Glenarm Marina now has a new fully serviced pontoon increasing the berthing capacity of this Blue Flag popular spot to 50 within the picturesque village's historical limestone harbour on the east coast of County Antrim.
Glenarm lies at the foot of one of the nine glens of Antrim of the same name and has long been a port of call for sailors travelling north and south and across the North Channel, being at most a day sail from both sides of the ancient Gaelic kingdom of Dal Riata or Dalriada.
It encompassed the western seaboard of Scotland and the north-eastern corner of Ireland on each side of the Channel and at its height in the 6th and 7th centuries, it covered what is now Argyll in Scotland and part of County Antrim.
The new 120m pontoon can accommodate 10-12 vessels and is connected to the existing pontoon network allowing access to the shore by a bridge.
The £250k project, led by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has been part-funded through Tourism Northern Ireland's Tourist Industry Scheme to encourage tourism growth here.
Glenarm Marina can be a base for visitors to explore both the Glens of Antrim and the Causeway Coastal Route
Former Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston said: "The marina provides facilities for both berth holders and visiting vessels including, toilets, showers and laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, a mobile pump-out station and a disability hoist. Glenarm is a great base for visitors to explore both the Glens of Antrim and the globally renowned Causeway Coastal Route that twists and turns along the County Antrim coastline, and is quite simply a journey unlike any other".
Glenarm Pontoon refurbishment: Mayor Peter Johnston, Mid and East Antrim BC, and representatives of Tourism NI, Civco and Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions
Rosemarie McHugh, Director of Product Development at Tourism NI, commented: "We are delighted to support this latest addition to the tourism product here in Northern Ireland. The fully serviced pontoon, situated at the Marina in Glenarm, is a fantastic base for visitors to explore the Glens of Antrim and the stunning Causeway Coastal Route. It also plays an important role in helping us rebuild and recover our tourism sector."
