Portaferry Sailing Club

The sailing club sits right on the water at Portaferry, commanding proper views across Strangford Lough. It's a working sailing venue rather than a visitor attraction in the traditional sense, but if you're staying at Silverbay Caravan Park nearby and fancy getting out on the water, this is where the action happens.

You'll see serious sailors launching boats, but the club also runs beginner courses and day trips during summer months - worth ringing ahead to check what's on. The setup is straightforward: slipway, mooring field, clubhouse with a bar that serves decent coffee and occasional lunches. The real appeal is being right there on one of Northern Ireland's finest stretches of water, watching everything from dinghies to larger cruisers working the lough.

It's brilliant if you're into sailing or want to try it. For non-sailors, the waterfront setting is lovely for a stroll and a drink, but you won't spend hours here unless you're actually messing about with boats. The club itself isn't really geared toward casual tourism - this is for people with a genuine interest in getting afloat.

Downpatrick's only a short drive away if you need shops or food. Combined with Silverbay's location, you're well-placed for a proper coastal break with proper sailing access rather than just looking at boats from the shore.