The Lagan weir
The Lagan weir controls the water levels upstream to Stranmillis weir. The gates can be operated to permit boats to cross the weir into the upper stretches of the river.
Crossing the Lagan weir
The Lagan Weir control centre is a licensed VHF radio base station. Vessels wishing to cross the weir must contact the control room for permission.
| Channel number | 71 |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 156.575 MHz |
| Call sign | Lagan Weir |
During normal tidal and river conditions, the weir gates are raised on each falling tide to impound the river upstream. The gates are lowered again when the tide rises above the impounded control level for the river. A horn is sounded to warn boat users when the gates are about to rise.
When crossing is not permitted
The gates can also be raised to quay level to act as a barrier for flood protection from exceptionally high tides and to deal with pollution incidents. Boats are not permitted to cross the weir at these times.
Mooring facilities
The River Lagan Marina is located on Donegall Quay, upstream of the Lagan Weir, and provides a secure overnight berthing facility for recreational visitors.
The marina provides water, electricity and a secure access monitored by CCTV. Boats are welcome to berth for a maximum of three nights and charges and conditions of use are as detailed in the River Lagan Marina berthing conditions.
For more information, download the River Lagan Guide.
Short term mooring
There are also pontoon mooring facilities located on the upstream and downstream sides of the Lagan Weir, which provide short term mooring facilities for craft waiting to cross the weir.
Additional short term mooring facilities exist at the Odyssey Centre (downstream of the weir) and at Governor’s Bridge, Ravenhill Reach and Waterfront Hall (all upstream of the weir).
Approved launching locations
The following launching positions are approved by the Department for Communities (DfC):
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Maysfield Basin | Public slipway and steps, operated by Belfast City Council |
| Queen's Quay | Steps |
| Ravenhill Reach | Public slipway operated by the Department for Communities and normally open during daylight hours |
River notices and events
Information notices for the River Lagan, along with a list of events that will take place on the tidal Lagan, are published by the Department for Communities (DfC).
For more information visit the following page:
River and weir contacts
For enquiries about the marina or bookings:
More useful links