Ceoil agus craic! If you have any idea what that means, then undoubtedly have already sampled the unrivalled pleasures of the Emerald Isle. If not then let Simon Everett, fresh from his trip around county Antrim, tell you what you’re missing.

Of all the places Ireland has to offer, the coast of county Antrim has to be one of my favourite areas to go boating. The people are incredibly friendly, they know how to have a good time and the area boasts a great range of little harbours to visit.

Trailing your boat to Antrim can be an expensive way to travel thanks to the ferry fees, but still remains my preferred way to boat in this area. For as soon as you make landfall and drive off the ferry, a whole world of possibilities presents itself to the versatile boater. You can tow watersports folk along the river Bann, you can amble up the river to Lower Lough Earn, or you can visit a whole host of coastal fishing ports in the area, most of which have launching facilities for visitors.

Unlike our side of the water, rules and regulations are very much more relaxed here. You will be pleasantly surprised to find parking is free virtually everywhere. You’ll also find that the pubs are still thriving and still move with the ebb and flow of communal joviality. But the real heart stealer, assuming you haven’t overdone it on St James Gate’s black ambrosia, is the scenery. In my humble opinion, Antrim has to be one of the most astoundingly beautiful locations the British Isles has to offer.

Coastal Pleasures

The coastline is rugged, with high, steep cliffs interspersed by sandy beaches. In some respects it reminds me of Cornwall but there are features on this coast you don’t find anywhere else. The most famous of these features is of course The Giants Causeway, an outcrop of basalt columns that stretches out into the sea, forming a long, curved reef of pancake type rocks on the surface. The cliffs that rise up behind and further along this stretch make a magnificent backdrop and provided you are careful with your approach, the coves can be entered for a refreshing swim out of the main currents. The north east corner of Ireland has some testing waters for those who are no familiar with tides.  There are several currents meeting here and the tide races can be quite demanding in less than perfect conditions, get your timing right and they are as calm as any other water.

For the full feature on cruising around Ireland, pick up the August issue of Sports Boat and RIB. Available to buy from 21 July.