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Visitor Information

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Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

2012 admission prices

Prices are shown inclusive of Gift Aid and without. The Gift Aid admission price includes a voluntary donation, which enables us to claim the tax back as part of the Government's Gift Aid scheme. Further information on Gift Aid click here.

How to find us

Castle Espie Wetland Centre is situated 12 miles south east of Belfast on the shores of Strangford Lough.

By public transport

The no 11 bus leaves Laganside Bus Centre in Belfast approximately every hour for the 25 minute journey to Comber. It is then a pleasant one hour walk or 10 minute taxi journey to the centre. (Please note that on Sundays buses run less frequently and depart from the Europa Bus Centre.)

By car

The centre is located 2.5 miles from Comber on the Ballydrain Road, off the A22 Comber/Killyleagh Road.From Belfast follow the A22 towards Comber until you reach the roundabout. Turn right on to the A22 Comber/Killyleagh/Downpatrick road then turn first left at the Ballydrain Road.Free car parking is available at the centre.

By bicycle

Those arriving at the centre by bicycle enjoy a reduced entry rate. A bicycle rack is situated in the courtyard – please bring your own lock. Follow this link to the Sustrans National Cycle Network website for a location map and details of local cycle routes.

By air

The centre is a 40 minute journey from Belfast City (George Best) Airport by car or taxi.

By coach

Parking is free for large coaches bringing visitors to the centre.

Opening times

Open 7 days a week, except 24 and 25 December

November to January

Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 10.00am to 4.30pm

February

Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5.00pm

March to June

Monday to Sunday: 10.00am to 5.00pm

July and August

Monday to Sunday: 10.00am to 5.30pm

September and October

Monday to Sunday: 10.00am to 5.00pm

The centre will remain open until 5.30pm on Bank and Public Holidays during the spring and summer months.

Facilities

Eating

Castle Espie's Loughshore cafe offers a selection of delicious home-made food as well as Fairtrade coffees and teas and a range of soft drinks. Lunch is served between 12.00 noon and 2.30 pm each day with a choice of tasty homemade dishes including vegetarian options available. Outside of these times, home made scones and traybakes can be enjoyed whilst taking in the views of the reserve, Strangford Lough and Scrabo.

Larger groups can be catered for by prior arrangement and our facilities can be hired for corporate functions and training events.

Shopping

The gift shop stocks a wide range of wildlife and “green” books, bird feeders/boxes, children’s gifts, cards and stationery and a selection of unusual and interesting gift items, including a range of Fair trade goods and work by local crafts people and artists.

January sale includes - Christmas cards and decorations, books, cd's and much more...

Terms of entry

Visitors are asked to respect the habitats and wildlife of the Castle Espie Wetland Centre by keeping to the paths at all times and not causing undue noise. It is especially important to remain quiet in the bird viewing hides.

Photography is permitted on site providing it is for personal use. All commercial/stock library photography must be agreed in advance with the centre and may be subject to a fee.

No dogs are permitted on site apart from trained assistance dogs (eg guide dogs).

Please do not feed bread to birds in the collection. This contaminates the water and also attracts gulls to the centre.

Accessibility

• The centre has level access in most areas and compacted gravel paths. The path to the Viewpoint is steep and may not be suitable for unassisted wheelchair users, although this area may be avoided by use of a lower level path.
• Low-level viewing windows and ramped access to bird hides.
• Two shop mobility scooters. Please check availability in advance.
• Trained assistance dogs only (eg guide dogs) No other dogs permitted.
• Adapted toilet off the entrance courtyard and in the visitor centre.
• Free car-parking on site with reserved bays for disabled visitors.
• Wheelchair access to all buildings