Ancient annals say that Strangford Lough was formed around 1650BC by the sea sweeping in over the lands of Brena. 

This created a beautiful , calm inlet , the archipelago-like pieces of land along its inner arm fringed with brown and yellow bladderwrack and tangleweed , and tenanted by a rich gathering of bird life during the warmer months and vast flocks of geese and waders in the winter.

It’s an attractive haven of small boats and yachts , and several picturesque halts for the land-bound make the road along the lough’s western shore the most interesting route leading south on Our extended Belfast tours.

On our tours of Ireland we always recommend a route around Strangford Lough.

From Belfast you can see the Giants Causeway ,  Dunluce Castle ,  and the spectacular North Coast.

Or see County Fermanagh and the likes of Devenish Island.

Perhaps you prefer the Ards Peninsula and the magnificent Castleward House and Saint Patricks grave.

Or even a day trip to Dublin , or from Dublin to Belfast !

Our services are available all year round and our driver/guides and luxury vehicles ensure a comfortable and authentic journey.

If you are visiting Belfast on a cruise ship our private tours are the option that lets you see so much more.

It is in County Down and has the most wonderful formal gardens which are open to the public. A real hidden gem.

Ireland Luxury Tours have a great itinerary which can visit Mountstewart and the Ards peninsula before crossing Stranford Lough on the ferry and visiting Castleward House and Saint Patricks grave.

This itinerary can also be developed to take in the Mountains of Mourne which in my opinion are a must see attraction on any visit to Ireland

If you are considering Ireland tours then check what we can offer. Our bespoke tours of Ireland make the itinerary suit you.

It is also accessible on our Belfast tours and if you are visiting Belfast on a cruise ship it is a fantastic day tour.

The great expanse of Strangford Lough on Ireland’s northeast coast is almost choked off from the sea by the narrow channel at Porta ferry.  The tides rush through here with particular force, separating the tip of the long, narrow finger of the Ards Peninsula from the mainland shore.  It’s a popular for sailing and watersports.

The lake is also an important wildlife and wetland habitat, supporting colonies of seals as well as numerous seabirds on its rich mudflats, particularly waders.  Winter visitors include the distinctive pied eider ducks, and thousands of noisy Brent geese.  There’s a great diversity of marine plant – and wildlife under the water, too, and you can find out more details about htis remarkable ecosystem in the aquarium, Exploris, near the quayside at Portaferry, which is devoted to local marine life.

On the shores of Strangford Lough is Castle Ward, a mansion which clearly displays the diverse tastes of it’s 18th-century owners, Lord and Lady Bangor.  He like classical style, while she favoured Gothic.  Architecture was not all they disagreed on and eventually they separated.  Despite its bizarre disparity of styles, the house and contents are of great interest, giving a vivid impression of Victorian life see the laundry and playroom).  Within the 280ha estate are the 17th-century tower-house, a wildfowl collection and an exhibition about Strangford Lough.

We at Ireland Luxury Tours are privileged to be able to arrange private tours of Castle Ward by request.

A short drive and we reached Castleward house  , a fantastic National Trust property. The clients raved about the guided tour of the house as we enjoyed a light lunch in the grounds. After a quick walk around the gardens we moved on to Downpatrick in the shadow of the Mourne mountains. Made famous by the song …… and they really do sweep down to the sea.

A trip around Downpatrick Cathedral culminated in a visit to Saint Patricks grave.

We returned to the clients Belfast hotel and after a very full and interesting day we were complimented on the vehicle , the driver/guide , and the itinerary.

You cant ask for more than that !

If you are planning a tour of Belfast or beyond , or a tour of Ireland …..please contact us at Ireland Luxury Tours for expert advice and service.

If you are in Belfast on a cruise ship then this itinerary might well suit you.

If you are considering tours of Ireland in 2010 or if your cruise ship is due in Belfast in 2010 please consider talking to us first.

We recommend the Giants Causeway , Dunluce Castle , Carrickfergus Castle , Devenish Island , Nendrum Abbey , Cliffs of Moher , Ulster Folk and Transport Museum , Mountains of  Mourne , Castleward House and the many hidden gems that Ireland Luxury Tours can show you in 2010.