Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough

The Ards Peninsula

Contains a mixture of shore types including rock, shingle and sand. Coastal grassland, heath and sand dunes mostly occur as small remnants. Littoral habitats are well-developed and mixed sediments occur offshore.

Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough is a large diverse inlet which contains many islands and a narrow connection to the Irish Sea. It is recognised as one of the richest marine areas in Europe.
A variety of both sediment and rocky intertidal habitats typical of sheltered shores and tidal rapids occur. Subtidal communities include beds of horse mussels.

Almost the entire world population of light-bellied Brent geese uses the lough during autumn and winter. Recently the entrance to the lough, known as "The Narrows", has been the site for the installation of Northern Ireland's first tidal turbine, which aims to use the strong water currents to generate electricity.

For detailed maps, images and information on this beautiful coastal region, visit the Strangford Lough Information Network.