This article deals specifically with the tricky entrance to and exit from Strangford Lough, plus facilities available just within the entrance at Portaferry and Strangford.    The interior of Strangford Lough and the cruising delights within are dealt with in another article to be found HERE (opens in a new tab)

With tidal flows in the entrance reaching speeds of up to 7.5 Knts at springs, the windows for departure and entry are small. The period of slack water is only around 15 mins, so for the stranger, entry is limited to an approach in daylight, at around the turn of the tide.  Do not approach in strong (above F4) onshore winds as breaking seas can extend well over a mile SE of the entrance.  Even in much calmer conditions standing waves may be encountered, see the video in the "Approach" section.

Once within the lough, there are untold sheltered anchoring and mooring opportunities, including the small marina at Portaferry near the entrance. 

The sea lough itself covers 150 sq km, the largest in the British Isles. The narrows open out into gentler waters with 70 islands. Countless tidal rocky outcrops called pladdies (some visible and many just under the surface) litter the lough and mudflats, along with marshes, rocks, bays and headlands. The lough is a conservation area and its abundant wildlife recognised internationally for its importance.

The Lough itself offers a self-contained cruising area in it's own right, and further detailed coverage of the interior is now here

Strangford Lough Anchorages

Timing is everything when dealing with the entrance to Strangford Lough, and you will need a decent chart of the entrance showing the transits.  Exit needs special care as with the ebb tide under you there will be a point of no return, where the mariner will have no option but to face possibly rough water, standing waves and overfalls.

Leaving Strangford Lough:



 

Adrian Coughlan:

"There is quite an ebb there OK. We scooted down the lough (following our friend in a heavy Fisher 37 with full sail up). When we got to the entrance there was a fairly bumpy ride - the overfalls are quite disconcerting sight for the uninitiated as we approached it at around 10 knots over the ground. I was amazed at the pounding the Fisher took ahead as he bashed into the standing waves, and for a split second or two thought of making a run south for the inside of St Patricks rock which did look relatively calm (after clearing Angus Rock first). However, I think we would have ended up going sideways and wouldnt have made it - possibly would have ended up on the rock. So, we just went through the overfalls and bobbed out the other side. Quite a bumpy ride for a small boat even in those conditions - very exhilirating at 7am in the morning !.."


 

There are two available stop off points as one transits the narrows which, as we have said, is best done at slack tide or early in the flood. Considerable care must be taken when turning into either of these when the tide is running or you run the risk of being swept past on the tide.

Strangford Harbour on the SW side of the narrows is mainly for the ferry that crossed to Portaferry, but there are anchoring opportunities out of the tidal flow, a couple of moorings provided by a local pub, and the chance of coming alongside the New Quay for short periods.

There is a new pontoon here built on to the North side of the pier which can take quite a few boats. Call at the Cuan Restaurant to pay dues and get the access code for the pontoon. Their telephone number is 028 4488 1222

Portaferry (NE side) offers a small marina with up to 50 visitors berths with depths of up to 2.5m.  Normal marina facilities, inc. pontoon berths, water and electricity.  There are also a couple of visitors moorings, again provided by a local hotel. If berthing here you need to be aware of the tide which pushes through here at quite a rate;  you will have come in on the flood so will need to turn round to face into it to berth - it may even be too strong to back into.

Full Details   Portaferry

The marina charges (2021 are now  £23 for up to 8 mtres and £25 for a 10metre boat staying overnight.

From Alan Mckewan
"The Strangford Narrows are at the entrance to Strangford Lough on the East coast of N.I. just to the west of the south end of the Isle of Man. Strangford Lough is a tidal inland lough about 15 miles long and all the tide flows in and out through the narrows between the towns of Portaferry and Strangford. Spring tides flow either way at 8-10 knots at the narrowest point.

There are two interesting effects.

Firstly the narrows flow out to the south and the prevailing winds are straight up the Irish sea from the southwest. On a spring ebb in a (very common) strong southwesterly you get huge, very short seas at the "bar" - typically 10m apart and 6m+ high. A real problem in a rib! (or other planing boat). The tide in Strangford is also two hours behind the Irish sea, so you get the "falling off the end" effect to make things worse. The IOM guys are often faced with this when heading home.

Secondly the lough receives lots of river and rainwater into it, so the water is somewhat less saline than the sea outside. So on an ebb tide at the bar when the less salty water meets the more salty water, the outgoing flow goes "underneath" the standing water, taking with it loads of air in rougher weather, and forming a huge standing wave, like stepping off a 2-3m waterfall. I have gone out in a yacht at half tide and the boat sinks almost to the gunnels in the bubbly water as the density of the water/air mixture is much less than ordinary water. It is very frightening!
:eek:(Probably less of a problem in a rib)."


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