Local Area Information

The only Coastguard Boat House, you can sleep in, is not only ideally located for sea lovers (less than a metre from the sea) but it is also very convenient for travellers and tourists. 

Although located in a private lane with on site parking - a car is not essential as you can catch a bus into Belfast at the top of the lane (a 30 second walk) or you can walk 5 minutes down the road and get a train at Whiteabbey station. The trains go into the city centre, and from there a train to Portrush (Giant's Causeway) and other key tourism attraction is possible and you can be at these attractions in less than 40 minutes. 

The Belfast Boat House is less than 15 minutes drive (or a ten min train/bus ride) from the Gobbins Cliff Path and Carrickfergus Castle. 

If you don't fancy heading into Belfast City Centre then Whiteabbey village is a five minute walk away and has a supermarket, a pharmacy, dry cleaners, stitch shop and a variety of restaurants (Little Wings, Whose Cafe, Sozo, Mauds Ice cream, The Bureau, Spice Merchant) and take away food businesses including three dog friendly pubs/restaurants.  There is even a New York style wine tasting bar (The Sipster) and specialist wine merchant.   The village has also an events programme with Spring, Summer Fayres and special events (many of which take place right beside the Lough Shore.)  It is a quiet, friendly spot which offers a real taste of village like in Northern Ireland.  

However, most folks choose to visit because we are on the Coast. The coastal path, can take you right into the city centre, and we provide a tide clock so you can watch the tides and walk on the beach at low tide.  There are even four ship wrecks to explore, under the old coal pier, which is a listed monument right opposite the Boat House front windows.