Castle Espie Wildlife Wander Trail - Comber

Start : Castle Espie centre on the Ballydrain Road, off the A22 Comber/Killyleagh Road. (BT23 6EA)

(S/E) On leaving the visitor centre follow the path to the Plumbs (A) (North). Make your way through two sets of gates over a small bridge and be sure to close them behind you. Follow the path beyond the bridge and head towards the Brent Hide in the distance to your left (B).

From the hide follow the path round to the left toward the thatched round house and Crannog keep an eye out for activity on your left in the Fresh water Lagoon. Moving on from the crannog follow the path round to your left venturing into wood-henge for a closer view point over the lough. Follow the path heading towards the Limekiln observatory which will be on your left.

(1) Head right (South-East) towards the limestone grassland and you will find yourself in the remains of Castle Espie Brick works. (C) Head towards the Limestone Pavilion and you will find details of the Castle Espie story which began 320 million years ago during the carboniferous period. On leaving the pavilion follow the path round to the left sign posted ‘short return route’ look out for wildfowl on the Limestone Lake (on your left).

(2) Keep following the path and it will slowly verge round to the right and back to the visitor centre through the Duckery (D). Passing through the duckery follow the signposts back to the visitor centre and make sure you enjoy the delights of the Loughshore Café. (S/E)

Start : Castle Espie centre on the Ballydrain Road, off the A22 Comber/Killyleagh Road. (BT23 6EA)

Driving to the start : Castle Espie centre is located 2.5 miles from Comber on the Ballydrain Road, off the A22 Comber/Killyleagh Road.From Belfast follow the A22 towards Comber until you reach the roundabout. Turn right on to the A22 Comber/Killyleagh/Downpatrick road then turn first left at the Ballydrain Road.

Parking : Free car parking is available at Castle Espie centre.

Terrain : Parkland

Public Transport : Translink

Facilities : Visitors centre, disabled toilets, bicycle rack, cafe. Those facilities are available for users with limited mobility.

Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.

Largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Ireland, views of Strangford Lough, Limeklin Observatory, Duckery, many hundreds of migrant birds arriving in winter, large populations of light-bellied brent geese, restored lagoons, grassland, salt marshes

(A) This is the first point of interest – the waterfowl collection at Castle Espie is home to the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Ireland . Many of the birds will nibble grain directly from your hand offering an inspiring up-close wildlife experience. Try spotting the nene, red breasted goose, goldeneye and rosybill up close.

(B)Here you can witness panoramic views of Strangford Lough. Each season has a different highlight on offer.

(C) Listen to the history of the brickworks through interpretation panels which are located next to the chimney.

(D) The duckery has two functions: in winter, many young birds are kept within the duckery so that they can stay safe and healthy in the very cold conditions and in June and July, the duckery becomes home to a huge number of ducklings, goslings and cygnets.