Activities

Wildlife

The Ards and Strangford Lough are internationally renowned for its richness in wildlife. The Strangford Lough Wildlife Scheme is organised by the National Trust and aimed at conservation of the wildlife stock. The Scheme embraces most of the Lough’s foreshore but there is equally important marine life under the surface. There are many excellent viewpoints and hides scattered around the area where the wildlife may be observed.
For further information contact: Strangford Lough Wildlife Scheme 028 4488 1411

Bird Watching

Birds can be viewed from various access points around Strangford Lough including Island Hill (Comber) Reagh Island (beside Mahee Island) Barr’s Bay car park and Gasworks (Mountstewart Road) and Greyabbey. Example terns, grebes, shoveler, mallard, wigeon, shelduck, brent geese, oyster catcher, plovers, heron, curlew, redshank, turnstones.
Information:Visit www.strangfordlough.org or contact Ards Tourist Information Centre 028 9182 6846.
John Murray
7 The Strand
Portaferry
T: 028 4272 8414

Cruising

Sightseeing trips on Strangford Lough, particularly for bird and seal watching.
Des Rogers Boats
200A Shore Road
Portaferry
T: 028 4272 8297
Pleasure cruises can be arranged on Strangford Lough

Cycle Hire

The Strangford Lough Cycle Trail is an 82 mile circular route in the Strangford Lough area. National Cycle Route 99 travels north east from Comber Square towards Scrabo Tower. Regional Route 20 travels south east from Comber Square to Castle Espie, Whiterock and beyond.
The cycle map for this route can be purchased from Ards or Portaferry Tourist Information Centres T: 028 9182 6846 or visit www.sustrans.org.uk
Cycles can be hired from
Mike the Bike
53 Frances Street
Newtownards
028 9181 1311

Kayak & Canoeing Strangford Lough Canoe Trail

Strangford Lough offers no less than 80 square nautical miles of paddling playground! From the fast-running tidal channel in the south to the more gentle waters around the islands there is something for canoeists of all abilities. The trail is also home to Northern Ireland’s first “bothy” which provides basic shelters and useful facilities for paddlers on Salt Island. With many access points (signposted) around the shores of the Lough the possibilities are endless.
Visit www.canoeni.com or contact Ards (028 9182 6846) or Portaferry Tourist Information Centres (028 4272 9882).
Kayaks can be hired from
Mike the Bike
53 Frances Street
Newtownards
T: 028 9181 1311 for further information and availability.

Newtownards Sailing Club

The sailing club is the premier dinghy sailing club on Strangford Lough with group 14 dinghies for hire on a daily basis. Adult group dinghy sail training courses are arranged in April annually and children’s courses are held weekly during the summer. Individual sail training is also available.
Contact 028 9181 3288

Wind Surfing

Lessons are available through Newtownards Sailing Club at locations on the Lough including Barrs Bay, Portaferry Road, Newtownards and Kircubbin.
Newtownards Sailing Club
028 9181 3426

Watersports & Scuba Diving

DV diving is a BASC and PADI registered diving centre offering a complete range of diving qualification courses or breaks to explore Strangford Lough. All equipment can be provided and lessons are also available for novices.
DV Diving
138 Mountstewart Road
Newtownards
028 9186 1686