Strangford Lough is a special and wonderful place.

The largest sea lough in the British Isles, it is almost landlocked apart from its connection to the Irish Sea through the Strangford Narrows.

It was originally known by its Irish name Loch Cuan which means harbour lough or haven.

The waters of the lough attracted many seafarers including the Vikings. They named the lough Strang-fjiord because of the strong currents and this later became Strangford.

You can purchase the pictures in our gallery by visiting our photosales website.

Up until September 1969, the only way for the public to cross the mile of turbulent water that seperated the Co Down villages of Strangford and Portaferry was on a small open boat operated by local ferrymen.

Motorists who wanted to drive between the two villages had to undertake a 50 mile journey around the shore of Strangford Lough, while pupils from Portaferry who attended school in Downpatrick had first to travel across the lough on the privately-run passenger boat, the Jacqueline, before catching a bus from Strangford.

Plans to introduce a car ferry at Strangford emerged in 1966 with the announcement that Down County Council was to sponsor a Private Bill at Stormont to create a new service.

At the start of Autumn 1969, it was clear that the days of the small 40-person capacity motor vessel were numbered.

The new ferry service proved to be an instant hit and by June 1970 some 42,500 foot passengers and 10,500 cars crossed the lough on the new boat.

I have chosen some images from our archive reflecting life on the lough.