SailingTree

About the school

Carrickfergus Marina, located on the northern shore of Belfast Lough, offers a well-equipped and accessible base for sail training. The Lough provides a good expanse of water with varied conditions suitable for learning, with the Antrim coast offering scenic sailing opportunities as you progress.

The location

The most convenient airport for reaching Carrickfergus Marina is Belfast City Airport (George Best Belfast City Airport - BHD), which is only about a 20-25 minute drive away. Belfast International Airport (BFS) is another option, located about 30-40 minutes away by car. From either airport, taxis, ride hailing services, or car rentals are available. Carrickfergus also has a train station with connections from Belfast, which can be reached from the airports.

How to get there

The best time for sailing in the Carrickfergus area and Belfast Lough is generally from late spring through to early autumn, roughly May to September. This period offers longer daylight hours, milder temperatures, and typically more favorable wind and sea conditions for sailing instruction and enjoying the coastline.