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{{Short description|Glacial fjord or sea inlet in Ireland}}
{{Refimprove|date=March 2012}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Infobox_bay
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
|bay_name = <center>Carlingford Lough<br>''Loch Cairlinn''<br>''Carlinford'' / ''Cairlinfurd Loch''</center>
{{Infobox body of water
|image_bay = IMGCarlingfordLough 0617.jpg
⚫ |name = Carlingford Lough
|caption_bay =
|other_name = ''Loch Cairlinn'' (])<br>''Carlinford Loch'' (])
|map_bay =
|image_bathymetry = Carlingford Lough.png |image = Carlingford Lough.jpg
|alt = Image of Carlingford Lough in the distance with the Newry River in the foreground. The town of Warrenpoint sits in the center of the image.
|caption_bathymetry =
|caption = Looking east, with ] at centre
⚫ |image_map =Carlingford Lough locator.jpg
|location = ] |location = ]
|coords = {{coord|54.07329|N|6.19938|W|source:placeopedia|display=title,inline}} |coords = {{coord|54.0733|N|6.1994|W|source:placeopedia|display=title,inline}}
|rivers = ], ] |rivers = ]
|oceans = ] |oceans = ]
|countries = ],<br>] |countries = ],<br />]
|length = |length =
|width = |width =
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|depth = |depth =
|max-depth = |max-depth =
|pushpin_map=island of Ireland
|pushpin_label_position = right
|pushpin_map_alt = A map of Ireland with the location of Carlingford Lough marked
|volume = |volume =
|shore = |shore =
|salinity = |salinity =31.31–33.99 psu
|frozen = |frozen =
|islands = |islands =
|cities = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] |cities = ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
|extra = {{Designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = Ramsar
| designation1_date = 9 March 1998
| designation1_number = 936<ref>{{Cite web|title=Carlingford Lough|website=] Sites Information Service|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/936|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref>}}
|reference = |reference =
}} }}
'''Carlingford Lough''' ({{lga|Loch Cairlinn}}; ]: ''Carlinford Loch''<ref></ref> or ''Cairlinfurd Loch'')<ref></ref> is a glacial ] or sea ] that forms part of ] between ] to the north and the ] to the south. On its northern shore is ] and on its southern shore is ]. At its extreme interior angle (the northwest corner) it is fed by the ] and the ]. '''Carlingford Lough''' ({{lga|Loch Cairlinn}},<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.logainm.ie/1689.aspx |title=Carlingford |work=Placenames Database of Ireland |access-date=8 December 2011 }}.</ref> ]: ''Carlinford Loch''<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.northsouthministerialcouncil.org/annual_report_2010_ulster_scots.pdf | title = North-South Ministerial Council: 2010 Annual Report in Ulster Scots | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130227120523/http://www.northsouthministerialcouncil.org/annual_report_2010_ulster_scots.pdf |archive-date=27 February 2013 }}</ref>) is a glacial ] or sea ] in northeastern Ireland, forming part of ] between ] to the north and the ] to the south. On its northern shore is ], the ], and the town of ]; on its southern shore is ], the ] and the village of ]. The ] flows into the loch from the northwest.


==Name==
The name is derived from the ] ''Kerlingfjorðr'', whch means "narrow sea-inlet of the hag".<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.logainm.ie/1689.aspx |title=Carlingford |work=Placenames Database of Ireland |accessdate=8 December 2011 }}.</ref> Historically it was called ''Cuan Snámh-Aighneach'', ''Snámh-Aighneach'' or ''Cuan Cairlinne'' in Irish.<ref>'' (1856)</ref> An older English name was ''Nury (]) Bay''.<ref> (see archival records)</ref>
The English name Carlingford and the Irish name ''Loch Cairlinn'' come from the ] ''Kerlingfjǫrðr'', meaning "narrow sea-inlet of the ]" or old woman. This may have referred to the three mountain tops, locally called The Three Nuns, frequently used as pilot points on entering the lough.<ref name="PNI">{{cite web |title=Carlingford Lough |url=https://www.placenamesni.org/resultdetails.php?entry=16188 |publisher=Place Names NI |access-date=6 December 2021 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206141432/https://www.placenamesni.org/resultdetails.php?entry=16188 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Its earlier Irish name was ''Snámh Aighneach'', meaning "swift sea-channel". It could also mean "swift swimming-place", referring to a crossing point which could be swum by horses, probably ].<ref name="PNI"/>

An older English name was Nury (]) Bay.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.logainm.ie/1166336.aspx | publisher = Placenames Database of Ireland| title = Carlingford Lough (Click the archival records button)}}</ref><!--Note that you have to CLICK THE ARCHIVAL RECORDS BUTTON on the reference page to see the appropriate record-->


==Geography== ==Geography==
The ] and the ] link the Lough to the nearby city of ] (the Canal continues on towards the ] and ]; the river, under the name ], loops around County Down). The only other known glacial fjords in Ireland are ] and ].<ref>Whittow, J.B. ''Geology and Scenery in Ireland''. Penguin, 1974.</ref> The ] and the ] link the ] to the nearby city of ] (the ] continues on towards the ] and ]; the river, under the name ], loops around ]). The only other glacial ]s in Ireland are ] and ].<ref>{{cite book | last = Whittow| first = J.B. | title = Geology and Scenery in Ireland | publisher = Penguin| date = 1974}}</ref>


On the northern coast, in ], are the coastal towns of ] and ], backed by the ]. On the southern coast are ], ] and ] backed by the ], all on the ] in ]. On the northern coast, in ], are the coastal towns of ] and ], backed by the ]. On the southern coast are ], ] and ] backed by the ], all on the ] in ].


==Tourism== ==Tourism==
The area has been a popular tourist destination since Victorian times when the railway between Dublin and Belfast was opened. Situated approximately half way between the two cities, the easy access to the area combined with its scenery and sheltered location are still important factors in its popularity today. The area has been a tourist destination since Victorian times when the railway between Dublin and Belfast was opened. Situated approximately halfway between the two cities, the access to the area combined with its scenery and sheltered location are still factors in its popularity today.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}


==Flora and fauna==
This is where the "Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the Sea"' and together with the Sleve Foy ridge on the County Louth shore of the lough they offer scenic drives, forest parks and many miles of good footpaths and trails to explore. Rambling, hillwalking and climbing are popular, with local outdoor education centers offering courses and activity holidays. It's a similar story on the water, with marinas in Carlingford and Warrenpoint. Craft of various types can be hired at both locations, or the visitor can take a cruise on one of several tour vessels that operate during the peak season.
⚫ The northern shores have extensive mudflats and ]es which provide winter feeding areas for the ] (''Branta bernicla hrota'').<ref name="npws2013">{{cite web|url = https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/004078_Carlingford%20Lough%20SPA%20Supporting%20Doc_V1.pdf | publisher = National Parks & Wildlife Service | website = npws.ie | title = Report - Carlingford Lough Special Protection Area (Site Code 4078) - Conservation Objectives | date = August 2013 | access-date = 29 May 2020 }}</ref> At the mouth of the lough are several small rock and shingle islands which are breeding areas for ]s that feed in its shallow waters.<ref name="npws2013"/>
⚫ ]


==Protected areas==
Culturally, there is a varied offering of events and festivals. Highlights include the Carlingford Oyster Festival, Newry Arts Festival, The "Maiden of the Mournes" in Warrenpoint, Rostrevor's "Fiddlers Green International Folk Festival"' and the Mourne Walking Festival which involves a wide programme of events at a variety of locations. The majority of these festivals are free, although bookings and or entry fees may be payable for some events. More informal entertainment is widely available throughout the year in hotels and bars.
The lough is designated as an ].<ref>{{cite web| title = BirdLife International (2015) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Carlingford Lough | url = http://www.birdlife.org |website = birdlife.org |access-date=2012-10-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630122358/http://www.birdlife.org/ |archive-date=30 June 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref>


The Carlingford Lough Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance designated under the ]), is 830.51 hectares in area, at latitude 54 03 00 N and longitude 06 07 00 W. It was designated a Ramsar site on 9 March 1998. It is a cross-border site, with the northern shore lying within Northern Ireland (including the lough's more extensive mudflats and a salt marsh), and the southern shore lying in the Republic of Ireland (where the Carlingford Lough Special Protection Area falls within the scope of the ]).<ref name="JN">{{cite web | title=Designated and Proposed Ramsar sites in Northern Ireland | work=Joint Nature Conservation Committee | url=http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/RIS/UK12004.pdf | access-date=7 July 2008 | archive-date=20 August 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820015452/http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/RIS/UK12004.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="EA">{{cite web|title=Carlingford Lough Ramsar site |work=NI Environment Agency |url=http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/biodiversity/designated-areas/ramsar/ramsar_carlingfordough.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121223193534/http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/biodiversity/designated-areas/ramsar/ramsar_carlingfordough.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 December 2012 |access-date=7 July 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites/spa/004078 | publisher = National Parks and Wildlife Service | website = npws.ie | title =Carlingford Lough SPA | accessdate = 23 May 2021 }}</ref>
Accommodation includes award winning hotels, B&Bs, self-catering holiday cottages, and campsites. Early booking is always advisable during holiday periods as even the campsites are often full to capacity. Opportunities to eat out are largely confined to the Hotels, small restaurants and local bars (although many smaller bars do not serve meals), but there is generally a good balance between quality and value for money.


==Transport==
In 2008, the area was designated a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN), and continuing investment in infrastructure, services and facilities on both sides of the border is assured.


==Flora and fauna== === Ferry ===
The Greencastle-Greenore ferry crossing opened in 2017. It is used by local and by tourists, particularly in the summer months.{{fact|date=February 2024}}
⚫ The northern shores have extensive mudflats and ]es which provide winter feeding areas for the ], ''Branta bernicla hrota''. At the mouth of the lough are several small rock and shingle islands which are breeding areas for ]s that feed in its shallow waters.


==Ramsar site== === Railway ===
⚫ {{stnlnk|Newry}} is the nearest station located on the ] with trains running on the ] between ], ] and ], whilst other trains may call at additional stations en route to ].{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
⚫ ]
The Carlingford Lough Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance designated under the ]), is 830.51 hectares in area, at Latitude 54 03 00 N and Longitude 06 07 00 W. It was designated a Ramsar site on 9 March 1998. It is a cross-border site. The northern shore is in Northern Ireland and includes the most significant mudflats in the lough, and an area of ]. The southern shore is in the republic of Ireland. At the mouth of the lough are several small rock and shingle islands which are of importance to ]s.<ref name="JN">{{cite web | title=Designated and Proposed Ramsar sites in Northern Ireland | work=Joint Nature Conservation Committee | url=http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/RIS/UK12004.pdf | accessdate=2008-07-07}}</ref>
The Ramsar Site lies between Killowen Point and Soldiers Point on the northern shores of Carlingford Lough and the landward boundary coincides entirely with that of the Carlingford Lough ] and the Carlingford Lough ].<ref name="EA">{{cite web | title=Carlingford Lough Ramsar site | work=NI Environment Agency | url=http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/biodiversity/designated-areas/ramsar/ramsar_carlingfordough.htm | accessdate=2008-07-07}}</ref>


Until its closure in the early 1950s, the southern side of the lough was served by the Dundalk, Newry and Greenore (DNG) railway line. Sections of this line now form part of the Carlingford Lough ].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://nigreenways.com/newry-to-dundalk-greenway/ | website = nigreenways.com| publisher = Northern Ireland Greenways | title = Great Eastern Greenway / Carlingford Lough Greenway | access-date = 29 May 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.newrymournedown.org/the-carlingford-lough-greenway | website = newrymournedown.org | publisher = Newry, Mourne and Down District Council | title = The Carlingford Lough Greenway - Phase 1 Completed | access-date = 29 May 2020 | quote = Louth County Council has already constructed 6.2km of Greenway from Omeath to Carlingford Marina and this opened in 2014}}</ref>
The site qualified under Criterion 2 of the ] because it supports important groups of vulnerable and endangered Irish Red Data Book bird species. It supports nationally important breeding populations of ]. ]s returned to the site after an absence of six years with two breeding pairs recorded in 1997. It has also supported nationally important numbers of ].<ref name="JN"/> It also qualified under Criterion 3c for supporting internationally important breeding populations of ] and of overwintering Light-bellied ].<ref name="EA"/>


==Railway Access== ===Navigation===
The lough is navigable, and its seaward entrance is marked by the ], which was built in 1824.
⚫ {{stnlnk|Newry}} is the nearest station located on the ] with trains running on the ] between ], ] and ], whilst other trains may call at additional stations enroute to ].

There is a deep water cargo port at ], and a smaller fishing harbour at ].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://greenore.ie/location-2/ | publisher = Greenore Port Ltd | website = greenore.ie | title = Location | access-date = 29 May 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://eoceanic.com/sailing/harbours/108/carlingford_harbour | publisher = eOceanic | website = eoceanic.com | title = Carlingford Harbour | access-date = 29 May 2020 }}</ref> A commercial marina lies north of Carlingford town, close to the start of the greenway.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.carlingfordmarina.com/greenway | website = carlingfordmarina.com | title = Carlingford Marina - Greenway | access-date = 29 May 2020 }}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
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==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
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* - Aerial footage from the BBC ''Sky High'' series explaining the physical, social and economic geography of Northern Ireland


{{County Down}} {{County Down}}
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Latest revision as of 21:45, 1 November 2024

Glacial fjord or sea inlet in Ireland

Carlingford Lough
Loch Cairlinn (Irish)
Carlinford Loch (Ulster Scots)
Image of Carlingford Lough in the distance with the Newry River in the foreground. The town of Warrenpoint sits in the center of the image.Looking east, with Warrenpoint at centre
A map of Ireland with the location of Carlingford Lough markedA map of Ireland with the location of Carlingford Lough markedCarlingford Lough
LocationRepublic of Ireland – United Kingdom border
Coordinates54°04′24″N 6°11′58″W / 54.0733°N 6.1994°W / 54.0733; -6.1994
River sourcesNewry River
Ocean/sea sourcesIrish Sea
Basin countriesNorthern Ireland,
Republic of Ireland
Salinity31.31–33.99 psu
SettlementsCarlingford, Greencastle, Greenore, Killowen, Newry, Omeath, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint
Ramsar Wetland
Designated9 March 1998
Reference no.936

Carlingford Lough (Irish: Loch Cairlinn, Ulster Scots: Carlinford Loch) is a glacial fjord or sea inlet in northeastern Ireland, forming part of the border between Northern Ireland to the north and the Republic of Ireland to the south. On its northern shore is County Down, the Mourne Mountains, and the town of Warrenpoint; on its southern shore is County Louth, the Cooley Mountains and the village of Carlingford. The Newry River flows into the loch from the northwest.

Name

The English name Carlingford and the Irish name Loch Cairlinn come from the Old Norse Kerlingfjǫrðr, meaning "narrow sea-inlet of the hag" or old woman. This may have referred to the three mountain tops, locally called The Three Nuns, frequently used as pilot points on entering the lough. Its earlier Irish name was Snámh Aighneach, meaning "swift sea-channel". It could also mean "swift swimming-place", referring to a crossing point which could be swum by horses, probably Narrow Water.

An older English name was Nury (Newry) Bay.

Geography

The Newry River and the Newry Canal link the lough to the nearby city of Newry (the canal continues on towards the River Bann and Lough Neagh; the river, under the name River Clanrye, loops around County Down). The only other glacial fjords in Ireland are Lough Swilly and Killary Harbour.

On the northern coast, in County Down, are the coastal towns of Warrenpoint and Rostrevor, backed by the Mourne Mountains. On the southern coast are Omeath, Carlingford and Greenore backed by the Cooley Mountains, all on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth.

Tourism

The area has been a tourist destination since Victorian times when the railway between Dublin and Belfast was opened. Situated approximately halfway between the two cities, the access to the area combined with its scenery and sheltered location are still factors in its popularity today.

Flora and fauna

The northern shores have extensive mudflats and salt marshes which provide winter feeding areas for the pale-bellied brent goose (Branta bernicla hrota). At the mouth of the lough are several small rock and shingle islands which are breeding areas for terns that feed in its shallow waters.

Carlingford Lough looking towards the Mournes

Protected areas

The lough is designated as an Important Bird Area.

The Carlingford Lough Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention), is 830.51 hectares in area, at latitude 54 03 00 N and longitude 06 07 00 W. It was designated a Ramsar site on 9 March 1998. It is a cross-border site, with the northern shore lying within Northern Ireland (including the lough's more extensive mudflats and a salt marsh), and the southern shore lying in the Republic of Ireland (where the Carlingford Lough Special Protection Area falls within the scope of the National Parks and Wildlife Service).

Transport

Ferry

The Greencastle-Greenore ferry crossing opened in 2017. It is used by local and by tourists, particularly in the summer months.

Railway

Newry is the nearest station located on the Dublin-Belfast railway line with trains running on the Enterprise between Belfast Grand Central, Portadown and Dublin Connolly, whilst other trains may call at additional stations en route to Bangor.

Until its closure in the early 1950s, the southern side of the lough was served by the Dundalk, Newry and Greenore (DNG) railway line. Sections of this line now form part of the Carlingford Lough greenway.

Navigation

The lough is navigable, and its seaward entrance is marked by the Haulbowline Lighthouse, which was built in 1824.

There is a deep water cargo port at Greenore, and a smaller fishing harbour at Carlingford. A commercial marina lies north of Carlingford town, close to the start of the greenway.

See also

References

  1. "Carlingford Lough". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  2. "Carlingford", Placenames Database of Ireland, retrieved 8 December 2011.
  3. "North-South Ministerial Council: 2010 Annual Report in Ulster Scots" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2013.
  4. ^ "Carlingford Lough". Place Names NI. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  5. "Carlingford Lough (Click the archival records button)". Placenames Database of Ireland.
  6. Whittow, J.B. (1974). Geology and Scenery in Ireland. Penguin.
  7. ^ "Report - Carlingford Lough Special Protection Area (Site Code 4078) - Conservation Objectives" (PDF). npws.ie. National Parks & Wildlife Service. August 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  8. "BirdLife International (2015) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Carlingford Lough". birdlife.org. Archived from the original on 30 June 2007. Retrieved 2012-10-20.
  9. "Designated and Proposed Ramsar sites in Northern Ireland" (PDF). Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2008.
  10. "Carlingford Lough Ramsar site". NI Environment Agency. Archived from the original on 23 December 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2008.
  11. "Carlingford Lough SPA". npws.ie. National Parks and Wildlife Service. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  12. "Great Eastern Greenway / Carlingford Lough Greenway". nigreenways.com. Northern Ireland Greenways. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  13. "The Carlingford Lough Greenway - Phase 1 Completed". newrymournedown.org. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Retrieved 29 May 2020. Louth County Council has already constructed 6.2km of Greenway from Omeath to Carlingford Marina and this opened in 2014
  14. "Location". greenore.ie. Greenore Port Ltd. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  15. "Carlingford Harbour". eoceanic.com. eOceanic. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  16. "Carlingford Marina - Greenway". carlingfordmarina.com. Retrieved 29 May 2020.

External links

Places in County Down
List of places in County Down
Cities
Towns
Villages
and townlands
Landforms
Baronies
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