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Moy – Coney Island

This 9 mile (15km) trip from Blackwatertown to Coney Island takes in the highlights of this trail. You can also choose to camp overnight on Coney Island.

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Points of Interest

Moy, The Argory, Bond’s Bridge. Verner’s Bridge, Coney Island

Itinerary

This itinerary has been compiled using an estimated paddling speed of 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) per hour and also allowing time for lunch breaks and the many photo opportunities along the way.  Please check forecast before departing.

Day 1 Moy (GR H853 560) to Coney Island (GR H937 640) 9 miles (15km)

 Start your trip at Moy (GR H853 560), access is available at the Quay on the left hand side of the river just downstream of the bridge. The village is renowned for its antique shops which may not be that practical on a canoe trip but a large Spar shop is just a short walk from the access point so you can top up on those energy boosting drinks and snacks before setting off. A further walk into the village square offers 8 pubs and 2 restaurants including The Ryandale Guest Inn (+44 (0)28 8778 4829)

From Moy, a short 2 mile (3.5km) paddle will bring you to The Argory, (GR H870 583) often described as one of the jewels in The National Trust’s crown.  If you have time why not take a tour of the 19^th Century house – a Neo-classical masterpiece.  Or simply call in for a break at the tea shop (seasonal opening)

A further 6.5 mile (10.5km) paddle through beautiful countryside will bring you to Maghery Country Park.  Verner’s Bridge (GR H882 612) offers a good place for a further rest stop along the way.

The River Blackwater enters Lough Neagh at Maghery Country Park and Coney Island is ¾ mile (1.2km) from Maghery Slip.  Lough Neagh becomes rough and Maghery is particularly exposed in strong northerly or easterly winds.  It is recommended to bring rafting poles for this section of the journey. 

Coney Island is beautifully maintained by the National Trust and offers a well manicured rough camping area just beside the canoe steps. There is also a BBQ area.  Coney Island’s achilles heel is the Lough Neagh fly which, although harmless can be highly annoying during calm weather around late April / early May.  To camp on Coney Island please telephone Kinnego Marina +44 (0)28 3832 7573 or Coney Island Warden (0788 7827230) – a small fee is charged.

Day 2 Coney Island (GR H937 640) to Maghery Slip (GR H926 637) 0.75 miles (1.2km)

On day two you can either choose to explore the shores of Lough Neagh or simply return to your car at Maghery.  Unfortunately due to anti-social behaviour in the area it is not advisable to leave your car overnight at Maghery Country Park, so either arrange to be collected here or more secure parking can be arranged at the nearby GAA club - Maghery Sean MacDermott’s. This is should be arranged in advance by emailing info@maghery.com.

Getting to the Start

Directions from Belfast 42 miles (67 kms)
Take the M1 to junction 15, turn onto the A29 signposted Moy / Armagh. Drive through Moy and the access point is on the left hand side just before the bridge.

Directions from Dublin 90 miles (145 kms)
Take the M1 Northbound to Newry, then follow the A28 to Armagh. Exit Armagh on the A29 following a sign to Moy.  The access point is on the right hand side immediately after crossing the bridge.

Shuttle
The shuttle is 8.5 miles (17 miles return).  The nature of the rural area makes navigation quite challenging so a good road map is essential.  From Moy turn right onto the B106 signposted Coalisland / M1 Belfast. After 2 miles turn right following signs for the M1 Belfast. Continue to follow sign to the M1 Belfast at the next junctions until you come to the left turn B196 signposted Maghery.  When you arrive at Maghery follow brown tourist signs to Maghery Country Park.  Maghery Country Park has a height restriction barrier so you may have to remove canoes from a roof rack to pass underneath.  More secure parking is available at the GAA club which is just a short drive over the bridge.