Experience Strangford Lough & Lecale.
The Strangford Lough and Lecale AONB office is based in Downpatrick, covering the whole of the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, taking in much of the Ards Peninsula, Strangford Lough and Lecale
Find out about what we doAbout our Landscape and Heritage in Strangford & Lecale AONB
Welcome to the Strangford & Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a place where our daily lives are intertwined with the richness of nature, built and cultural heritage. Situated in the east of County Down, our AONB landscape tells the story of our glacial past, the stunning natural beauty and distinctive landscape of this area are founded upon one of the world’s finest examples of drumlin hill and island landscapes
Our People and Culture
Strangford Lough Marine Protected Area
Strangford Lough’s nature conservation importance has been recognised by a host of both national and international designations, which aim to protect the range of important habitats and species. Strangford Lough’s…
Tourism
Tourism This area has an abundance of major, high quality visitor attractions, with three National Trust estate houses and parks, country parks at Scrabo and Delamont, Northern Ireland’s Exploris aquarium,…
People, Place & Heritage
About our People, Place and Heritage The old Irish name for Strangford Lough was Loch Cuan – lough of the harbours. Literature tells that the Irish Sea god Manannan Mac…
Landscape & Seascape
Landscape and Seascape The patterns of the enclosed sea lough with its 70 or so islands and numerous pladdies (submerged at high tide) are echoed inland with hills and inter-drumlin…
Things to do
Strangford and Lecale offers a variety of Things To Do for visitors to enjoy the countryside. Walkers and cyclists can follow a number of routes ranging in length and difficulty all of which give users the chance to explore the geology, archaeology, wildlife and legend of the area.
On Water
The Strangford Lough and Lecale AONB office is based in Downpatrick, covering the whole of the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, taking in much of the Ards…
Educational and Field Trips
We offer educational programs to explore our unique geology, history and biodiversity. These are designed to engage young minds to consider our impact on the environment and how this has changed…
Places to go
Upcoming Events
Discovery Hub: The AONB Photography Competition
Ards Visitor Information Centre, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD
October 19, 2024 – November 16, 202409:15 – 17:00 Read more
Discovery Hub: The AONB Photography Competition
Ards Visitor Information Centre, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD
October 19, 2024 – November 16, 202409:15 – 17:00 Read more
Strangford & Lecale Galleries
Latest News
LAUNCH OF PORTAFERRY HERITAGE FEST
11th September 2024Health Minister and Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt and councillors Pete Wray and Joe Boyle joined local community leaders in Portaferry on Saturday to launch a new festival celebrating…
Read more
New Chair and Deputy Chair for Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership
Read moreAONB Amateur Photography Calendar Available Soon! and Competition relaunches for another year!
Read moreMourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark visits Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark
Read moreThe Northern Ireland Coastal Observatory
Read moreMost viewed pages on the website
Check out these easy access links to some of the websites most visited pages.
Useful Contacts and Information
USPCA (for injured/sick/distressed birds and other small wildlife) – Phone: 028 3025 1000 Email: enquiries@uspca.co.uk DAERA Marine Mapviewer Email: marine.mapviewer@daera-ni.gov.uk (for suggestions/alternative datasets) Install the INaturalist app on your mobile…