Maghery Country Park

Maghery is a quiet lough-shore country park on the southwestern corner of Lough Neagh, where the Blackwater river system meets the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. Its big draw for aerial work is Coney Island, a small wooded island lying just offshore, which from above sits like a green jewel ringed by reed beds and open water. The park itself offers grass and a slipway that make simple launch points, with the flat expanse of Lough Neagh filling the horizon to the north and east. This is a council-managed country park, so check on-site bylaws and signage, as some parks restrict drone use; keep clear of anglers, picnic areas and the jetty when boats are running to the island. There is no airfield restriction nearby, giving a clear ceiling over the water. Because Lough Neagh is so large and low-lying, sunrise and sunset produce beautiful long reflections and mist over the shallows. The lough and its shoreline are internationally important for wintering wildfowl and heavily designated for wildlife, so fly high and steady over the water and avoid low passes near roosting or feeding birds, especially in winter. Wind can whip across the open lough with little warning, so watch the surface for gusts before descending.