Top 5 Lakes around Ballymoney

Visitors to the Ballymoney area frequently enjoy the serene beauty of Blue Lough, a picturesque mountain lake. Another favorite is Sandy beach at Lough Shanna, known for its unique sandy shore high in the mountains. The area around View of Castlewellan Castle is also highly regarded for its scenic views and surrounding trails.

For a wide range of water sports, The Lake Kilrea, a short drive from Ballymoney, offers Ireland's largest inflatable water park, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and pedalos. Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles, also provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing from access points like Ballyronan Marina.

Yes, Bann Valley Fishery, located between Ballymoney and Kilrea, is an excellent spot for quality brown and rainbow trout fly fishing, operating on a catch-and-release basis. Lough Neagh also offers various fishing opportunities.

The Lake Kilrea is a highly recommended family-friendly destination with its inflatable water park, high ropes, and zip line, suitable for ages 6 and up. Lough Neagh's Ballyronan Marina offers a beach, play area, and eco trails. Additionally, View of Castlewellan Castle, Castlewellan Peace Maze, and Castle Park Boating Pond are all noted as family-friendly attractions with activities like boating and exploring mazes.

Many lakes offer walking opportunities. You can find trails around the lake at View of Castlewellan Castle. Lough Neagh's access points like Ballyronan Marina feature wetland walks and eco trails, while Oxford Island Nature Reserve has diverse walking trails. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore various routes in the wider region, including moderate to difficult trails like Hare's Gap & Slieve Bearnagh from Trassey Car Park, or easier options such as the Stepping Stones at Mourne AONB loop. Find more details on these routes in the hiking guide for Ballymoney.

Yes, the area offers several road cycling routes that pass by or near lakes. For example, you can find routes like the Climb by Rostrevor Forest – Spelga Reservoir Hill Climb loop from Castlewellan. More cycling options are detailed in the road cycling guide for Ballymoney.

The lakes around Ballymoney offer diverse natural beauty. Blue Lough is known for its impressive mountain scenery. Bann Valley Fishery's island attracts various wildlife, including ducks, water hens, and swans. Lough Neagh, particularly at Oxford Island Nature Reserve, is a designated National Nature Reserve with diverse habitats, making it excellent for bird-watching and experiencing local wildlife.

Yes, View of Castlewellan Castle offers a glimpse of an ornate Scottish baronial castle built in the mid-1800s, surrounded by a lake and extensive arboretum. Nearby, the Castlewellan Peace Maze is one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes, representing a significant cultural landmark.

The Lake Kilrea provides onsite catering, changing rooms, and toilet facilities. Bann Valley Fishery offers a toilet and a comfortable shelter with a log-burning stove. Lough Neagh's Ballyronan Marina has a Blue Flag award, indicating good facilities, and Oxford Island Nature Reserve includes the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Castle Park Boating Pond also has facilities, including swan boats for hire.

Yes, there are easy walking routes suitable for various abilities. For instance, the area around View of Castlewellan Castle and Castlewellan Lake offers gentle trails. Lough Neagh's Ballyronan Marina and Oxford Island Nature Reserve also have accessible paths. You can find more easy hiking options in the easy hikes guide for Ballymoney, such as the View of Castlewellan Castle – Castlewellan Lake loop.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the warmer months from spring to autumn are ideal for water sports and extended outdoor activities. For fishing, Bann Valley Fishery is open from March to October. Nature observation, especially bird-watching at Lough Neagh, can be rewarding in various seasons depending on migration patterns.

Many outdoor areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, especially for walks. For example, Castlewellan Peace Maze is noted as dog-friendly. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash and follow local guidelines, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock.