Strangford Lough
From Free net encyclopedia
Strangford Lough (Loch Cuan in Irish) is a lough in County Down, Northern Ireland, separated from the Irish Sea by the Ards peninsula. It is a popular tourist attraction noted for its fishing and the picturesque villages and townships which border its waters. The most notable of these is Portaferry, a small village of around 3,000 people with a reputation for hospitality and the lively atmosphere in the pubs and restaurants. Some consider the region to be home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland.
This stunning island studded sea lough is the largest inlet in the British Isles covering 150 square kilometres. Almost totally landlocked, the lough is approached from the Irish Sea through the eight kilometre long fast running tidal Narrows, which open out into more gentle waters where, it is said, there are 365 islands, one for every day of the year. In reality there are 70. Countless tidal rocky outcrops called pladdies litter the Lough and mudflats, marshes, rocks, bays and headlands all go to make this a cruising paradise.
The Lough is a conservation area and its abundant wildlife recognised internationally for its importance.
Strangford Lough is an important winter migration destination for many wading and sea birds.