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Wildife and Bird Watching in Co Down

Castle Espie WWT in Comber boasts Ireland's largest collection of ducks, geese and swans which can be viewed from hides, waterfowl gardens and on woodland walks. It also features extended gardens and woodlands with a gift shop, home made food, art gallery and coffee shop.

The Copeland Islands are situated 3.6km off the coast from Donaghadee and comprise of approximately 300 acres. The islands are noted for their varied bird population including resident species such as fulmer, eider, black guillemot, oystercatcher and herring gull, to name but a few. The islands are also a resting and breeding ground for the grey seals. You can take a 15 minute boat to get to the islands and trips are available from June to September, weather permitting, leaving Donaghadee usually from 2pm, returning 5pm. Boat trips are also available on request for groups of 10 or more, anytime.

Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland's first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching.

Strangford Lough is a special and wonderful place. The largest sea lough in the British Isles, it is almost landlocked apart from its connection to the Irish sea through the Strangford Narrows. The Trust's Wildlife Scheme manages and provides access to 15,000 acres, which includes foreshore, fifty islands, woodland, wetlands, saltmarsh and agricultural fields.

• Balloo Wetland Reserve
• Castle Espie WWT
• Killard Nature Reserve
• Murlough National Nature Reserve
• The Copeland Islands