When to go
Spring and summer are best for gardens and blooms like bluebells. Migrating birds from Africa and beyond start to arrive between March and May, when herons also nest and waterfowl and other birds breed. Summer is good for spotting wildflowers and butterflies, plus, the season’s warmer temperatures are the best time for boating, kayaking, paddling, bike rides, and horse riding. Temperatures are cooler in winter, when many attractions and activities close from October to Easter.
Know before you go
- Always bring warm layers and waterproof outer layers, as the weather in Northern Ireland can change quickly at any time of year.
- Check weather forecasts before arranging watersports and bring personal buoyancy.
- The lake is tidal, so water levels change during the day.
- The ferry across The Narrows from Portaferry to Strangford runs every half hour and takes cars.
- Biting midges can be a nuisance in some seasons.
Strangford Lough
The huge Strangford Lough, which is connected to the Irish Sea at one end, has beautiful landscapes and nature reserves. On its shores you will find stately homes and gardens, monastic sites, cycle trails, and country parks, while on the water thereâs boating, paddleboarding, and canoe trails, plus islands and thousands of visiting birds. Visitors camping nearby will find plenty of history on the lough shores too, from the footsteps of Saint Patrick to tales of Viking and Norman invaders. For the full experience, take a sea safari on the water or explore on horseback or bicycle before shopping for local crafts and then tucking into the areaâs tasty produce.
The huge Strangford Lough, which is connected to the Irish Sea at one end, has beautiful landscapes and nature reserves. On its shores you will find stately homes and gardens, monastic sites, cycle trails, and country parks, while on the water there’s boating, paddleboarding, and canoe trails, plus islands and thousands of visiting birds. Visitors camping nearby will find plenty of history on the lough shores too, from the footsteps of Saint Patrick to tales of Viking and Norman invaders. For the full experience, take a sea safari on the water or explore on horseback or bicycle before shopping for local crafts and then tucking into the area’s tasty produce.
When to go
Spring and summer are best for gardens and blooms like bluebells. Migrating birds from Africa and beyond start to arrive between March and May, when herons also nest and waterfowl and other birds breed. Summer is good for spotting wildflowers and butterflies, plus, the season’s warmer temperatures are the best time for boating, kayaking, paddling, bike rides, and horse
Read more...When to go
Spring and summer are best for gardens and blooms like bluebells. Migrating birds from Africa and beyond start to arrive between March and May, when herons also nest and waterfowl and other birds breed. Summer is good for spotting wildflowers and butterflies, plus, the season’s warmer temperatures are the best time for boating, kayaking, paddling, bike rides, and horse riding. Temperatures are cooler in winter, when many attractions and activities close from October to Easter.
Know before you go