Ruth Sanderson meets eighth-generation eel fishermen on Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland. Indeed, this is the reason for the accolade of PGI which was awarded to Lough Neagh Eels in 2011, recognising the heritage, tradition and authenticity of what are regarded as the best quality eels in Europe. The lough is also the biggest inland fishery in Europe, providing eels for Billingsgate fish market. But the fish too are in decline. Although Lough Neagh is Europe’s major commercial wild eel fishery and Northern Ireland’s main source of drinking water, the lake has had a long and troubled history. Armagh Bramley apples and Lough Neagh eels could be officially recognised in Japan for the first time following a UK trade agreement. We showed volunteers an anti-vax video. And there is of course still plenty of room for old favourites like the Ulster Fry and Tobacco Onions. UN warns Myanmar junta of 'severe consequences'. Lovely situation right beside the lough. Lovely little cafe situated on the Lough front. Lough Neagh Tours offer guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in heritage, history and hospitality around this unique lake – the largest in the UK and Ireland. Lough Neagh is home to the largest commercial wild eel fishery in Europe, exporting some 650 tonnes of produce a year to outlets in Billingsgate, Holland and Germany. 1 Lough Neagh smoked eel fillet availble from Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative Society or more stockists bit.ly/3a3ZyMD 1 red beetroot boiled and peeled 1 yellow beetroots boiled and peeled 1/2 tbsp of horseradish cream 1 tbsp of crème fraîche 1 handful of salad leaves 1 soda farl 1/2 lemon salt black pepper, freshly ground Read about our approach to external linking. Our food philosophy is to offer a wide selection of wholesome traditional fare with a contemporary twist complimented by fine wines, beers and spirits. Departing from Belfast city centre to the shores of Lough Neagh, an area world renowned for its folklore, flora, fauna and eel, guests are transported to an untapped wilderness likened to the Florida Everglades. At least 100 fishermen earn an income from Lough Neagh and the lake supports a sand extraction industry and various water sports. But the trade ban has wiped out the Brexit-supporting businessman's markets on the continent and in Northern Ireland. Greenvale Hotel Restaurant and Night Club; The Speckled Hen. We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. more, Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport. Coffee and cake nice with friendly staff. It means finding new buyers for 50 tonnes of eels, worth £500,000, just months before the start of this year's season. Peter Wood supplied Lough Neagh from his base on the River Severn on the border of England and Wales. The main restaurant area is on the first floor for those who cannot manage the stairs there is an elevator. The water quality is poor because of nutrients released by farming and the discharges from septic tanks and sewage works. The eels are prepared by removing the guts, skin and head. Date: 6th November 2017; Posted by: LoughNeaghEel; 37 Patrick Street, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, BT82 8DQ. [17] Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney produced a collection of poems A Lough Neagh Sequence celebrating the eel-fishermen's traditional techniques and the natural history of their catch. Located right at the end of the river were it meets the Lough. Kinnego has a magnificent rural setting of beauty and tranquility, giving striking views over the Lough and the distant hills of Tyrone and Antrim. Brussels has banned sales with any country outside the EU to … The staff were friendly and helpful, offering local info. It was a handy place to have," he said. Why are two of the world's richest men battling it out? The views of the lough and access to surrounding walks is excellent. The co … The photo is from Jordanstown Lough Shore, NOT Antrim Lough Shore. Brexit: How Northern Ireland is different. I'm really fussy but both were surpringly decent. There is also likely to be additional cost for the fishermen's co-operative if it has to fly its eels to the Netherlands from Dublin, rather than from the nearby Belfast International Airport, to adhere to the terms of the EU's eel trade restrictions. The fishing on Lough Neagh, the largest commercial wild-eel fishery in Europe, is tightly controlled, with an annual quota and regular fishery patrols. Enjoy a meal at the Loughside Cafe with picturesque scenery situated on the shores of Lough Neagh. Sub Category. The Lough Neagh fishery based at Toomebridge is Europe’s largest commercial wild eel fishery, worth £3.2 million to the local economy and producing 16% of Europe’s wild eel catch. A total of 80% of the eel catch goes to EU markets, predominantly in the Netherlands. Friendly staff and food very nice if simple. Good selection of food available, and that which we had was delicious. However, they can no longer be imported to Northern Ireland under the same EU rules. I t is the UK’s first major trade deal outside the EU. Emma Blee reports. Good surroundings with decent food at reasonable prices with good portions. Visiting the inlaws who decided we should have morning coffee and scones here. Today Lough Neagh eel fisheries export their eels to restaurants all over the world, and the Lough Neagh Eel has been granted Protected Geographical Status under European Union law. The operation is managed by the Lough Neagh Fisherman’s Co-Operative, which was set up in 1963. John Farrand, the managing director of the UK Guild of Fine Food in London, organisers of the hugely successful Great Taste Awards, listed the eels in an article on Food Producers to Watch in 2018. Suitable for casual / snack dining. Winter storm tightens grip in US southern states, Ex-Olympian Scott Miller held over 'drugs haul'. Belfast-based, Keenan Seafood supply a range of fish including Lough Neagh fish to hotels, restaurants, food service outlets, cafes, fish and chip shops as well as contract caterers. We went to Loughshore for lunch, one of my adult sons wasn't very hungry he said to the young guy taking our...More. 2003 refusing the applicant a boat owner’s licence to fish for eels on Lough Neagh. [2] The respondent was registered as a friendly society on 24 May 1966 and owns the rights to eel fishing on Lough Neagh and the River Bann. On a fine Summer day food can be enjoyed outside and...More, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. Credit: Six Mile images . The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The 65 seat themed restaurant is warm, spacious and beautifully decorated in a traditional Indian style with … The majority of the Lough Neagh coarse fish is exported to Europe. Wide range of fayre on offer to cater… Lurgan; Love Coffee. "However we continue to work closely with the sector to strengthen the case for trade to resume - and will reapply to the commission shortly," a spokesperson said. Lough Neagh eel are mainly shipped to Holland (for smoking) and Billingsgate, London (for production of jellied eel). If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Would happily return. Click here to contact Keenan Seafood. Gillies Grill – 028 2588 1001 – Smoked Lough Neagh Eel, Beetroot, Warm New Potato, Wasabi Mayo & Crostini. image caption Around 200 fishermen work the lough, mainly fishing for eels Lough Neagh Tours offer guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in heritage, history and hospitality around this unique lake – the largest in the UK and Ireland. This is an old building housing a café that has recently been taken over by Manns. Lough Neagh’s main supplier, UK Glass Eels, says its business is endangered as a result. © 2021 BBC. The fish would traditionally have gone to Billingsgate Market in London and been sold as jellied eels. If you offer a sit down dining experience and are passionate about quality local produce, great atmosphere and top class customer service, then we would like you to be a part of it. We offer artisan ethically sourced coffee, fair trade tea and hot chocolate, we home… Lurgan; Ballydougan Pottery Restaurant & Coffee Lounge. But the complexities of Brexit mean that trade is no longer possible. Friendly and relaxed cafe Lovely little cafe situated on the Lough front. Under the terms of the NI Protocol, eel fishermen in Lough Neagh are covered by those rules. La Rousse Foods stock Frozen Lough Neagh Eel and Smoked Lough Neagh Eel, supplying customers throughout the island of Ireland. “We always thought Northern Ireland was a bit of a home market,” its director, Peter Wood, told the BBC. Not… The Speckled Hen; 1; 2; Bars; Cafes; Delicatessen; Live Entertainment; Local Producers; Nightclubs & Bars; Restaurants; Search Lough Neagh. The Restaurant On the ground floor there is a lounge bar area where customers can relax and enjoy pre and after meal drinks. The … "Of course, now we find with the Northern Ireland Protocol, it could be in the middle of the world as far as we're concerned.". Category. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Antrim, Hotels near Antrim Visitor Information Centre, Hotels near Pogue's Entry Historical Cottage, British Restaurants for Families in Antrim, British Restaurants for Special Occasions in Antrim. Lough Neagh Partnership is recruiting up to 40 restaurants from across NI to be part of Eel‐Eat, from family run cafés to gastro pubs and fine dining restaurants. What happens to your body in extreme heat? Around 200 fishermen work the lough, mainly fishing for eels, but also for species like Dollaghan and some coarse fish. Read about our approach to external linking. Can sea border ‘teething problems’ be solved? The Coffee shop at Antrim has been demolished and The Boat House built to replace it. Great views, Great food and coffee, and an amazing new play park for kids. I love Manns restaurants we used to go to both Loughsore and The Old Courthouse cafes but will never go to Loughshore again. Love Coffee is Lurgan's ethical coffee destination and live arts venue. The multi-million pound eel operation is managed by the Lough Neagh Fisherman’s Co-Operative Society, which is based on the banks of the River Bann at … The UN envoy says "the right of peaceful assembly must fully be respected", as protests continue. Departing from Belfast city centre to the shores of Lough Neagh, an area world renowned for its folklore, flora, fauna and eel, guests are transported to an untapped wilderness likened to the Florida Everglades. The EU has banned sales with any country outside the European Union as part of a wider conservation effort. The eel that grows and feeds in Lough Neagh, are revered for their texture and flavour. Some 200 fishermen catch about two million eels a year from the lough. Northern Ireland's Lough Neagh Eels have been described as "amazing" by one of the UK's most respected food experts. "We always thought Northern Ireland was a bit of a home market. LOUGH Neagh's eel fishermen must find new markets for up to 20 per cent of their catch due to EU conservation rules. "We could ship glass eels from the River Severn to Lough Neagh in an hour-and-a-half, right on our door. Lough Neagh eel fishermen will have to find new markets for a fifth of their catch due to Brexit and the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Meet the men who catch Lough Neagh eels with either of two fishing techniques That means the sale of eels into Britain is no longer permitted. Had a lovely snack for us both but thought till service was slow and slap hazzard, staff overstretched or inexperienced? Replacement fish for Lough Neagh may be sourced from France but may not be available in the same quantity and are likely to cost more. Will definitely return. Lough Neagh Eels. On Your Farm. Nice meal though. Chefs and restaurants in Northern Ireland present ambitious dishes such as goat or Lough Neagh eel to their discerning restaurant-goers. Independent commission to investigate Capitol riots, ‘I saved my sister from a sniper’ Video‘I saved my sister from a sniper’, 'You can't be afraid when fishing for sharks', The year the music stopped. The Lough Neagh fishermen's Co-operative says a "very significant" amount of its catch ends up as jellied eels in London's pie and mash shops. Also on Oxford Island is the picturesque Kinnego Marina, the largest marina on Lough Neagh. Good selection of food available, and that which we had was delicious. Traditionally the juvenile fish - or glass eels - would have been brought in from Britain. You can celebrate Lough Neagh Eel all this week! “We could ship glass eels from the River Severn to Lough Neagh in an hour and a half,” said Wood, who once backed Brexit but regrets it now. The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is a hub of information and a great place for a coffee to kick start the road trip. Can sit in or out. We often call here for a light meal and coffee and have always enjoyed what is on offer. New takes on old favourites like fish and chips, soda farls and home-baked breads are broadening people’s view on local dishes. ‘I saved my sister from a sniper’ Video, NZ-Australia in citizenship row over terror suspect, US 'outraged' by deadly rocket attack in Iraq, First travellers arrive for hotel quarantine stay, Skaters urged to stay off Europe's thawing lakes. An elite group of Northern Ireland restaurants are offering the delicacy during the first ever restaurant week aimed at celebrating Lough Neagh Eel because eels are tasty. By Conor MacauleyBBC NI Agriculture & Environment Correspondent. It comes as restocking Lough Neagh with juvenile fish becomes more complex and costly. How did they react? Their management plan - a combination of quotas, a cap on boat numbers, and escape channels - ensure that about 40% of adult fish return to spawning grounds in the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic. Pat Close of the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative said London was an important market providing "very significant trade". Oysters Restaurant – 028 7138 2690 – Smoked Lough Neagh Eel, Sauteed Potato, Beuttered Leeks & Watercress Veloute. How is The Loughshore Coffee House rated? Lough Neagh eel fishermen will have to find new markets for a fifth of their catch due to Brexit and the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. VideoThe year the music stopped, 'My mum was an alcoholic and it was a massive secret', The jailed Indian activist linked to Greta Thunberg, BBC Worklife: The tiny celebration that's good for you, Optimism as Cuba set to test its own Covid vaccine, The hypercar maker who was told to give up his dream. In a statement, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said due to a decision from the EU Commission, it was not possible to export glass eels to the EU. The other major issue is restocking, which is carried out each year to keep the fishery sustainable. European Eels are an endangered species and the trade in them is strictly regulated. All fish species are available for sale locally and more and more local chefs are cooking with Lough Neagh fish, see our recipe ideas for more information or contact us for more details on where to buy. The Loughshore Coffee House is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers: Lough Road, Antrim BT41 4DG Northern Ireland, An Overpriced Tiny amount of Chips and a Rude Waiter. NZ-Australia in citizenship row over terror suspect1, UN warns Myanmar junta of 'severe consequences'2, US 'outraged' by deadly rocket attack in Iraq3, Independent commission to investigate Capitol riots4, First travellers arrive for hotel quarantine stay5, Skaters urged to stay off Europe's thawing lakes6, Why are two of the world's richest men battling it out?7, Winter storm tightens grip in US southern states8, Ex-Olympian Scott Miller held over 'drugs haul'9, The hypercar maker who was told to give up his dream10. Lough Neagh . What more could you want the location is a 5 minute walk to the Antrim Castle grounds with some amzing views of the gardens and river and an addition 2 minutes...More. With 80% of …