River Lagan
Information about using the River Lagan, including how to cross the Lagan Weir. Find out where to moor your vessel, where to launch from and where to find information notices and details about events on the tidal Lagan.
The Lagan Weir
The Lagan Weir controls the water levels upstream to Stranmillis Weir. The gates can be used for 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 allowed
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 allowed to cross the weir at these times.
Mooring facilities
The River Lagan Marina is on Donegall Quay, upstream of the Lagan Weir, and gives a secure overnight berthing facility for recreational visitors.
The marina has water, electricity and a secure access monitored by CCTV. Boats are welcome to berth for a maximum of three nights.
Charges and conditions of use are as detailed in the River Lagan Marina berthing conditions.
For more information, download the River Lagan marina guide.
Short-term mooring
There are also pontoon mooring facilities on the upstream and downstream sides of the Lagan Weir. They have short-term mooring facilities for craft waiting to cross the weir.
Extra short-term mooring facilities are 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 positions
The following launching positions are approved by the Department for Communities (DfC):
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Maysfield Basin | Public slipway and steps, run by Belfast City Council |
| Queen's Quay | Steps |
| Ravenhill Reach | Public slipway run 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.
For more information visit River notices and Laganside events.
River and weir contacts
To find out more about the marina or for bookings contact the River Lagan and Weir team