Castle Espie Wilfowl Centre

Castle Espie Wilfowl Centre, Comber, County Down, Northern Ireland

Castle Espie is a wetland reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) on the banks of Strangford Lough, three miles south of Comber, County Down, Northern Ireland, in the townland of the same name. It is part of the Strangford Lough Ramsar Site. It provides an early wintering site for almost the entire Nearctic population of pale bellied brent geese. The Castle which gave the reserve its name no longer exists.

The first thing to say about taking children to the Castle Espie Wildfowl Centre is that they have a wonderfully balanced nutritious grain on hand to feed the ducks with, so there is no guilt attached for giving the poor things your starchy old bread ends! You can also see Nene, red breasted geese, goldeneyes and rosy bills, if you are lucky and know where to look!

Next draw is the Wildwood Adventure Play Area where kids can indulge in all sorts of natural style play including den building from sticks and sturdy climbing structures. It also has an indoor counterpart which is not only a fun combination but also a great weatherproof alternative if the skis shave turned against you.

Photograph shows a Red Breasted Goose.

WWT Castle Espie is open 7 days a week, 363 days a year (only closed 24 & 25 December). We recommend allowing three hours for a full visit.

Winter (Nov to Feb) Mon to Sun: 10.00am to 5pm (last admission to the reserve at 3:30pm)
Spring (Mar to Apr) Mon to Sun: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Summer (May to Aug) Mon to Fri: 10.00am to 5.00pm, Sat to Sun 5.30pm
Autumn (Sept and Oct) Mon to Sun: 10.00am to 5.00pm
The centre will remain open until 5.30pm on Bank and Public Holidays during the spring and summer months.
Our Kingfisher Kitchen is open from 9.30am - 5pm. Last orders are at 4.30pm.

Admission Fee: - Please see website


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