Quoile Countryside Centre

Last updated: 16 July 2009

The Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve is a glorious wetland retreat situated just outside Downpatrick on either side of the Quoile River. The present freshwater lake is an excellent site for birdwatching. You can see migrating wading birds in the spring and autumn and in summer, swans and many breeding wildfowl appear, including the scarcely seen Gadwall. In winter, large numbers of widgeon and ducks are abundant.

The Quoile Countryside Centre is an attractive stone cottage with a wildflower garden. The centre features displays on the wildlife and history of the area.

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Quoile Countryside Centre
5 Quay Road
Downpatrick
BT30 7JB

Tel: (028) 4461 5520
Fax: (028) 4461 3280


The reserve is open access from the old floodgates to steamboat quay only.

Opening Times:

July and August: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily
Easter, April, May, June and September: 1.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily
October to Easter: 12.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Sunday only

Entrance to Castle Island bird hide is free of charge and it is normally open from 10am to 4pm daily.
Groups are welcome by arrangement. Call (028) 4461 5520 for more information.

The Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve provides:

  • The Quoile countryside centre
  • Castle Island hide
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Toilets / disabled toilets
  • Disabled access
  • Car / bus parking
  • Picnic area

The Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve is situated just outside Downpatrick on either side of the Quoile River. Facilities at the reserve include the Quoile Countryside Centre with displays on the wildlife and history of the area. Situated on the Castle Island Road, a few minutes drive from the Countryside Centre is the Castle Island Bird-Watching Hide for excellent bird-watching. This distinctive hide comfortably seats 20 adults or 30 children, and is fully accessible for people with disabilities.

  • Marsh plants along the river
  • Oak and ash woodland
  • Dipping platforms

Resources suitable for use at this site

KS 1I See The Wood (.PDF 2.69Mb)Opens in new window.
Nessa Newt's Wetland and Bog Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.68Mb)Opens in new window.
Nessa Newt Irish Version (.PDF 2.53Mb)Opens in new window.
Harry Hare's Field and Farm Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.10Mb)Opens in new window.
Harry Hare Irish Version (.PDF 2.03Mb)Opens in new window.

 
KS 1 and 2 Living Things: Plants and Animals (.PDF 3.49Mb)Opens in new window.
Mini Beasts Activity Booklet (.PDF 2.63Mb)Opens in new window.
Woodland Habitat Studies – Worksheets (.PDF 2.12Mb)Opens in new window.

 
KS 2Meet The Mammals (.PDF 2.33Mb)Opens in new window.
Meet The Mammals Irish version (.PDF 2.33Mb)Opens in new window.
Red Squirrels (.PDF 7.08Mb)Opens in new window.

 
KS 2 and 3 Let's Explore Life in Early Times (.PDF 3.06Mb)Opens in new window.

 
KS 3Meet The Earth (.PDF 663Kb)Opens in new window.

 
TeachersWoodland Habitat Studies - Photocopiable Resources for Teachers (.PDF 1.88Mb)Opens in new window.
Spring in the Woodland (.PDF 487Kb)Opens in new window.
Wildlife in Autumn and Winter (.PDF 826Kb)Opens in new window.


Visitors should remember the park code:

  • Protect the wildlife, plants and trees
  • Take all litter home
  • Ensure all dogs are kept on their lead, and are not allowed to foul paths and mown grass
    See NIEA policy in relation to dogs at NIEA managed properties and sites (.PDF 76Kb)Opens in new window.
  • Guard against all risk of fire
  • Make no unnecessary noise
  • Cycling or mountain biking is not permitted in the park except on vehicular roads
  • Camping is not permitted
  • A river has natural hazards - stay on paths, supervise children and stay clear of the water