Quoile Countryside Centre

Take a virtual tour of this site!

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.

The present freshwater lake was created by the construction of a tidal barrier across the estuary of the River Quoile in 1957. The resulting dramatic change from salt water to fresh water is illustrated by the succession of developing habitats rich in wildlife.

Marsh plants grow along the river fringes, with reed-beds, rushy grassland and alder or willow scrub in old muddy bays.
Woodland of oak and ash is developing on the higher, stony shores and today there is a diversity of habitat and wildlife that make the Quoile a great place to visit.

The Quoile is rich in insects, providing food for fish such as rudd and eels. In turn, these may be eaten by grey herons, cormorants and grebes.

The Quoile is an excellent site for birdwatching. You can see migrating wading birds in the spring and autumn. In summer, swans and many breeding wildfowl appear, including the scarce gadwall. In winter, large numbers of wigeon and other ducks are easily viewed.

Education

If you are planning a visit or looking for educational resources on this site, please visit this page.

Facilities

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

Access & Booking

The reserve is Open Access from the Old Floodgates to Steamboat Quay only.

For educational visits, please call the number below to arrange.

Countryside Centre Opening Hours:

The centre is open on Sat & Sun only from 1pm - 5pm until Easter 2009

Easter - end September from 10am to 6pm daily
October - Easter from 12pm to 4pm Sundays only.

Castle Island bird-watching hide is free of charge and the hide is normally open from 10am to 4pm every day. Groups are welcome by arrangement.

Contact Us

Quoile Countryside Centre
5 Quay Road
Downpatrick
BT30 7JB
Tel: (02844) 615 520
Fax: (02844) 613 280

Getting Here

From Downpatrick follow the signs for Strangford (A25). Just outside the town you will see the large brown and white road sign for the Quoile Countryside Centre.

The Nature Reserve Code

Visitors to the Centre and Nature Reserve should remember the Nature Reserve 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.
• 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.