North Channel

North Channel, strait of the Atlantic Ocean between southwestern Scotland and northeastern Ireland. It provides entry to the Irish Sea from the north and, because it is bounded on both sides by the United Kingdom, is sometimes termed a private entry. It extends 130 km (80 mi) from north to south and is 23 km (14 mi) wide at its narrowest point. Its average depth is from 90 to 180 m (300 to 590 ft). A strong current in the North Channel between Stranraer and Belfast makes navigation difficult.