Belfast Lough

Belfast Lough, inlet of the North Channel of the Irish Sea, 20 km (12 mi) long and between 5 and 8 km (3 and 5 mi) wide. It is located on the north-eastern coast of Ireland, and its protected mudflats are essential to thousands of overwintering and migrating birds. The city of Belfast, which is situated at the mouth of the River Lagan on the south-west of the lough, has thrived as a result of its harbour, which in turn has benefited from the lough's shelter and navigability. Bangor, on the lough's southern coast, is the largest seaside resort in Northern Ireland.