Hidden Gems at Coleraine

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Hidden Gems

From local delicacies to hidden reminders of the Second World War, delve into the history and culture of the Lower Bann

Lough Neagh Eels
There is life beneath the surface of Lough Neagh, and lots of it. As well as freshwater fish including salmon, trout, perch and dollaghan, the lough is the largest producer of wild caught eels in Euope – and the story of how they get here is one of the wonders of the natural world. Displaying astonishing tenacity and endurance, the eels travel from the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic over a distance of 6,000km to Lough Neagh, where they stay for 10-15 years before making the journey back again. Now with EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, most of the eels are exported to the UK and Holland, but they are intrinsic to the food culture of the Lower Bann and can be tasted on menus around the area. Drop into The Crosskeys Inn during the summer and you might be lucky enough to happen upon an eel supper – a wonderfully relaxed way to enjoy a taste of this local delicacy.

Church Island, Lough Beg
Sitting between the Toome Canal and the Lower Bann on the border of Londonderry and Antrim, Lough Beg is one of the area's undiscovered gems. Here, amongst low-lying wetlands teeming with geese, ducks and swans, you'll find Church Island. Once only accessible by water, the island can now be reached on foot from the Londonderry side, and it's a place with an unexpectedly rich history. Sewn into the ruins of the church which rests beside an 18^th century spire are tales of St Patrick, who it's said came here to meet with Taoide, patron saint of the island. Keep an eye out for the bollán, too – a stone that gathers water that is said to have miraculous properties. Pilgrims have been drawn to the island since pagan times, and on the first Sunday of every September, people still make the 20-minute walk across the marshy land to gather here.

The Second World War
Look carefully and you'll find, hidden in drifts of sand and on leafy riverbanks around the Lower Bann, reminders of the Second World War. With the threat of invasion hanging in the air in the summer of 1940, the Lower Bann was considered a strategic location and precautions were taken to repel a possible enemy attack. Structures known as "pillboxes" – concrete bunkers with long narrow openings for machine guns were built around the area and you can still see these eerie relics of the mid-20^th century around the locks at Portna, Barmouth and Portglenone. A fascinating glimpse into the past…

Our Lady of Bethlehem Abbey (Portglenone Monastery)
The peace, serenity and tranquillity that the Lower Bann is renowned for is encapsulated in the Portglenone Abbey, a Cistercian monastery on the banks of the river (monks are part of the "Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance" otherwise known as "Trappists". Guests are welcomed, both on a day basis and overnight, and the monastery boasts a gift shop, beautiful leafy grounds and a tea room.

The Bann disc
Was it lost accidentally or was it placed in the river as an offering to the water gods? No one quite knows how the Bann disc ended up where it did, but in March 1939, during the dredging of the river south of Coleraine, it came to be in the hands of humans once again. Dated to between the first and third centuries, this delicately decorated bronze disc of just 10cm is one of the most precious finds to come from an area with a history that stretches all the way back to Mesolithic times. Described as one of the finest examples of Irish Celtic art styles anywhere in the world, the disc is currently on display in the Ulster Museum in Belfast.

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Abhainn Cruises Boat Tours

33 Loup Road
Toome
County Antrim

Bann River Cruises

Drumaheglis Marina,
Glenstall Rd,
Ballymoney
BT53 7QN

Bann Rowing Club

The Boathouse
Hanover Place
Coleraine
BT52 1EB

Foiling NI

Coleraine

Lough Neagh Tours

Lough Neagh Tours
Lough Neagh Partnership Ltd,
Unit 3 The Marina Centre,
135a Shore Road, Ballyronan,
Magherafelt, Co. Derry BT45 6JA

Lower Bann Heritage Tours

Newferry Waterski and Wakeboard Club

River Bann Tours

River Bann Tours
26B Station Road,
Magherafelt,
BT45 5DN

Robin Ruddock's Guided Open Canoe and Touring Kayak Tours

Portrush

The Edge Watersports

Crannagh Marine,
76 Portstewart Road,
Coleraine

White River Charters

The Cutts
40 Castleroe Road
Coleraine
BT51 3RL

Xplore Outdoors

North Coast

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General Notices
The River Bann is navigable from the sea to Lough Neagh. It is enjoyed by cruising boats, anglers, canoeists, waterskiers, wakeboarders and others. Zoning is in place to ensure the safe accommodation of all users.
The Lower Bann has two navigation authorities. Coleraine Harbour Commissioners manage the 8km of river from the Millennium Bridge in Coleraine to the sea and are responsible for Coleraine Harbour.
Contact Coleraine Harbour on
Tel no +44 (0)28 7034 2012
(V.H.F. Ch.12. Admiralty Chart Number 2499)
Waterways Ireland manage 52km of navigation from Lough Neagh to Coleraine Town Bridge.
Contact Waterways Ireland Coleraine Office on
Tel no +44 (0)287034 2358
Length & No of Locks
52km from Toomebridge to Coleraine (5 locks (1 double))
8km from Coleraine Centre to Barmouth (Managed by Coleraine Harbour Commissioners)
Navigational Criteria
Length: 35 m
Beam: 5.5 m
Draft: *1m
Air draft: 1.5m at high water Coleraine
                4.2m at low water Coleraine
Draft dimensions are given as a guide only and cannot be guaranteed.
*Masters of deep drafted boats are asked to contact the Operations office in Coleraine before travelling. Tel no +44 (0)28 7034 4342.
Navigation Markers
Along the Lower Bann the navigable channel is marked by red and white markers. Please keep to the white side of the markers.
Lifejackets
All boats should have suitable lifejackets for every adult and child on board. Waterways Ireland promotes the wearing of lifejackets by all users.
Navigation Legislation
The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea apply on the Lower Bann Navigation.
The main navigation guidelines on the Lower Bann are:
·       Keep to the right of the Channel when going upstream;
·       Keep well clear when passing or overtaking;
·       Make your intentions clear by early and distinct action;
·       Give way to craft converging from the right;
·       Give way to craft going downstream at bridges and channels;
·       Give way to bigger, less manoeuvrable craft;
·       Power must give way to sail, oar and paddle;
·       Do not cross the bows of oncoming craft; and
·       All users should be careful approaching locks and weirs, especially when the river is in flood.
A copy of the Regulations is available from most major book retailers.
Voluntary Code of Conduct
NOTE: Currently no bye-laws apply to navigation on the Lower Bann. A Voluntary Code of Conduct applies until navigation bye-laws come into operation.
The river is used by cruising boats, fishermen, canoeists, water-skiers and others,. To ensure that everyone can safely enjoy the river, please observe the following General Voluntary Code of Conduct:
·       Respect other river users;
·       Slow down when passing small craft and boats at jetties and slipways;
·       Keep wash and wake to a minimum;
·       Wear a buoyancy aid appropriate to activity;
·       Use a kill cord/cut-out switch on sports boats;
·       When skiing, have an observer or wing mirror;
·       Only ski or jet-ski in appropriate zones;
·       Ringoes and Biscuits should be used in ski zones only, at 32km.p.h./17 knots maximum with a rope no longer than 10m;
·       Avoid damaging banks, vegetation and disturbing wildlife by minimising wash;
·       Do not pollute the river with any kind of waste;
·       Give due respect to others engaged in competitions;
·       Slow down and keep clear of anglers and wading fishermen; and
·       Respect all designated zones.
The zones are designated on the navigation guide by the coloured lines down the edge of each shore. Please check the colour code against the Key to ensure use of the correct zone.
Landing Jetties
Landing jetties at locks are provided for users waiting to pass through the locks. These jetties are not intended for overnight mooring.
Water Levels
The water level in Lough Neagh and flow in the Lower Bann are substantially controlled by large sluice barrages across the River at Toomebridge, Portna and the Cutts. In periods of very wet weather the inflow to Lough Neagh rises substantially above the maximum flow that can be released through the sluice gates. The excess is ponded in the lough. Following a period of intense rainfall the river will remain in spate for days and if necessary weeks, until the water in Lough Neagh falls to the appropriate level. When the river is in spate the approaches from upstream to the navigation locks at the Cutts in particular and the locks at Portna, Movanagher and Carnroe can be dangerous and there may be dangerous eddies and currents at the bridges.
Navigation Guides and Brochures
Detailed information on all the inland waterways is provided in the navigation guides and brochures produced by Waterways Ireland. In addition information is provided in Waterways Ireland booklets on places to eat, events and angling hotspots. Visit the Waterways Ireland webshop for further details www.shopwaterwaysireland.org
Maps and Charts
The Lower Bann is covered by three Ordnance Survey maps at 1:50,000 scale. These are:
·       Number 4 (Sea to Castleroe)
·       Number 8 (Castleroe to Portglenone)
·       Number 14 (Portglenone to Lough Neagh)
Admiralty Chart 2494 'Plans on the North Coast of Ireland' covers the Bann Estuary.
Admiralty Chart 2163 covers Lough Neagh.
Emergency Services
Emergency Services - Dial 999
On the water - ask for the Coastguard - Dial 999
Textphone - 18000 (for the hearing impaired)
PSNI non-emergency number - 101
Bridges
There are a number of fixed & moveable bridges over the Lower Bann Navigation with the navigation channel clearly marked with a downward arrow(s) above the navigable arch of the bridge. Be aware that all of the navigable arches are open to traffic from both directions and approach with caution. Check the airdraft of your boat to ensure your craft can pass safely under each bridge. A side perspective of each bridge on the Lower Bann is provided on the map showing the bridge from the downstream side and illustrating the navigable channel(s).
Air draft 1.5m* at high water Coleraine
4.2m* at low water Coleraine.
*For guidance only
Mast Lowering Facility
There is a mast lowering facility at Coleraine Marina.
Dry Docks
A Dry Dock Facility is not available from Waterways Ireland on the Lower Bann.
Electricity & Water
Water is available on the jetties at:
Coleraine Marina (CBC)
Christie Park (CBC)
Cutts Lock (Waterwats Ireland)
Drumaheglis Marina (BBC)
Movanagher Lock (Waterways Ireland)
Kilrea Bridge Jetty/Portneal (Waterways Ireland)
Portna Lock (Waterways Ireland)
Portglenone Marina (BBC)
Newferry West (MDC)
Newferry East (BBC)
Toomebridge Lock House Jetty (Waterways Ireland)
Waterways Ireland does not provide electricity on jetties on the Lower Bann.
Fuel is available at Coleraine Marina
Inspectorate
The Inspectorate of Navigation is responsible for enforcing the navigational bye-laws, maintaining a register of vessels and carrying out inspections of Waterways Ireland harbours and jetties to ensure that they are used and kept in a safe and responsible manner.
The Inspectorate is authorised to board craft, ask for and receive accurate information, impose fines, manage harbour moorings and order the removal of vessels from the navigations.
The Inspectorate frequently patrol the waterways by road and water, monitoring general boating practices. Any irresponsible behaviour or poor boatmanship is immediately brought to the attention of the owner of the craft. Craft speeding within speed restriction areas are similarly dealt with.
For further information on navigating and boat queries on the Lower Bann Navigation, contact the Inspectorate on the following:
Inspector of Navigation
inspectorate.athlone@waterwaysireland.org
+353 (0)90 649 4232
Locks
Locks
The 5 locks on the Lower Bann are operated by Lock keepers. a lock passage is £1 per lock, with a reduction to £0.50 for two or more boats. Please contact the lock-keepers on the following numbers before travelling:
Toome +44 77 9953 3891
Portna +44 28 2954 0214
Movanagher & Carnroe +44 28 2954 0570
Cutts +44 28 7034 2999
Opening Hours of Locks
1st April to 31st May: 10.00 to 18.30
1st June to 31st August: 09.00 to 20.00
1st September to 31st October: 10.00 to 18.00
1st November to 31st March: 10.00 to 16.00
Lunch (locks closed): 13.00 to 14.00
Maintenance Works
Maintenance Works
Maintenance works on the Lower Bann are whenever possible, carried out during the winter. Before navigating any waterway between 1 November and 17 March you are advised to contact the Operations Division during office hours to confirm that the section of waterway you wish to navigate is open.
Operations Office:
Coleraine: +44 (0)28 7034 4342
Marine Notices
Marine Notices are issued by the Inspectorate to draw the attention of boat users to navigational issues such as high water levels, navigation works and closures, and to highlight potential areas of danger. They also remind boat users of their obligations and responsibilities under the Navigation Bye-laws. Marine Notices are published on our website www.waterwaysireland.org
If you would like to receive Marine Notices by email, please send a request to inspectorate.athlone@waterwaysireland.org

Permits and Registration

There are no Bye-laws in place on the Lower Bann. A voluntary code drawn up by stakeholders is in place and has created zones for activity. Boaters using other waterways often register there, for example on lough Erne which is free of charge. You can register online here.

Zone	Activity
Cranagh Marina - Coleraine Marina	Powered Watersport Zone
Coleraine Marina – Loughan Island (south)	Low Wash Zone
Loughan Island - Drumaheglis	Powered Watersport Zone
Drumaheglis – Ferrytown Wood	Low Wash Zone
Ferrystown Wood – Moneygran Wood	Barefoot Waterskiing Zone
Moneygran Wood – 50m upstream of first fishing stand at Glenone Forest	Low Wash Zone
50m upstream of last fishing stand at Glenone Forest - Newferry	Powered Watersport Zone
Newferry – Lough Beg	Jetski Zone
Lough Beg - Toomebridge	Low Wash Zone

Public Mooring Time Limits
No time limits are in place.

Service Blocks

Toilets, Shower and Laundry services are provided by mutiple organisations on the Lower Bann.

Location	Toilets	Showers	Laundry
Cranagh Marina (Private Ownership)	Y	Y
Coleraine Marina (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council)	Y	Y	Y
Christie Park Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council)	Y
Cutts Lock (Waterways Ireland)	Y	Y
Loughan Marina (Private Ownership)	Y	Y
Drumaheglis Marina (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council)	Y	Y	Y
Carnroe Lock (Waterways Ireland)	Y
Movanagher Lock (Waterways Ireland)	Y	Y
Movanagher Campsite (Waterways Ireland)	Y	Y
Portna Lock (Waterways Ireland)	Y	Y
Portna Campsite (Waterways Ireland	Y	Y
Portglenone Marina (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council)	Y	Y
Newferry East (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council)	Y	Y
Newferry West (Mid Ulster Council)	Y

Pump-outs
Pump-outs are provided at Drumaheglis Marina to enable the pumping out of sewage safely and cleanly removing the pollution risk to the waterways. There is also a pump-out service on Fridays at Coleraine Marina , which will incur a charge. Telephone +44 (0)28 7034 4768 to avail of this service.

Slipways
Slipways facilitating access to the Lower Bann can be found at:
Seaton's Marina (Private)
Cranagh Marina (Private)
Coleraine Marina (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council)
Loughan Marina (Private)
Drumaheglis Marina (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council)
Portna Lock (Waterways Ireland)
Portglenone Marina (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council)
Newferry East (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council)
Newferry West (Mid Ulster Council)
Toomebridge Lock (Waterways Ireland)
Fees and restrictions may apply on slipways owned by organisations other than Waterways Ireland.
Smart Cards
Smart cards are used to operate the locks on the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Shannon Navigation and service blocks along the waterways. The cards are also used to gain access to the service blocks and to use the services.
Services use the following number of units:
• Locks: 1 unit (Shannon-Erne Waterway)
• Locks: 2 units (Shannon Navigation)
• Bridges: 2 units (Shannon Navigation)
• Pump-outs: 2 units
• Showers: 2 units
• Chemical Toilets: 2 units
• Washing Machines: 5 units
• Tumble Dryers: 5 units
• 2kwh Electricity: 1 unit
The smart cards cost €6.35 for a 10Unit card or €12.70 for a 20Unit card and can be purchased from the Patrollers, Lockkeepers, Waterways Ireland’s online shop www.shopwaterwaysireland.org and retail outlets along the waterway. Information on all outlets can be found here.
Speed Limit and your Wash
All engine-powered boats create a wake i.e. a flow that causes a disturbance in the water behind a boat. You are advised to reduce your speed in narrow channels not only to ensure your safety but to prevent bank erosion, damage to reed beds and destruction of birds; nests among reed and bank habitats. Slow down to ensure minimum wash where boats are moored, when approaching quays, jetties or locks or where water activities are taking place. Zoning is in place on this waterway. Power-boating, waterskiing and jet-skiing are catered for in designated areas. These zones are marked clearly on the map.
Entering the waterway from the sea
The Lower Bann is navigable from the sea at the Barmouth. Care should be taken at the entrance as in rough conditions there can be breaking waves. Coleraine Harbour Commissioners manage the 8km of river from the Millennium Bridge in Coleraine to the sea and are responsible for Coleraine Harbour.
Contact Coleraine Harbour on
Tel no +44 (0)28 7034 2012
(V.H.F. Ch.12. Admiralty Chart Number 2499)
From the Sea to Coleraine
The information in this section relates to the navigation from the sea to Coleraine Town Bridge and has been kindly supplied by Coleraine Harbour Commissioners.
River Bann Entrance
The entrance to the River Bann from the sea lies between two stone piers. The sandbanks forming the bar change positions considerably with varying weather. In strong winds from North (N) to West North West (WNW), or after prolonged winds from West (W) to South West (SW) which cause a heavy swell, the entrance is difficult and at times impracticable. The river entrance is maintained at 3.5m Low Water Ordinary Spring Tides (LWOST) but is subject to silting. Breakers on the West Pier (Castlerock) are common; breakers on the Portstewart Pier may indicate that the bar is impassable. Do not attempt to enter
River Channel from the Barmouth to Coleraine Town Bridge
The channel to Coleraine is 8km in length with a minimum width 45m and is maintained at a depth of 3.4m. The International Association of Lighhouse Authorities (IALA) Buoyage System (Region A) - Red to Port is in place.
Positions
Coleraine Harbour (55 08'.10 N,006 40'.45 W)
Coleraine Marina (55 08'.64 N,006 40'.55 W)
Seaton's Marina (55 09'.22 N,006 41' 76 W)
Railway Bridge (55 08'.35 N, 006 40'.36 W)
Railway Bridge
The Railway Bridge is a lifting bridge and is operated by Translink staff (Tel: Coleraine +44 (0)28 7032 5400; VHF Ch 12). The bridge is controlled by the Coleraine signal box and bridge operation is dependent on the location of trains.
Bridge clearance heights at zero reading on Coleraine Harbour Tide Gauge
·       Railway Bridge 7.0m
·       Town Bridge 4.2m
VHF
WHEN IN THE LOWER BANN ESTUARY ALL VESSELS SHOULD MAINTAIN A LISTENING WATCH ON CHANNEL 12.
·       Coleraine Harbour Radio- Ch 12;
·       Seaton's Marina- Ch 37;
·       Coleraine Marina- Ch 37
Tidal Streams
In the River Bann the weak in-going stream, is reduced both in strength and duration after heavy rain, correspondingly increasing the out-going stream. During the in-going stream the coastal stream at Spring Tides runs strongly across the entrance. The outgoing stream forms ripples and overfalls where it meets the coastal streams. Leisure craft should be aware that large commercial vessels up to 85m transit the river as far as Coleraine Harbour.
Coleraine Harbour
Coleraine Harbour is situated 8km inland from the Barmouth, 55 08' North longitude 6 40' West. Prevailing winds are westerly.
·       Tidal rise at Spring Tide 1.9m and at Neap Tide 0.9m;
·       Maximum size vessel 85m length, 13.5m beam, 4.0m draft. Draft restrictions may apply;
·       Working channel vhf 12 (office hours only);
·       Pilotage is compulsory for commercial vessel on the River Bann. Pilots board from the pilot cutter 'Borderer' (vhf 12) which is stationed at Portstewart. Fair weather anchorage just west of pilot boarding station anchorage. Also Skerries Roadstead and Lough Foyle;
·       The port has three quays 217m in length and three transit sheds totalling 2610 square metres. A 45 tonne crawler crane is available for general/bulk cargos. One twin screw tug 'Confidence' 900 hp 11t bollard pull available.
Leisure Users
·       Coleraine Harbour offers lift-out facilities for yachts up to 16 tonnes;
·       Hard standing and undercover storage are available;
·       Repair facilities are available on site.
Contact Details
Coleraine Harbour Commissioners
Riversdale Rd
Prehen Park
Coleraine
BT52 1RY
Tel no +44 (0)28 7034 2012
Fax no +44 (0)28 7035 2000
Email: chc@utvinternet.com

Posted: 16/09/2023

Marine Notice No 95 of 2023 - Lower Bann Navigation - Blue-Green Algae Blooms - Advisory Information

Notice Number 95 of 2023

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