Ballyronan Marina, situated on the western shores of Lough Neagh in County Derry, is an award-winning, family-friendly destination ideal for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located approximately 5 miles from Magherafelt and 12 miles from Cookstown, this Blue Flag marina offers a picturesque setting with a clean beach, modern facilities, and a range of activities along Ireland’s largest inland lake (90-mile shoreline). With a Travellers’ Choice Award and positive reviews for its serene environment and glamping pods, it’s a popular spot for day trips or longer stays.
Board the Maid of Antrim for guided tours exploring the lake’s history, wildlife (e.g., migratory birds, eels), and traditions. Book via +44 7969 927 098. Other operators offer fishing trips, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing.
- Lough Neagh Canoe Trail: Paddlers can explore bays, inlets, or open waters, spotting wildlife like swans, grebes, and tufted ducks.
- Boat Berthing: Visitors arriving by boat can stay up to 7 nights on Jetty One (pre-book at +44 28 7941 8143).
- Cruises provide a relaxing way to learn about Lough Neagh’s 6,000km eel migration and historical sites like Ardboe High Cross. Water sports suit adventurers, though equipment rental availability varies (check with the marina). The lake’s vastness and Sperrin Mountains backdrop create a stunning setting, but the Lough Neagh Fly (a harmless midge) will be present seasonally, particularly in summer.
Land-Based Activities:
The marina offers scenic walks and family-friendly amenities:
- Ballyronan Wood Walk: A 5-acre wet woodland trail with pathways, viewpoints, and a bird hide for spotting mute swans, whooper swans, Bewick swans, great crested grebes, and tufted ducks.
- Wetland Walk and Eco Trails: A short trail behind the play park with illuminated riverside sections, ideal for evening strolls.
- Beach: A clean, Blue Flag-awarded sandy beach (2010) for paddling or relaxing, popular with families.
- Children’s Play Area: A large adventure playground with slides and climbing frames, rated “10/10” by young visitors.
- Picnic and BBQ Areas: Spaces for outdoor dining, though visitors must pack out waste.
The woodland and wetland walks are peaceful, with abundant wildlife and clear signage, perfect for birdwatchers or casual strolls. The beach and playground are family favorites, though no lifeguard is present, requiring parental supervision. The marina’s compact layout makes it easy to combine activities, with a typical visit lasting 2–4 hours.
Visitor Facilities:
- Marina Coffee Shop: Open daily (11:00 AM–5:00 PM), serving barista coffee, tea, homemade scones, and hot/cold snacks. Tasty Bites takeaway recently opened, offering additional dining options.
- Community Centre: Features a Function Hall for hire (e.g., weddings, dinners) with an alcohol license, retail units, and public toilets. Social dancing events occur on Saturday nights with sandwiches and a bar.
- Playgroup and Viewing Platform: A community playgroup and a platform overlooking Lough Neagh enhance the family experience.
- Parking: Ample free parking, though signage from Magherafelt could be clearer.
- The coffee shop and Tasty Bites provide convenient dining, though prices are moderate. The playground and community centre add vibrancy, with social dancing a unique draw for locals and visitors. Staff are praised for friendliness (e.g., accommodating glamping guests), though some note awkward shower layouts in the caravan park.
Accommodation Options:
Ballyronan offers diverse lodging:
- Caravan and Camping Site: Open 17 March–30 September, with 18 hardstanding caravan pitches, tent pitches, electric hookups, toilets, showers, and disability access facilities. Dogs are welcome on leads (not in glamping pods).
- On-Water Glamping Pods: Luxury floating pods sleep 2–4, with Wi-Fi, TV, showers, kitchens, and screened entries. One pod is fully disability-accessible. Reviewers laud their functionality and serene setting, ideal for longer stays.
- Houseboat Stays: Unique on-water accommodations for a novel experience.
- The glamping pods are a highlight, offering a “perfect home base” with Lough Neagh’s gentle waves as a lullaby. The caravan park is well-maintained but affected by midges in summer. First-time visitors may find the entrance barrier confusing without clear motorhome directions.
- Accessibility and Logistics: 135a Shore Road, Ballyronan, Magherafelt, BT45 6JG, signposted from Magherafelt town centre, 5 miles away. A 40-minute drive from Belfast via M2 and A6.
- Hours: Marina grounds are open year-round; facilities (coffee shop, community centre) operate 1 March–30 October, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (coffee shop 11:00 AM–5:00 PM). Check www.midulstercouncil.org or +44 28 7941 8143 for updates.
- Admission: Free entry to the marina, beach, trails, and playground. Activities (e.g., cruises, canoeing) and accommodations incur fees; book glamping/caravan pitches at www.midulstercouncil.org.
- Transport: Drive from Belfast (40 mins) or use Ulsterbus from Magherafelt (10 mins, £3–£5). Limited public transport from Belfast requires transfers.
The marina offers disability-access toilets, a wheelchair-accessible glamping pod, and flat paths around the beach/playground. Woodland trails have uneven sections, limiting full accessibility. Contact +44 28 7941 8143 for assistance.The marina’s free entry and Blue Flag status ensure broad appeal, with a Travellers’ Choice Award reflecting high satisfaction. The serene setting and family amenities are praised, though midges and occasional flies in summer are a minor nuisance. Nearby attractions like Seamus Heaney HomePlace (15-minute drive) and Springhill House complement visits.
Ballyronan Marina is a “wee haven” for families, with a clean beach, excellent playground, and wildlife-rich trails. The glamping pods and Maid of Antrim cruises are standout features, with friendly staff enhancing stays. Its proximity to Magherafelt and Lough Neagh’s vastness make it ideal for day trips or longer holidays. Social events like dancing add community charm.
Seasonal midges/flies, limited dining options, and unclear road signage frustrate some. The playground lacks lifeguard supervision, requiring vigilance. Smaller than expected, it may not suit those seeking larger resorts, and public transport access is limited.
What’s New:
- The Traad, Ballyronan, and Ballinderry Development Association (TABBDA) continues its Lottery-funded programme in 2025, hosting events like bat walks (led by Aidan Crean and Debbie Doolittle), wild food foraging with Dermot Hughes, and pottery classes with Stephen McGuigan at the Marina Centre. These build on 2024’s success, with bat walks highlighting Ballyronan Wood’s biodiversity. Visitors can engage in educational and creative activities, ideal for families and nature enthusiasts. Follow the Lough Shore Marina Centre Facebook page for event schedules and bookings.
- Ongoing Infrastructure Improvements: Following the 2021 redevelopment (new play area, extended car park, refurbished community building), Mid Ulster District Council plans minor upgrades in 2025, including better signage from Magherafelt and enhanced trail accessibility, addressing visitor feedback.
- Improved signage will ease navigation, and trail enhancements will benefit mobility-impaired visitors. Expect minor construction disruptions; check www.midulstercouncil.org for updates.
- Expanded Glamping and Caravan Bookings: The marina emphasizes its glamping pods and caravan park in 2025, with one pod’s disability access highlighted for inclusivity. Online booking improvements are planned to streamline reservations.
- Easier booking and accessible accommodations will attract more visitors, particularly families and those with mobility needs. Reserve early for summer via www.midulstercouncil.org.
Visitor Expectations and Tips
- Ballyronan Marina is a serene, family-friendly retreat with a Blue Flag beach, excellent playground, and wildlife-rich trails. The glamping pods, Maid of Antrim cruises, and Lumarina event are highlights, with friendly staff and free entry ensuring broad appeal. Its location near Seamus Heaney HomePlace (15-minute drive) and Magherafelt makes it a great Mid Ulster base.
- Seasonal midges/flies, limited dining, and smaller scale may disappoint those expecting a larger resort. Unclear signage and public transport access are drawbacks, and the playground requires parental supervision. Community centre events may not suit all visitors.
- Tips: Plan a 2–4-hour visit, starting with a Maid of Antrim cruise (book at +44 7969 927 098) or woodland walk. Bring a picnic to offset café costs and pack out waste. Pre-book glamping pods or Jetty One berths at +44 28 7941 8143. Visit March–October for full facilities; check www.midulstercouncil.org for Lumarina and event details. Drive from Belfast (40 mins) or use Ulsterbus from Magherafelt. Wear insect repellent for midges. Combine with Seamus Heaney HomePlace or Lough Neagh Fisheries Visitors Centre (20-minute drive) for a full day. For accessibility, contact the marina in advance.
- Ballyronan Marina offers a tranquil Lough Neagh escape with free access to a Blue Flag beach, playground, and wildlife trails, plus water sports, cruises, and luxury glamping pods. New for 2025, the Lumarina event (August 16), community-led bat walks and foraging, minor infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced bookings elevate its appeal. Located at 135a Shore Road, Ballyronan, it’s a family-friendly gem, 40 minutes from Belfast. For updates and bookings, visit www.midulstercouncil.org or call +44 28 7941 8143.
