Lough Beg

Overview

Lough Beg is a serene freshwater lake nestled just north of the larger Lough Neagh. It stretches roughly one mile across and three miles long, forming part of the Lower Bann River basin. The lake sits on the historic border between County Antrim and County Londonderry, and its shallow waters (3.3‑6.6 ft deep) are fed by the Lower Bann at the southern end and drained by the same river at the north. Designated a Ramsar site in 1985, the Lough Beg National Nature Reserve protects a mosaic of flood‑plains, marshes and grazed grassland that supports a wealth of wildlife.

Ramsar Designation & Conservation Details

Lough Beg (“little lough”) covers about 5 km² (1,125 ha) and is essentially a widening of the Lower Bann River just downstream from Lough Neagh. The reserve’s water is very shallow, with a mean depth of 1–2 m. About 200 ha of the west shore consists of unimproved wet grassland that is inundated each winter. The site meets all seven Ramsar criteria, highlighting its importance for:

• Habitat diversity – open water, reedbeds, wet grassland, fens, marginal swampy woodland and pasture.
• Rare flora – eight‑stamened waterwort, marsh pea, Irish lady’s‑tresses orchid, alder buckthorn, narrow small‑reed and holy grass.
• Invertebrates – the aquatic shrimp Mysis relicta, beetles Stenus palposus and Dyschirus obscurus, plus a suite of hoverflies, moths, butterflies and twelve dragonfly species.
• Birds – internationally important wintering Bewick’s and whooper swans, over 20,000 waterfowl in winter and nationally important breeding populations of grebe, gadwall, pochard, snipe, redshank, shelduck, teal, shoveler, lapwing and curlew.
• Fish – the rare Pollan (Coregonus pollan), one of only two UK sites for this salmonid.

The Ramsar site spans five counties – Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry and Tyrone – and forms a key part of the Lough Neagh watershed.

History & Background

The lake’s cultural story centres on Church Island, a tiny landform that was once a true island but is now reachable on foot during summer when water levels fall. Archaeological evidence points to a pre‑Viking monastic settlement, traditionally linked to Saint Taoide (St Thaddeus). The present stone church dates from the late‑medieval period, while a separate spire erected in the late 1700s was built so Bishop Harvey of Derry could see it from his home at Ballyscullion. A curious Bullaun Stone near the shoreline bears a hollow that, according to legend, was worn down by the saint’s prayers. Each year on the first Sunday in September pilgrims gather on the island to celebrate the feast of Saint Thaddeus.

Conservation Significance

Lough Beg (“little lough”) is a 1,125‑ha widening of the Lower Bann River and forms part of the larger Lough Neagh and Lough Beg Ramsar site. The reserve meets all seven Ramsar criteria, highlighting its importance for:

• Habitat diversity – shallow open water, reedbeds, wet grassland, fens and marginal swampy woodland.
• Rare flora – eight‑stamened waterwort, marsh pea, Irish lady’s‑tresses orchid, alder buckthorn, narrow small‑reed and holy grass.
• Invertebrate rarity – the aquatic shrimp Mysis relicta, two protected beetles (Stenus palposus and Dyschirus obscurus), several hoverflies, moths and butterflies, plus twelve dragonfly species.
• Bird populations – internationally important numbers of wintering Bewick’s and whooper swans, over 20,000 waterfowl in winter, and nationally important breeding birds such as great crested grebe, gadwall, pochard, tufted duck, snipe, redshank, shelduck, teal, shoveler, lapwing and curlew.
• Fish – the rare Pollan (Coregonus pollan) survives in low numbers, making the lake one of only two UK sites for this species.

Wildlife Highlights

• Birdwatching – 171 species have been recorded. The lake is a key breeding ground for the scarce Garganey and a regular stop‑over for migrating swans, geese and ducks. The RSPB‑run Dawn Chorus: Bird Walk and Talk (led by Seán Ronayne) offers an early‑morning immersion, ending with complimentary hot chocolate from the nearby HomePlace café.
• Botanical gems – the rare hooded lady’s‑tresses orchid (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) and Irish lady’s‑tresses orchid thrive on the damp grassland in late spring.
• Invertebrates – keep an eye out for the distinctive beetles Stenus palposus and Dyschirus obscurus, plus a variety of dragonflies that buzz over the reeds in summer.
• Fish – the Pollan, a relic salmonid, can be spotted in the deeper channels, though fishing is not permitted within the reserve.

What to See & Do

• Birdwatching – Use the Longpoint Wood viewpoint (also linked to the internal Bird Point guide) for the best hides.
• Church Island Exploration – While the island itself has no public right‑of‑way, the ruins, historic spire and Bullaun Stone can be admired from the designated viewpoint.
• Boat Tours – River Bann Tours operates a 90‑minute cruise from Portglenone Marina that circles Lough Beg, offering close‑up wildlife views. (Phone: +44 845 564 4764 – see note on phone number below.)
• Cycling & Running – The Lower Bann towpath provides a traffic‑free surface for cyclists and joggers. Popular road‑cycling loops include the Randalstown Viaduct – Randalstown Heritage Houses loop (22.8 mi, easy) and the Toome Lock – View of Lough Neagh loop (33.6 mi, moderate). Komoot also lists a Moyola River loop (8.2 mi) and several running routes ranging from 3.5 mi to 6.5 mi, all on mostly paved surfaces.
• Photography & Tranquility – Early morning light creates glass‑like reflections; the flat, accessible path at Longpoint Wood gives unobstructed angles of Church Island and the reed‑fringed shoreline.

Running & Trail Options

Beyond the cycling loops, the reserve is a favourite for walkers and runners. Komoot highlights a 4.1 mi View of the River Bann loop from Portglenone, a gentle route suitable for families and casual joggers. The Moyola River loop (8.2 mi) offers a slightly longer, moderate‑grade run with occasional wildlife spotting points. All routes are clearly sign‑posted and largely traffic‑free, though a few sections may cross livestock‑grazed flood‑plains – a reminder to stay alert.

Architecture & Design

A striking modern building sits on the shores of Lough Beg within the historic Ballyscullion Park demesne. The House at Lough Beg – a self‑built, award‑winning residence – received a RIBA National Award 2022 and the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) Design Award. Designed to blend with the surrounding woodland, the house uses hand‑made grey bricks and a zinc roof, and its construction was accompanied by the planting of 6,000 indigenous trees to restore and extend the park’s woodland. The project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can coexist sensitively with a protected landscape.

Cycling & Walking Routes

Komoot lists several well‑marked routes that start from the Portglenone area and loop around the reserve:

• Randalstown Viaduct – Randalstown Heritage Houses – 22.8 mi, 850 ft ascent, easy, suitable for all fitness levels.
• Toome Lock – View of Lough Neagh – 33.6 mi, 1,025 ft ascent, moderate, offers panoramic lake vistas.
• Garvagh Pyramid – Garvagh Forest Trails – 49.8 mi, 2,000 ft ascent, moderate, combines forest and lakeside scenery. All routes are predominantly on paved surfaces, with occasional unpaved sections that are clearly sign‑posted. Cyclists should watch for occasional livestock on the flood‑plains.

Practical Information

Lough Beg is a free‑entry nature reserve. Parking is provided at the Longpoint Wood viewpoint and is free of charge. A simple table summarises the key visitor details:

Getting There

The lake is easily reached by car from the A6 corridor. From Bellaghy, follow the Ballydermot Road signs toward the Longpoint Wood car park (approximately 2 km north of the town). Public transport options are limited; the most convenient approach is to drive or join a River Bann Tours departure from Portglenone Marina. For cyclists, the Lower Bann towpath offers a scenic, traffic‑free route that runs alongside the lake’s southern edge.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring & Summer – Water levels recede, exposing the foot‑path to Church Island and encouraging grazing livestock on the flood‑plains. Orchid spotting peaks in late May–June; dragonflies are most active.
• Autumn – Migratory birds arrive in large numbers, making the lake a hotspot for birdwatchers. The September pilgrimage to Church Island adds a cultural dimension to the natural scenery.
• Winter – The lake can become partially flooded, limiting foot access to the island but offering dramatic, mist‑shrouded vistas from the shoreline. Bewick’s and whooper swans dominate the winter sky.

Fishing & Angling

Coarse fishing is permitted on the Lower Bann waters that feed Lough Beg, but not within the protected reserve itself. Anglers must obtain a permit from the Fisheries Conservancy Board under the Lower Bann Fishing Scheme. Typical catches include pike, bream, roach and eel. As fishing is restricted to designated stretches outside the nature reserve, visitors should respect signage and stay on the established footpaths.

Cultural Connections

Lough Beg has inspired writers and artists. Seamus Heaney referenced the nearby Hill Head forge in his poetry, recalling the sounds of the blacksmith’s hammer that once rang across the wetlands. The Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, just a short walk from the lake, celebrates this literary link and offers exhibitions on the poet’s connection to the landscape.

Conservation Challenges

While the Ramsar designation offers strong protection, the wider Lough Neagh watershed faces pressures from sand dredging and proposed road schemes. Friends of the Earth have highlighted unlawful sand extraction from Lough Neagh and raised concerns about a planned dual‑carriageway that would cut through the wet meadows around Lough Beg, describing it as a potential ecocide. Ongoing advocacy aims to safeguard the lake’s unique habitats for future generations.

Nearby Attractions

Lough Beg sits within a rich cultural landscape. The Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy (a short walk from the lake) celebrates the Nobel laureate’s connection to the local waterways, and the Open Ground trail includes Lough Beg as one of its five literary waypoints. Golf enthusiasts can visit Moyola Park Golf Club, while history buffs may explore Bellaghy Bawn and the Ballyscullion Park estate, all within a 5‑mile radius.

Note: The phone number listed above belongs to River Bann Tours, the operator of the boat cruises. It is not a direct reserve contact.