Part of the
Hurtigruten Group

Castle Espie Wetlands Centre

Excursion

Free

Duration
3h30
Season
Available all year
Min. number
0 travellers
Booking code
INCL-BEF1

Visit a nature reserve, home to Northern Ireland’s largest population of water and migrant birds.
  • Discover Ireland’s wonderful nature at Castle Espie, on the beautiful shores of Strangford Lough

  • See wildfowl and waders including plovers, redshanks, godwits and shelducks

  • Explore the reserve’s estuary, tidal lagoon, woodland, saltmarshes, eel-grass mats and other habitats

  • Visit Ireland’s only environmental art space


Wetland wildlife 

See many of Ireland’s wetland species at Castle Espie, a 60-acre nature reserve, where the buildings are all made of sustainable materials. Explore woodland and coastal habitats where you’ll discover native and migratory birds, and otters. Look out for the Light-bellied Brent Goose and the colourful Kingfisher. And enjoy the exhibits in the environmental art gallery at the Visitor Centre.

Practical information

  • Language: English.

  • Remarks/requirements: We recommend that guests wear warm, layered, waterproof clothing and comfortable non-slip walking shoes. 

  • Walking information: At guest’s discretion. The total distance of trails is approx. 2km on the flat.

  • Wheelchair accessible: No.

Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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