle besides Loughareema?
While Loughareema is the most prominent, the broader area around Ballycastle includes smaller lakes often found along walking trails, such as Loch Dubh and Loch Na Crannóige at Fairhead. These are typically mentioned in the context of hiking routes.
Where can I find more information about Loughareema, The Vanishing Lake?
You can learn more about this unique geological site and its local significance by visiting the Causeway Coast and Glens tourism website: Loughareema, The Vanishing Lake.
What are some popular lakes further afield, but still within the wider region?
Further from Ballycastle, but within the wider region, you can explore areas like Whiterock Harbour on Strangford Lough, known for its scenic coastal views and yacht clubs. Another popular spot is WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, a nature reserve with a large collection of waterfowl.
Are there family-friendly lake experiences in the broader area?
Yes, several locations offer family-friendly experiences. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is ideal for families, with wide open spaces and opportunities to see ducks, geese, and swans. Kiltonga Nature Reserve Lake also has an observation area for birds and wildlife, with parking available.
What kind of walking trails are available near the lakes in the wider region?
You can find various walking trails. For easy hikes, consider routes like the 'Boundary Walk, Mount Stewart' or 'Floodgates Walk'. For more general hiking, there are options like 'Mount Stewart Gardens – Mount Stewart House loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Easy hikes around Ballycastle and Hiking around Ballycastle guides.
Are there opportunities for running around the lakes?
Yes, there are several running trails available. Examples include the 'Floodgates run — Strangford & Lecale' and a 'Running loop from Ballyalicock'. These routes offer moderate difficulty and can be explored further in the Running Trails around Ballycastle guide.
What amenities are available near some of the larger lake areas?
Near Whiterock Harbour, you'll find public toilets and a cafe/restaurant/bar. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre also has a cafe and gallery. For Kiltonga Nature Reserve Lake, parking is available.
Can I see historical sites near the lakes?
Yes, for example, near Strangford Lough, you can visit Ballydorn Bay & Lightship LV Petrel. This site features a permanently moored lightship, the LV Petrel, which now serves as the Down Cruising Club headquarters and is registered as a national historic ship.
What kind of wildlife can be observed at the lakes?
At Kiltonga Nature Reserve Lake, you can observe various birds such as swans, mallards, little grebe, moorhens, and coots from an observation area. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is home to the largest collection of ducks, geese, and swans in Ireland.
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