Approach to the Harbour

The approach to Belfast Harbour from the Irish Sea is from the Master’s point of view, extremely straightforward, via a straight channel through Belfast Lough.

Cruising up Belfast Lough from the passengers viewpoint affords a good opportunity for first impressions of the Northern Irish countryside.

Passengers will pass close by County Antrim’s shoreline on the starboard side with excellent views of the town of Carrickfergus with its Norman Castle guarding the approach to the Lough, and of Belfast Castle set on the side of cavehill overlooking the city.

On the port side the countryside of County Down is clearly visible, while ahead the cranes of one of Belfast's most famous landmarks, the Harland and Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built, can be seen towering above the Harbour.

All of Northern Ireland’s many tourist attractions are easily accessible from the Harbour with Belfast city centre only a short journey from the quay front. 

Belfast Harbour provides an ideal location from which to service the passenger and freight markets of the northern part of Ireland. It is located at the hub of the road network with no part of the region more than one and a half hours from the Port by road.