Mooring in Northern Ireland

[Sybarite]

My current boat came from Strangford Lough, the club with the pontoon alongside the lightship near Daft Eddies at Ringhaddy It was ashore about a mile away in a yard up a long lane that you might never find, with a load of other yachts They had a concrete slipway facing north and all the boats were on launching cradles, you know the thing, two front lorry axles and a couple of RSJs. All very much a DIY operation, I think they had an arrangement with the farmer to use his big tractor on launch days. I know where it was, just not what you call it but it would never be regarded as easily accessible. There are slipways, wee harbours and moorings all over the place among the islands there.
A word of caution about Strangford, otters! they scramble aboard to eat their fish and defecate, Our Moody had a custom made semi-circular lace on canvas cover that was deployed across the stern to try and keep them from getting to the stern ladder. If you were an otter and someone parked a boat a safe distance from shore in your territory you would be delighted by the amenity provided, dining room and privy.

The lightship is at Ballydorn where the Down Cruising Club have their facilities. (Fantastic welcome) It is next door to Whiterock where you have Kenny Smith's yard who can haul out and store. Kenny and his brothers provide a good service and are in fact competent offshore sailors themselves. There is a sailmaker on Sketrick island just opposite Ballydorn - there is a causeway to the island.