A Special Protected Area

Larne Lough is a sea lough on the east coast of Northern Ireland. It is enclosed to the east by the peninsula of Islandmagee. Much of the estuary is shallow, having become extensively infilled with sediments of fine muddy sand, and at low water the largest areas of intertidal flats are exposed in the south of the estuary. The lough is of importance as a breeding and feeding area for a number of tern species as well as being a wintering site for the Canada/Ireland population of Light-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota.

Find out more about the protected wildlife.

Europe's Largest Superdump

Naturally, because of its importance, it was considered in 1996 as an excellent place for Northern Ireland's main landfill rubbish tip. The landfill site would have covered 160 acres, receiving 300,000 tonnes of rubbish per annum (over the next 30 years). This tonnage represents almost half of NI's total yearly waste.

Following a six-week public enquiry, the application was turned down. Many believe, however, that the issue has not gone away.

Larne Borough Council

Larne Borough Council is in charge of administering the area around the lough, which includes Northern Ireland's largest port outside Belfast, a long stretch of coastline to the north, and a rural and hilly hinterland and a fourteen square mile peninsula, Islandmagee.

Activities based around Larne

For excellent tips on what to do around Larne Lough, and covering the coastline all the way from Newtownabbey to the Giant's Causeway, visit the Causeway Coasts and Glens website.

Views of the Lough

I've added some pictures taken from a train travelling up the western shore showing Larne Lough and its major landmarks.