quoile countryside centre

Quoile Countryside Centre

Environment and Heritage Service
5 Quay Road
Downpatrick
Down
Phone: 28 44615520
Fax:

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.

Description
Location
Quoile Birdwatching

Description

Quoile pondage will remain closed for the present time. The Quoile Countryside Centre is near Downpatrick, just off the Strangford Road, beside the River Quoile. In an atmosphere reflecting the country cottage which stood here over 100 years ago, seasonal displays feature the unique nature of Quoile Pondage, the marine life, birds, insects and flowers of the area and other reserves in County Down, where a barrage has changed the saltwater estuary to fresh water. The Centre has been adapted for wheelchair access. There are riverside walks, fishing and birdwatching from the Castle Island hide. The centre can facilitate groups of school children or families. The Centre is located next to the ruins of 16th century Quoile Castle.

Location

Off A25 north of Downpatrick.

Quoile Birdwatching

The Quoile's rich mosaic of habitats is regulated by the daily fluctuations in water levels. Marsh plants grow alond the river fringes, with reedbeds, rushy grassland and willow scrub. Freshwater habitats are rich in insect life, providing food for fish such as rudd and eels which, in turn, feed grey herons, cormorants and grebes.

Quoile Caste is believed to have been built around 1600 and to have been assoicated with the West family. It has three floors below the attic and good barrel vaulting which wicker centering on the ground floor. Built on estuarine mud, the south-east angle eventually collapsed but has been conserved in its present state since the 1980's. Migrating waders pass through in spring and autumn, including interesting rarities.