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.

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.