Ballycopeland Windmill
This late 18th century tower mill was in use until 1915 and is now fully restored. A visitor’s centre is located inside the miller’s house and the display includes a large working model of the mill. Guide cards are available.
Windmill Road
Millisle
BT22 2BP
Tel: 028 9181 1491
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Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre
Set on the shores of Strangford Lough, where almost the entire world’s population of Brent Geese resides during the winter months. Hides and nature walks allow you to get close to the wild birds and collection of endangered birds from around the world. There is a coffee shop, gift shop and a picnic and play area. Events are held throughout the year.
78 Ballydrain Road
Comber
BT23 6EA
Tel: 028 9187 4146
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Drumawhey Junction Railway
The railway operates steam, petrol, hydraulic and diesel locomotives providing the longest 71/4 gauge railway in Ireland. The ride is 1.5km long and takes about 12 minutes, including level crossing, twin track tunnel, station, steep gradients and more.
Upper Gransha Road (near Four Road Ends)
Donaghadee
BT21 0LZ
Tel: 028 9145 3563
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Exploris
View and learn about the marine species that are indigenous to Strangford Lough and the coastline of the island. The Open Sea Tank, the largest tank in the aquarium contains animals of the open sea such as sharks, conger eels and rays. The Seal Sanctuary offers the opportunity to see rehabilitation of rescued seals.
The Rope Walk,
Castle Street
Portaferry
BT22 1NZ
Tel: 028 4272 8062 www.exploris.org.uk
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Grey Abbey
The Abbey is the first example of Gothic architecture in Ireland, founded in 1193 by Affreca, daughter of Godfred, King of the Isle of Man and wide of John de Courcy as a thanksgiving for surviving a rough sea crossing to Ireland.
9-11 Church Street
Greyabbey
BT22 2NQ
Tel: 028 9181 1491
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Kearney
This picturesque village composed of whitewashed cottages, lies 4 miles east of Portaferry on the south of the Peninsula. The National Trust owns and maintains much of the village and provides information on coastal nature walks. A small interpretative display providing historical information on the village is available.
Portaferry
BT22 1QP
Tel: 028 4278 8666
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Kiltonga Nature Reserve
A pathway around the lake allows for closer inspection of the birds. Swans, mallards, little grebe, moorhens and coots are always present.
Belfast Road
Newtownards
BT23 4SG
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Market Cross
The original building, built in 1636 and destroyed in 1653, was less than 11 feet tall and octagonal in shape with a low door and staircase leading to the roof. The present replacement building was finished in 1666. Its conical roof was probably used as an office or shelter for the town’s night watchmen.
East of High Street
Newtownards
BT23 7ST
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Mount Stewart House and Gardens
Mount Stewart is a fascinating 18th century neo-classical house with 19th century additions. It was the ancestral home of Lord Castlereagh, a statesman and a diplomat with internationally famous gardens (European Garden of Inspiration 2003). There are also walks throughout the demesne, around the lake and to the “Temple of the Winds” a banqueting hall built in 1785 by James “Athenian” Stuart.
Portaferry Road
Newtownards
BT22 2AD
Tel: 028 4278 8387
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