After a short introduction about what lies in store for the day, James briefly shares his love of the history of Lough Neagh and its surrounding townlands in which his passion and character shines through.
The first stop is on the shores of the lough. Welcomed by someone who spends more of his life on the lough than he
does on the shore, a Lough Neagh fisherman who has been on the water since the age of 14 literally 365 days a year, shares an insight into his love for fishing, stories from his childhood, of his forefathers and of his experiences fishing for PGI? Lough Neagh Eel, a delicacy which is cooked to perfection and served up by his wife. His job is less than glamourous? but the eels are delicious and his passion is shows that this is his life and not simply a job. After more than enough opportunity to sample the delicacy, James takes travellers by coach to Northern Ireland’s only Buffalo farm.
The journey from the shores of the lough Neagh inland afford a moment to take in the sights of the beautiful Co Derry countryside. The labour of love for the family who farm the Ballyriff Buffalo farm is evident as guests wander around the farm to meet the buffalo who live here and learned how this inquisitive, and placid animal is adopting to life in Ireland. This unique stop on the tour provides travellers with a chance to meet the whole family who work tirelessly on the farm and also includes an opportunity to sample freshly cooked buffalo meat and to buy some to enjoy later at home.
Next up is an Armagh cider tasting session accompanied by fine Dart Mountain Cheese at the Old Thatch Inn, just a
few metres from Seamus Heaney’s place of birth. The Poet’s Corner is where Seamus enjoyed a pint is the perfect hideaway for tantalising the tastebuds. After having tasted of the best and listen to some poetry recitals, we leave the friendly staff at the Thatch Inn? And onto our final stop on the tour is at Crosskeys Inn where guests can lose themselves in traditional toe tapping traditional Irish music and song whilst sipping on Heaney Beer, brewed by the poet’s family. The Crosskeys is the oldest thatched pub in Ireland and provides the perfect backdrop to the end of a whirlwind craic ‘n food tour of Lough Neagh.
This tour is suitable for those who wish to immerse themselves in local produce and traditional entertainment in a relaxed environment. Non-alcoholic drinks are available. Suitable footwear for walking and a waterproof is a must on this tour in case of inclement weather. The tour is suitable for individuals, couples, groups and special requests can be considered.
For more info on this tour visit: LoughNeaghTours.com/Craicn-Food-Tour
For any of our other tours visit: LoughNeaghTours.com
