river lagan
Blueway Trailhead
The Shaftesbury Centre and John Murray Lockhouse development play a key role in the push for Belfast to gain the status of Ireland’s first urban Blueway. Ireland’s Blueway network is managed by Waterways Ireland and encompasses some of the most beautiful blue landscapes on the island. You can find out more about Blueways here.
river lagan
Belfast's Bid to Become Ireland's First Urban Blueway
LORAG is currently involved in the push for Belfast’s Blueway accreditation alongside our partners in the Maritime Trust, Belfast City Council, Department for Communities and others. To achieve the Blueway accreditation it would require the Lagan to be a destination where people are able to ‘stay and play,’ where anyone can feel empowered to get out onto the water and engage in water-based activities, cycle or walk the length of its banks or just enjoy a coffee at the riverside. The Blueway accreditation is the hallmark of a river which is alive and truly at the heart of its community.
A Trailhead With Something for Everyone
There are several aspects to a Blueway. The John Murray Lockhouse and the McConnell Lock Site would be designated as a ‘trailhead.’ A trailhead is a fully equipped access point, supporting water and land-based users. In this fashion, the trailhead at the Lockhouse will have something for everyone.
Don’t fancy getting onto the water?
Stay and grab a coffee and traybake at the developed Lockhouse and enjoy the views or relax in LORAG’s long garden. On the go? Then make it a takeaway cup and jump back on the saddle at LORAG’s new bike station to go and enjoy the rest of what the Blueway has to offer, the possibilities are endless.
“The Blueway accreditation is the hallmark of a river which is alive and truly at the heart of its community.”
Getting onto the Water
Alongside existing developments LORAG will begin work on a boat house in early 2027. This will be a storage place for canoes and kayaks and will be a brilliant way for the local community and Blueway users to access the Lagan at the trailhead. You can see more about the boathouse development here.
