HIDDEN GEMS

1 CROSS ROADS ANCHORAGE

A delightfully isolated spot, Cross Roads anchorage is just before the Salt Rock beacon on the way in to Strangford Lough. The nearby pladdies are often favoured by seals and otters.

2 AUDLEY’S ROADS

Moor beneath Audley’s Castle and make time to sit and enjoy the sense of place that is especially real in the early hours or at sunset. There is a secluded anchorage between Jackdaw and Chapel Islands to port as you round Audley’s Point. The seabed is mud but take care to check your depth and stay in five metres as the bay shoals.

3 KIRCUBBIN BAY

There is a challenging channel leading to an anchorage in Kircubbin Bay, but it is well worth it. An attractive and secluded spot.

4 PAWLE BAY

Just before Ringhaddy Sound is an anchorage in Pawle Bay. A ruined farmhouse on the shore is a great spot for the children to explore and a BBQ on the beach can have a magic of its own.

5 DAFT EDDY’S

This family run restaurant offers the chance to enjoy local fresh fish and seafood while overlooking the lough. There is both indoor and outdoor dining. On site is also Little Eddy’s coffee shop which opens for breakfast and lunch. 02897541615, www.dafteddysni.co.uk

6 KILCLIEF CASTLE

Clearly visible as you navigate the Narrows, this 14th Century tower house was once occupied by the supposedly celibate Bishop Cely, who fell out with the church authorities when he was found to be living there with his mistress.

7 NENDRUM, NEAR COMBER

The monastic site at Nendrum has extensive remains of a working monastery dating back to the 5th Century, including the ruins of a church, sundial, round tower and a graveyard. It also has associations to St Patrick.