DAY TRIP 4 - Setting sail on Strangford Lough with the Tall Ships
This week we were in for a real treat with an invite from Down District Council (www.downdc.gov.uk) to join them for a special cruise on board a Tall Ship – truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Armed with our waterproofs and trusty £18.50 Translink Family Day Ticket we headed for Strangford Lough. From Belfast Europa Bus Centre we took the Ulsterbus Goldline service to Downpatrick. After a quick bus change in Downpatrick Bus Centre we arrived at the Strangford Arms bus stop which is less than a two minute walk to the Ferry Terminal, then down at the pier we clambered onto a small boat called ‘The Brothers’ which ferried us out to the ‘Atlantis’.
The weather was perfect for sailing- glorious sunshine and just the right amount of breeze to put the wind in the sails. To our right was the picturesque town of Portaferry and to our left Castle Ward however our sights were firmly set on the magnificent ‘Atlantis’ anchored in the middle of the Lough. Grace was convinced the boat was going to topple so the boys tried to rock it a little bit more - what can I say, boys will be boys?!
The Tall Ship ‘Atlantis’ is 57m long, 7.45m wide and has a mast height of 33m – it really is an impressive vessel. We were greeted on board by an Irish Folk trio called ‘Cap on the Wall’ who serenaded us throughout the morning whilst we tucked into some delicious canapés- prepared especially by the Ship’s very own onboard cook.
During the cruise Grace and I relaxed on deck while the boys explored. The Valhalla Theatre group, dressed in costume, were re-enacting a typical pirate spat - they really know how to put on a show.
The cruise around the Lough lasted about an hour and a half, but we could have stayed on board all day. Once back on land we nipped into the Strangford Arms for a quick cuppa and then headed back to Belfast on the Goldline coach.
The Tall Ships won’t be in Northern Ireland for at least another twenty years, so while they’re here we’re definitely going to be taking advantage of all the fantastic activities in store with friends and family. Belfast will play host to the Tall Ships fleet from 13th to 16th August as they cross the finish line of the 2009 Atlantic Challenge. It’s expected that over 400,000 visitors will attend with quayside activities including music, street theatre, fireworks and a continental market.
- Venue: Queen's Quay, Albert Quay, Clarendon Dock, Pollock Dock and Custom House Square
- Opening times: Thursday 13 August 12noon-9pm, Friday 14 August 12noon-9pm, Saturday 15 August 10am-9pm, Sunday 16 August 10am-4pm.
The Children Say:
“What a day! We both had an amazing time on board the Tall Ship – it really is huge! On board we met a deck hand called Brennan from California. It was so cool to hear about his voyage across the ocean and he even let us help hoist the sails.”
Getting to the Tall Ships Festival, August 13-16, Belfast:
• Pick up Translink’s Tall Ships Travel Guide available from all bus and rail stations or download at www.translink.co.uk/tallships. For further travel information call 028 9066 6630.
• FREE Tall Ships Shuttles: Translink will be providing a free Tall Ships Shuttle Service operating between festival sites (every 10 minutes). A free City Centre Shopper Service will also operate every 10 minutes bringing visitors from the shops to the ships. For details see Translink Travel Guide.
• NI Railways- Travel from any NIR Station on the local network after 9.30am and receive 1/3 off a day return ticket. Discount Sunday Day Tracker ticket also available for unlimited rail travel. Belfast Central Station, Great Victoria Street Station and Yorkgate Station are all in close proximity to festival sites and free festival shuttle service. On Sunday 16th August, additional train services will operate between Belfast – Bangor and Belfast – Carrickfergus and Jordanstown to bring people to the best vantage points for the spectacular Parade of Sail flotilla.
• Metro- Belfast’s local bus services take you to the Tall Ships. Family day tickets £9 (2 Adults and up to 4 children), Metro day ticket, travel after 9.30am for just £2.70.
• Goldline and Ulsterbus- Laganside and Europa Bus Centres are within walking distance to the event. Special Ulsterbus Tall Ships Day Tours will depart local depots across Northern Ireland. See Tall Ships Travel Guide for details.
• Further Tall Ships Top Tickets- Translink Family Day Ticket offers unlimited bus and rail travel for up to 2 adults and 4 children for just £18.50. Translink Bus Rambler Ticket offers unlimited Ulsterbus, Goldline, Goldline and Metro bus travel for just £8 after 9.15am (Children under 16 half price).
