Unique - the only Coastguard Boathouse on Belfast Lough shore. The sea is less than 2 metres away, so close that the waves sometimes touch the windows. Watch cruise ships sail past, taste and smell salty air. Quiet, convenient location - Belfast City is 10 mins via car, bus/train. Renovated in 12/18 with modern conveniences. Original features from its 150 yr history. Car is not essential, but if you have a car - car parking is available right beside the Boat House.
All of boathouse is for yourself and your family/friends. No noisy neighbours - just the sound of the sea and folks having fun on the beach. You are only 10mins to Belfast Castle; Carrickfergus Castle and a 3min walk to shops/pubs/store including many dog friendly pubs.Unique panoramic views of the Lough, of Holywood, Carrickfergus and Titanic quarter. A view you can see at no other place in Belfast. See Belfast’s famous cranes as you make dinner. Watch the cruise ships arrive and leave Belfast Lough, and see the mussel trawlers harvest the Lough. Located directly opposite the old coal pier - which was where linen was traded from up to 1930s. A tidal clock is provided so you catch the low tide and explore the protected ruin & sea wrecks at the Boat house.
The Boat House has a slipway for visitor’s use with seating so you can people watch - with direct access to beach, cycle path and walk. Car parking is provided but you don’t need a car for this location.
The boat house is, despite its closeness to Belfast city, is set in a private historical row of Coastguard Cottages and is really quiet - much more restful than a busy hotel or apartment block. It has its own private entrance and is detached. No noisy neighbours to keep you awake - and as its over 150 years old very little sounds pass through the walls. You have full use of the Boat House. The owners live nearby and are on hand to help as much or as little as required.

Each visitor gets advance notice of attractions if required as owner runs a blog on things to do in Belfast. From November 2019 Northern Ireland is celebrating its love of food and for food and drink lovers there are lots of experiences, walks, tours all food related!

The heritage building has kept much of its historical attributes but with new modern conveniences - new bed and sprung mattress (hand made in Belfast of course) shower, oven, microwave and retro fridge freezer, Tv and DVD with access to sky news, and cable tv channels. Free wi-fi is provided throughout so you can plan your day's activities in comfort before you venture out. It is all newly painted and renovated.

All approvals are in place with Tourism NI as in Northern Ireland as it is illegal to rent without these approvals - so you are staying in an approved, safe place.

The boat house offers a holiday for people with mobility issues, as we have hosted adults who need assistance and a child who used a wheelchair. However, you would need some degree of ability a load bare to use toilet/shower - although we have a shower chair there isn’t a turning circle.

The Boathouse offers visitors a quiet retreat in a very special place - but is a five min train ride from Belfast City Centre or you could catch the bus right outside the private lane. We are located the Coastal route - an hour’s drive takes you to Portrush - where the Open is being held, or you can visit Giant’s Causeway and Rope Bridge.

Dogs are welcome to stay at the boat house (provided they aren’t puppies and there’s no more than two.) We offer a little doggie blanket for sandy paws, dog dishes, and there is even a spare dog lead and poop bags !

Now operating for a year - the Coastguard Boat house was shortlisted in the 2019 Tourism NI and Belfast City Airport Tourism Awards - please be assured of a lovely visit in an unique place - you will want to return to again and again.