Ballyquintin and Lecale Coast Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Open, exposed and windswept rocky shoreline.
• Gently undulating farmland with flat coastal edge.
• Vernacular, whitewashed cottages and small clachans.
• Patches of gorse scrub and stone walls.
• Extensive sheep grazing.
• Numerous archaeological remains and strong sense of history.
• Uninhibited views of the sea.

Landscape Description

The Ballyquintin and Lecale Coast landscape character area is underlain by sedimentary rocks which have numerous Dolerite dykes aligned in a NE direction. It occupies the southern tip of the Ards Peninsula below Cloghy and the eastern section of Down District. This is a predominantly coastal landscape and its character is influenced by its extremely windswept position. The flat coastal topography becomes gently undulating towards Downpatrick where it meets the North Lecale Hills. Throughout the area, there are low drumlins with wide open inter-drumlin hollows, often with fen and wetland. The agricultural landscape has a deeply rural character, with extensive sheep grazing. Gorse, which has encroached into the hedgerows and grassland in exposed areas, adds texture to the landscape. The settlements tend to be small; Ardglass is the largest. Scattered dwellings are evenly distributed between the small hamlets and villages. Small vernacular cottages, which assume a simple one storey form, are plentiful. There is a disused airfield at Ringawaddy. Traditional small settlements may be seen throughout the area, notably the clachan of houses at Kearney which has been restored by the National Trust. The A2 runs the length of the coast, linking adjacent settlements. The area has a strong sense of history with numerous historical sites including standing stones, castles, chambered graves, crosses, churches, raths and holy wells. Landmarks such as forts, castles and windmills are highly visible in the open landscape and are often sited on hilltops.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

This is a relatively unspoilt landscape, with traditional rural features and numerous historical features. This tranquil unspoilt character is valuable but ensures that the landscape is sensitive to change. Much of the area is within the Strangford Lough and Lecale Coast AONBs. Some field boundaries are in poor condition but the presence of landmarks, such as ancient graves, castles and the restored settlement at Kearney, make this a special landscape, worthy of conservation. Ballyquintin Point, on the southern tip of the Ards Peninsula, is a National Nature Reserve, with an interglacial raised beach and saltmarshes. The headland of Killard Point is also recognised for its nature conservation and earth science importance by its designation as an ASSI. Both headlands have excellent raised beach features and rare communities of marine flora.

Principles for Landscape Management

• The rebuilding and management of stone walls would ensure a robust landscape pattern and conservation of traditional rural features.
• The settings of archaeological features should be conserved and public access provided and managed to help prevent damage to the monuments or their settings.
• The conservation and management of special sites of scientific interest will ensure the variety of physical features and habitats are maintained.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• There are opportunities for the conversion and upgrading of the traditional buildings, which contribute to the distinctive character of the local landscape.
• The architectural style and finish of any new buildings and their siting is of utmost importance in such a sensitive rural landscape. Simple, white- rendered finishes are the most appropriate.