The Battery Bar

The Battery Bar is a highly-rated, family-run traditional Irish pub and marina located at 201 Battery Road near Ardboe, Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Situated directly on the scenic shores of Lough Neagh, it has become a legendary destination within the Irish motorhome and campervan community.

Motorhome & Campervan Stopover Details

The pub features an exceptionally welcoming overnight stop for self-contained vehicles at Ardboe Harbour:

• Cost: Parking costs £10 per night for an unpowered pitch, or £15 to £20 per night if you require an Electric Hook-Up (EHU).

• Voucher Scheme: Upon paying, the landlord issues a £10 voucher redeemable inside the bar, off-licence, or the on-site kitchen.

• Facilities: On-site amenities include fresh water taps, black waste/chemical toilet disposal, grey waste drainage, and rubbish bins.

• Toilets: Accessible inside the bar during opening hours or via the adjacent lifeboat/rescue slip building. There are no public showers.

• Pitch Types: A spacious mix of flat hardstanding and grass pitches positioned right beside the lough waterfront.

• Pet Policy: The entire premises and bar are highly dog-friendly.

Pub Atmosphere & Dining

The indoor area is widely praised for its authentic "craic," peaceful location, and exceptionally warm hosting by landlord Patrick Quinn:

• The Vibe: Cozy, casual, and highly community-driven. It frequently hosts vibrant live traditional music on Saturday nights and dedicated summer motorhome rally weekends.

• The Drinks: Renowned locally for pouring a cracking pint of Guinness and an excellent selection of local stouts.

• Dining Options: The property features an on-site food trailer called Jaz's Kitchen, highly rated for passionate, hearty cooking. There is also an integrated pizzeria, a neighboring fish-and-chip shop, and an outdoor barbecue/picnic area.

Local Information & Activities

The Battery Bar's unique placement on the edge of the UK and Ireland’s largest lake makes it an ideal base for outdoor recreation: 

• Water Sports: Direct access via an on-site concrete slipway makes it highly popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and launching small motorboats. 

• Wildlife: The harbor views are excellent for birdwatching, with frequent sightings of swans, herons, and local fish jumping near the banks. 

• Ardboe Old Church & High Cross: A short, scenic walk down the road brings you to the historic 10th-century Ardboe High Cross, one of the finest surviving examples of an Irish Old High Cross.