Portaferry Marina

Marina information

The marina is located on the 'The Narrows'- the stretch of water that separates Portaferry with neighbouring Strangford on the opposite side of the lough entrance.The marina pontoon is chain fixed and provides good shelter, although the current can reach up to 11 knots.
Portaferry marina is unique in that visitors have an opportunity to stay overnight ashore in local accommodation. Those staying at Barholm House, have superb sea views of Strangford Lough and Portaferry Castle. Facilities at Barholm are kitchen, dining room, lounge / common room, utility/drying rooms, cycle store, conservatory and car parking. Bed linen and towels are supplied and residency with full board can be provided - menus and costs on request. Barholm has rooms for 50 people and a conference room. Group bookings are accepted. For further information and rates please contact the marina.

Visit Portaferry

An area of outstanding natural beauty, the entrance of the lough between Portaferry and Strangford (commonly known as the 'Narrows') has always been a venue for many interests varying from marine scientists, nature conservation groups as well as a pleasure ground for yachtsmen and water-sporting enthusiasts. Portaferry is convenient for shops, restaurants and all town centre facilities and is home to Exploris, Northern Ireland's extensive new aquarium and wildlife seal sanctuary centre.The town has spectacular views of Strangford town directly opposite.,br> The lough has many islands accessible by boat and is a haven for wildlife. Bird watchers are spoiled for choice with numerous species of resident and migrant birds and wildfowl. Colonies of seals abound. Boats for fishing and sightseeing may be hired locally. In the surrounding area are Norman castles, country houses and formal gardens, golf courses, sailing clubs, pony trekking, horseback riding, golf, motor sport - and superb landscapes for artist, photographer or rambler.A series of wonderful festivals held each summer include the Galway Hookers regatta - a gathering of traditional Irish work boats, and Portaferry Gala Week, providing a light hearted carnival atmosphere.
A five - minute ferry journey across the Narrows to Strangford village opens the way to St. Patrick's Vale, Downpatrick and the Kingdom of Mourne.

Info on the region

Tourist Information

NITB Centre,The Stables, Castle St. Tel: (028) 42729882
email: tourism.portaferry@ards-council.gov.uk

Activity and Leisure

Mourne Heritage Trust, 87 Central Promenade, Newcastle: the trust offers walking and cycling programmes Tel: (028) 43724059
www.mournelive.com

Walking:
Include the shore walks south to Granagh Bay or to Nugent's Wood to the north or alternatively take the ferry across the lough to Strangford. From there, take the Castle Ward Bay Walk with the option of a longer circular 7-mile walk to Kilclief via the Cloghy Rocks Nature Reserve (seal-watching) and
return inland

Golfing:
Ardminnan Tel: (028) 42771321
Downpatrick Tel: (028) 44615947
Kirkistown Castle Tel: (028) 42771233

Parks / Facilities for children:
Exploris Aquarium,The Rope Walk, Castle St, Portaferry. Tel: (028) 42728062
'Marine Discovery Lab' Seal Sanctuary & activities for children.
www.exploris.org.uk

Heritage, Castles & Museums:
Castle Ward, Strangford: mansion set in 750 acres on the lough shore: National Trust Tel:(028) 4488
www.ntni.org.uk
Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, Castle St Tel: (028) 42729882
www.ards-council.gov.uk

Houses, Parks & Gardens:
Delamount Country Park & Miniature Railway, Mullagh, Killyleagh Tel: (028) 44828333
Quoile Countryside Centre & Park National Trust Tel: (028) 44615520
www.ntni.org.uk

Events & Festivals:
June - Castleward Opera Festival, Strangford; Galway Hooker Regatta
July - Portaferry Gala Week
Strangford Lough Race Week (bi-annual) Tel: (028) 44612233
www.kingdomsofdown.com

Address

Portaferry Marina
11 The Strand,
BT22 1PF, Portaferry
T • (028) 4272 9598
F • (028) 4272 9784
barholm.portaferry@virgin.net
www.barholmportaferry.co.uk