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WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

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  • Four Star Quality Assurance
Four Star Quality Assurance
Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA
two young girls looking through binoculars over the wetlands

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About

Set on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough where almost the entire world’s population of Brent Geese resides during the winter months. Castle Espie is a tranquil and welcoming centre for everyone. 

Whether you are looking for a relaxing day out or are passionate about nature, there’s a world of wetland wildlife waiting to be discovered by you at Castle Espie Wetland Centre.

Get up close to Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic birds, ducks and geese from around the world or simply explore our woodland and shore-view walks, and dedicated bird hides all while enjoying spectacular views across Strangford Lough.

Add to that our magical sensory garden, Duckery, Graffan gallery, gift shop and Kingfisher Kitchen cafe and you are left with an unforgettable day out for everyone.

40% of all species live or breed in wetlands yet 87% of the worlds Wetlands have been lost over the past 300 years with one million wetland animal and plants species threatened with extinction. Wetlands play an important role in flood mitigation, filtration of pollutants and store more carbon that the world’s forests combined. Know that your visit to our centre at Castle Espie will have contributed towards the vital conservation work on Strangford Lough and beyond.

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Facilities

Attraction Facilities

  • Gift Shop
  • Open Evenings
  • Open Mondays
  • Open Sundays

Catering

  • Cater for vegetarians
  • Local Produce
  • Picnic Area
  • Serve breakfast
  • Serve lunch
  • Tea-room/Cafe onsite

Children & Infants

  • Accept children (Minimum age)
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Child seat available
  • Children's Menu Available
  • Children's outdoor play area
  • Children's Parties
  • Children's play area
  • Facilities for children
  • Highchairs Available

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Accommodation nearby
  • Cater for Corporate events
  • Cater for individuals
  • Cater for school groups
  • Conference facilities
  • Event venue
  • Family Fun
  • Fitness level required - low
  • Groups catered for
  • Online Booking
  • Route maps available
  • Shop
  • Talks
  • Toilets
  • Wi-fi available

Leisure Facilities

  • Wifi

Parking & Transport

  • Coach parking
  • Parking (free)
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals
  • In countryside
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest
  • Outdoor Attraction
  • Unique venue
  • Waterfront

Specialist Features

  • Marketed as green/environmentally friendly

Guide Prices

See website for up to date prices

Events

Saturday, 23rd March 2024 - Sunday, 2nd June 2024

Bing and Flop stand in the foreground with a pond and wildlife behind them. Title reads 'Bing's Nature Explorers'Bing's Nature ExplorersLearn all about wetland nature and wildlife with a little help from Bing and his friends. Join Bing and Flop to become a Nature Explorer with activity trails, storytelling, character appearances and much more.
more info

Friday, 29th March 2024 - Friday, 29th March 2024

Two hedgehogs held in front of the Wee Critters logo.Wee Critters at Castle EspieJoin Allan the Explorer and his family of 'Wee Critters' at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre this Easter. They'll take you on a wild adventure to learn all about the amazing animals that we share our world, the threats they are facing and the 'wee ways' that we can all change the world.
more info

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating - 209 reviews209 reviews

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Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 9187 4146

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Open New Year

* The Centre is open daily 10:00 - 17:00 except Christmas Eve 24th December & Christmas Day 25th December.
Kingfisher Cafe is open daily 10:00 - 16:00.

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Map & Directions

Road Directions

Directions from Town:Take A2 from Newtownards to Comber. At the second Roundabout, take the Killyleagh/Downpatrick road A21 to the left. Turn first left at Ballydrain road.

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