Ulster-Scots: Strangford Lough Coastal Drive

Our Council area surrounds Strangford Lough, said to be the largest sea water inlet in the British Isles. At the Narrows, between Portaferry and Strangford, strong currents are created by millions of gallons of water surging through, the energy of which is captured by the SeaGen tidal turbine. In 1683, William Montgomery wrote of ‘... a whirle-poole or eddy of the returning tides, called by the Scotch the rowling weele from the loud sound it sometimes makes... near to which if small boats come ... it is said they will be suckt in ...’

The ferry crossing between Portaferry and Strangford is a must-do experience, giving a real sense of the strong currents below. You can see why the Vikings named this ‘Strong Fjord’. Windmill Hill overlooking Portaferry is the ideal viewpoint.

Coastal drives

Along the west coast the road winds through ancient Christian sites like Nendrum, island-hopping causeways, sailing clubs, and castles such as the ruined Sketrick to James Hamilton’s impressive 17th century home at Killyleagh, which looks like a grand French chateau.

Along the east coast from Newtownards to Portaferry is part of the St Patrick’s Trail. As you head south, get off the beaten track and take the lesser-known routes – hug
the coastline from Bishops Mill south to Portaferry; then travel from Portaferry up to Cloughey – the beauty of these country roads is an experience you’ll remember.

The outer North Channel coast is part of the Mourne Coastal Route, but it could just as easily be called the County Down Ulster-Scots Route. On a clear day Scotland is easily visible from Crawfordsburn to Cloughey – at night the lighthouses of the Mull of Galloway, and boats of all sizes from fishing trawlers to cruise ships, twinkle in the darkness.