Strangford Lough: Mount Stewart, Castle Ward, Brent Geese & the Best Walks

Strangford Lough is a great sea lough in County Down, south-east of Belfast, separated from the Irish Sea by the Ards Peninsula and joined to it by a narrow channel at Portaferry and Strangford. It is the largest inlet in Ireland and the wider British Isles, covering 150 square kilometres.

Why Strangford Lough Is Special

Strangford Lough is a place of islands, tidal shores and wide reflections, rich in wildlife and ringed by some of the finest houses and gardens in Ireland.

It is protected as part of the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The History of Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough was designated Northern Ireland's first Marine Conservation Zone in 2013, and it is a Special Area of Conservation for its wildlife.

On its eastern shore, Mount Stewart, cared for by the National Trust, is famous for its gardens, created in the 20th century by Edith, Lady Londonderry. On the western side, near Strangford, Castle Ward is a house with one front in classical style and the other Gothic, and its farmyard was used as Winterfell in Game of Thrones.

A car ferry crosses the narrows between Strangford and Portaferry, where the tide races through the channel.

What to See & the Best Walks at Strangford Lough

Visit the gardens of Mount Stewart and walk along the shore. Cross on the Strangford ferry and visit Castle Ward and its grounds.

In Portaferry, visit Exploris Aquarium, and walk the shore paths to see the birds of the lough.

Wildlife at Strangford Lough

Three-quarters of the world's population of pale-bellied brent geese spend the winter around the lough, and common seals and basking sharks are found in its waters. Watch the birds from WWT Castle Espie at Comber.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Strangford Lough

See the Strangford and Lecale AONB, Mount Stewart, Castle Ward and WWT Castle Espie listings, and Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry.

For gardens, Rowallane Garden is near Saintfield, and Creative Gardens Donaghadee is on the Ards Peninsula.

Strangford Lough Through the Seasons

Spring brings Mount Stewart's gardens into flower. Summer is the season for sailing and garden visits. In autumn and winter the brent geese arrive, a wonderful sight on the shores.

Getting to Strangford Lough

Buses run from Belfast to Newtownards, Portaferry and Downpatrick. A car is the easiest way to explore the lough.

Strangford Lough: Questions & Answers

How big is Strangford Lough?

It covers 150 square kilometres, the largest inlet in Ireland and the British Isles.

When do the brent geese come to Strangford Lough?

In autumn and winter; three-quarters of the world's pale-bellied brent geese winter here.

Our Advice

Our advice: Visit Mount Stewart in the morning, take the ferry from Portaferry to Strangford, and spend the afternoon at Castle Ward.