nature reserves down

Flooding was always a problem in this area and floodgates were built in 1745, 1802 and 1934 near the Quoile Bridge. However by the 1950's flooding in Downpatrick was again serious. The problem was solved in 1957 when a new tidal barrier was built 2 miles downstream at Hare Island creating the Quoile Pondage....

Strangford Lough, now a maritime nature reserve, is of international importance for its wildlife. Over 2,000 species of marine animal have been found in Strangford Lough, and some of the more colourful of these are on display in Exploris (the Northern Ireland Aquarium) at Portaferry. The lough is particularly important as a refuge for Common Seals and some grey Seals are also found here. A good view can be obtained from the Cloghy Rocks Nature Reserve car park. Tens of thousands of seabirds...

Murlough National Nature Reserve which is owned by the National Trust covers an area of 698 acres forming part of a sand dune system. The Reserve is of great interest to geologist, naturalist and archaeologist alike, because of its wide range of plants and relics of settlement by stone age man. A path through the dunes leads to Murlough beach, one of the finest strands in the country....