Ballyquintin Farm, National Nature Reserve Trail

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A grassland walk situated at the very tip of the Ards Peninsula at the mouth of Strangford Lough. This walk passes through a National Nature Reserve owned and managed by the Environment and Heritage Service. Take in views across Strangford Lough to Killard Point and across the Irish sea to The Isle of Man on a clear day. The rich coastal grassland here includes some sensitive and rare flowers including orchids and wild – dwarfed Burnett rose. Bird Watchers: Look out for the bird species include skylarks, linnets, peregrine falcons, buzzards, kestrals and Brent geese.

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Ballyquintin Farm, National Nature Reserve Trail



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    County Down

    Distance 0.9 miles

    OS Map 21

    Terrain Off road paths, quiet rural road

    Nearest Town Portaferry

    Route Shape Circular

    Grid Reference J623465

    Route Type Coastal

    Route Description

    From the car park pass through the gate and follow the path to the World War II lookout hut. From here, you are overlooking the Ballyquintin National Nature Reserve managed by Environment and Heritage Service. Take a detour through the gate and down the slope to explore the lower reserve.

    Point of Interest

    World War II lookout hut and National Nature Reserve

    Getting to the start

    Take the coastal road south of Portaferry. After about 5km National Trust signage directs to Ballyquintin Farm and Nature Reserve on the right.

    Public transport

    Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

    Dog Policy

    Must be kept on a lead.

    Facilities

    Car park. The nearby towns of Portaferry and Strangford have several popular pubs, restaurants and cafes.

    The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
    – Disabled parking