Belfast Lough Inner — water body quality
near Cultra, Ards and North Down
Belfast Lough Inner is a coastal water in Ards and North Down, near Cultra, covering 49.9 km².
Official classification
Moderate
Assessed 2026
Moderate is the first Water Framework Directive class that falls short of the Directive’s objective: the biological communities here differ moderately from those expected in a near-natural water body of this type, so a programme of measures applies.
| Stretch | Status |
|---|---|
| Belfast Lough Inner | Moderate |
Overall status reflects the worst stretch (precautionary).
This water body
- Type
- Coastal water
- Area
- 49.9 km²
- County
- Ards and North Down
- Location
- 54.6721, -5.8343
Others in Ards and North Down
This page shows water-quality information, not swim-safety advice. For today's conditions and swim-safety guidance, check Water Safety Ireland.
Official classifications on this page contain DAERA/NIEA Water Framework Directive classification data © Crown copyright, licensed under Open Government Licence v3.0.