Portaferry, situated on the southernmost tip of the Ards Peninsula, is full of character, with antique shops, pubs, restaurants, a range of water based activities and Northern Ireland’s only aquarium adding to its appeal.
The quaint rows of houses and its seafront and traditional layout give Portaferry its character, with many buildings of historical and architectural importance. One such building is Portaferry Castle, which dates from the 16th century and was built by the Savage family. Although now a ruin, there is still access to the castle.
With Strangford Lough considered one of the most important marine sites in Europe, its no surprise that Portaferry is the location for Northern Ireland’s only aquarium, Exploris. This is an interpretative centre for Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea, giving a fascinating insight into sealife and habitat for the lough shore. A recent development to Exploris is the NIE Seal Sanctuary, where seals are brought in for rehabilitation and are released back into the wild when they make a full recovery.
With its location on the shores of Strangford Lough, it no surprise that Portaferry has an active boating scene, which attracts many visitors, especially during July when the annual sailing regatta takes place.
Must see and do
- Exploris, Portaferry
- Portaferry Castle, Portaferry
- Derry Churches, Portaferry
- St. Cooey’s Wells, Portaferry
- Windmill Hill, Portaferry
- Portaferry Tourist Information and Visitor Centre, Portaferry