Things to do in County Down, Northern Ireland: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

Located at the mouth of Strangford Lough on the Lecale side is a former NATO Radar Station lost in the wilderness. The walk includes the secluded Killard bay with its cliff faces with nesting birds. Views from here extend to the Isle of Man which is only as far away as Belfast. As it is a headland the main access points is at Mill Quarter with the second at Ballyhornan both on the Ballyhornan Scenic Loop just off the A2 road. Parking is available at both locations.

Let Lucy the Lobster take you on an adventure from tiny lobster eggs through the dangerous journey of reaching adulthood. Come and see our on of a kind experience be only inches away from hundreds of baby lobsters and monster mothers.Our interactive educational experience offers fun learning opportunities for all ages as well as kids crafts and interactive treasure hunts.

The Observatory is situated on Old Lighthouse Island, or the ‘Bird Isle’, as it is known locally. The Island is 40 metres high and 16 hectares (40 acres) in area, with a cliff on the east side and fairly gentle slopes elsewhere leading to a rocky shoreline. For most of the visiting season, the Island is covered by lush vegetation including elder scrub, bracken, Himalayan balsam, nettles, bluebells, narcissi and campion. The Island is an excellent place for newcomers to birdwatching. It is the only place in Northern Ireland where rare passerines turn up with any regularity. Visitors can participate in the trapping and ringing of birds and get a chance to see them at close quarters. Apart from the birds, the Island is available as an ecological study centre and, we hope, is a valuable educational resource for all levels of student. There is accommodation for up to 23 overnight visitors in the converted ruins of the old lighthouse.

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is located on the northern edge of the Mourne Mountains on the fringe of Tollymore Forest Park. We provide a wide range of skills and leadership courses in outdoor adventure activities including rockclimbing, hillwalking, canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering and orienteering to groups and individuals. On site facilities include high and low ropes courses, indoor and outdoor climbing walls, canoe rolling pool, and a mountain bike skills course. The Centre also includes ensuite accommodation and a range of meeting and conference rooms.