Kinnego Marina, located within the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve on the southern shores of Lough Neagh in Lurgan, County Armagh, is a serene waterside attraction offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities. As part of the largest freshwater lake in Ireland, it’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, walkers, and those seeking outdoor adventures.
What Visitors Can Expect at Kinnego Marina and Oxford Island
- Scenic Location and Wildlife: Situated on Lough Neagh, Kinnego Marina is part of the 400-acre Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot. Visitors can explore diverse habitats, including woodlands, wildflower meadows, reedbeds, and wetlands, home to birds like robins, blue tits, great tits, dunnocks, swans, coots, and occasionally rare species like the great northern diver. The marina’s sheltered bay offers striking views across the 400 sq km lake, with opportunities to spot aquatic wildlife such as roach, bream, perch, pike, and eels. The Lough Neagh Canoe Trail starts here, making it a key access point for water-based activities.
- Walking Trails: The Oxford Island trail network includes flat, tarmac, and gravel paths (at least 80cm wide) suitable for leisurely strolls or longer hikes. A recommended 3–5km loop starts at Kinnego Marina car park, circles a pond, follows the breakwater, and winds through woodlands to the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. The trail includes birdwatching hides (e.g., Closet viewing area) and a telescope, though steep steps near some hides and occasional muddy puddles in wet weather require sturdy footwear. Paths are well-maintained but may have loose stones (up to 10cm), tree roots, or potholes, with gradients over 6% in places.
- Lough Neagh Discovery Centre: Located a 5-minute walk from the marina, this centre offers environmental education and events, including exhibitions on Lough Neagh’s ecology and history. It features a shop, accessible toilets, and the Loughside Café, serving homemade meals, cakes, and coffee with lake views. The centre is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (until 6:00 PM on Sundays, April–September).
Recreational Activities:
- Boating and Watersports: As the largest marina on Ireland’s largest lake, Lough Neagh, Kinnego offers boat berths, slipways, and instruction in watersports like canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. Boat trips around the lake’s secluded bays and islands are available, showcasing its 6,000-year-old eel fishing history and archaeological significance.
- Fishing: The sheltered bay is renowned for coarse fishing, with species like roach, bream, hybrids, perch, pike, and eels. Fishing permits and equipment are available on-site.
- Kinnego Bushcraft Centre: Offers outdoor activities like archery, bushcraft workshops, and team-building, ideal for groups or families seeking adventure.
- Family-Friendly Features: A state-of-the-art, conservation-inspired play park, unique to Oxford Island, features inclusive equipment for children of all abilities. The playground, combined with open spaces and picnic areas, makes the site ideal for families. Activity sheets and environmental programmes at the Discovery Centre engage young visitors with nature.
- Kinnego Marina Caravan and Camping Park: This award-winning site (4/5 on TripAdvisor, 96 reviews) offers fully serviced pitches for caravans (£25/night, no awning charge) and tents (£25/night with electric hook-up). Facilities include modern showers, laundry, toilets, a reception block, and a café. The site’s lakeside location provides stunning views, though a £20 cash deposit is required for toilet/gate keys. Booking is recommended via www.campingni.com or +44 28 3832 7573.
- The marina and Discovery Centre are wheelchair-accessible, with disabled parking, toilets, and a café. The first 0.5km of trails is suitable for wheelchairs, but steps and uneven surfaces (e.g., loose stones, roots) limit full accessibility. Paths will be muddy in wet weather, and obstacles like steps or surface breaks (>75mm) are present. A clear head height of over 2.1m is maintained.
Visitor Logistics:
- Hours: Marina and trails open daily, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM (summer, March–September, increasing by hour as days lengthen) and 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (winter, October–February). Discovery Centre hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (6:00 PM Sundays, April–September). Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Lurgan, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, BT66 6NJ. Signposted off M1 at Junction 10, a 30-minute drive from Belfast, 10 minutes from Portadown. Accessible by bus to Lurgan and a short taxi ride.
- Admission: Free for trails and Discovery Centre; fees apply for caravan/camping pitches, boat trips, and watersport rentals. Pre-booking recommended for camping and boat activities.
- A visit lasts 2–4 hours, covering trails, the play park, café, and Discovery Centre. Boat trips or bushcraft activities may extend the visit.
- Visitor Amenities: The Loughside Café and a smaller café at the marina serve meals and snacks. Free parking is available at both Kinnego Marina and Oxford Island, though barriers close overnight. Dogs are allowed on leads, but dog fouling is a minor issue near the marina paths. Litter is minimal, and the site is generally clean.
- Visitor Feedback: Visitors praise the “beautiful” lake views, well-maintained paths, and family-friendly amenities like the play park and cafés. The marina’s facilities and wildlife draw positive reviews, though some note muddy paths in wet weather, steep steps near viewing hides, and occasional dog fouling near the marina. The caravan park’s modern facilities and staff friendliness are highlights, with a 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor.
What’s New for 2025
- Oxford Island Masterplan Progress: A 2019 masterplan proposed sprucing up Kinnego Marina, including a new marina facility. While not confirmed for completion in 2025, visitors will see initial upgrades like improved signage, enhanced boat berths, or refreshed amenities at the marina or caravan park, aligning with the council’s vision for Oxford Island’s future.
- Environmental Education Events: The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre’s 2025 programme will expand its environmental education, with new workshops, guided walks, and talks on Lough Neagh’s ecology, possibly tied to
- Play Park Enhancements: The bespoke, conservation-inspired play park, opened in recent years, will see minor updates in 2025, such as new equipment or interpretive signs to highlight its eco-friendly design, reinforcing the reserve’s sustainability focus.
- Lough Neagh Canoe Trail Promotion: As part of regional tourism efforts, the marina’s role as an access point for the Lough Neagh Canoe Trail will be highlighted in 2025 with new digital guides or maps, encouraging water-based exploration of the lake’s bays and islands.
In 2025, visitors to Kinnego Marina and Oxford Island can expect a tranquil, nature-focused experience with stunning Lough Neagh views, diverse wildlife, and accessible trails. The marina’s boating, fishing, and bushcraft activities cater to adventure seekers, while the play park, cafés, and Discovery Centre make it ideal for families. The Craigavon Lake Run and new camping membership add vibrancy, and potential marina upgrades enhance the visitor experience. Be prepared for muddy paths in wet weather (wear walking boots) and occasional dog fouling near the marina. Arrive early to enjoy quieter trails and secure parking, and check www.getactiveabc.com or www.discoverloughneagh.com for event schedules and camping bookings. Combine with nearby attractions like Lurgan Park or Tannaghmore Gardens for a full day out. For inquiries, contact Kinnego Marina at +44 28 3832 7573 or the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre at +44 28 3832 2205.
