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Home > NIEA > Places to Visit > Country Parks and Countryside Centres > Quoile Countryside Centre

Quoile Countryside Centre

Last updated: 30 September 2011

The Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve is a glorious wetland retreat situated just outside Downpatrick on either side of the Quoile River. The present freshwater lake is an excellent site for birdwatching. You can see migrating wading birds in the spring and autumn and in summer, swans and many breeding wildfowl appear, including the scarcely seen Gadwall. In winter, large numbers of widgeon and ducks are abundant.

The Quoile Countryside Centre is an attractive stone cottage with a wildflower garden. The centre features displays on the wildlife and history of the area.

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Quoile Countryside Centre
5 Quay Road
Downpatrick
BT30 7JB

Tel: 028 4461 5520
Fax: 028 4461 3280


Opening times as follows:

Visitor Centre:

1 October to 30 March - 12.00noon to 4.00pm Sunday

Please note that the Visitor Centre will be closed on Sunday 25 December 2011 and Sunday 1 January 2012

The Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve provides:

  • The Quoile countryside centre
  • Castle Island hide
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Toilets / disabled toilets
  • Disabled access
  • Car / bus parking
  • Picnic area

The Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve is situated just outside Downpatrick on either side of the Quoile River. Facilities at the reserve include the Quoile Countryside Centre with displays on the wildlife and history of the area. Situated on the Castle Island Road, a few minutes drive from the Countryside Centre is the Castle Island Bird-Watching Hide for excellent bird-watching. This distinctive hide comfortably seats 20 adults or 30 children, and is fully accessible for people with disabilities.

  • Marsh plants along the river
  • Oak and ash woodland
  • Dipping platforms

Resources suitable for use at this site

KS 1

 I See The Wood (.PDF 2.69Mb)Opens in new window.
Nessa Newt's Wetland and Bog Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.68Mb)Opens in new window.
Nessa Newt Irish Version (.PDF 2.53Mb)Opens in new window.
Harry Hare's Field and Farm Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.10Mb)Opens in new window.
Harry Hare Irish Version (.PDF 2.03Mb)Opens in new window.

 

KS 1 and 2

Living Things: Plants and Animals (.PDF 3.49Mb)Opens in new window.
Mini Beasts Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.63Mb)Opens in new window.
Woodland Habitat Studies – Worksheets (.PDF 2.12Mb)Opens in new window.

 

KS 2

 Meet The Mammals (.PDF 2.33Mb)Opens in new window.
Meet The Mammals Irish version (.PDF 2.33Mb)Opens in new window.
Red Squirrels (.PDF 7.08Mb)Opens in new window.

 

KS 2 and 3

Let's Explore Life in Early Times (.PDF 3.06Mb)Opens in new window.

 

KS 3

 Meet The Earth (.PDF 663Kb)Opens in new window.

 

Teachers

 Woodland Habitat Studies - Photocopiable Resources for Teachers (.PDF 1.88Mb)Opens in new window.
Spring in the Woodland (.PDF 487Kb)Opens in new window.
Wildlife in Autumn and Winter (.PDF 826Kb)Opens in new window.


Visitors should remember the park code:

  • Protect the wildlife, plants and trees
  • Take all litter home
  • Ensure all dogs are kept on their lead, and are not allowed to foul paths and mown grass
    See NIEA policy in relation to dogs at NIEA managed properties and sites (.PDF 76Kb)Opens in new window.
  • Guard against all risk of fire
  • Make no unnecessary noise
  • Cycling or mountain biking is not permitted in the park except on vehicular roads
  • Camping is not permitted
  • A river has natural hazards - stay on paths, supervise children and stay clear of the water