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Strangford Lough
Strangford Lough in Co Down in the North-East of Ireland is a place of extraordinary natural beauty where you will find breathtaking landscape, pretty villages, fascinating historical sites, excellent visitor centres and best of all - no crowds!
Start in the harbour of the little town of Strangford, named by the vikings. Visit nearby Castle Ward, an 800 acre walled estate, or the imposing Kilclief Castle dating from the 13th Century.
From Strangford take the ferry on the short crossing to Portaferry, at the very tip of the Ards Peaninsula. Explore the tower houses here, visit the Exploris aquarium for a look at the marine life in the area or climb Windmill Hill for fantastic views over the Lough and the Mourne Mountains.
The Ards Peaninsula
Continue your journey up the Ards peaninsula by the lough side route, through Kircubbin, pausing to see the 13th century Innishargie Church, and the lovely village of Greyabbey where the ruins of the 12th century abbey are surrouned by magnificent 18th century parkland. Greyabbey is also famed for its numerous antique shops, so be prepared to stop and browse!
Alternately take the wilder and more remote coastal route up the paeninsula, desolate, beautiful and almost deserted.
Near Newtownards is Scrabo Country Park, a wildlife reserve with an excellent visitor centre in its imposing Tower. This is a great place for kids who especially love the Dinosaur footprints! Downpatrick is a busy market town and home to Down County Museum and Down Cathedral, the final resting place of St Patrick, St Brigid and St Colmcille.
This is only scratching the surface of Strangford, a place overlooked by way too many tourists and which you could easily spend several days exploring.
Location Map for Strangford Lough
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