Discover 4 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Portaferry (United Kingdom). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Portaferry Marina, Grey Abbey, and Exploris. Also, be sure to include Portaferry Castle in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Portaferry (Northern Ireland).
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Portaferry Marina
Portaferry Marina is situated in Portaferry, on the east shore of The Narrows, the gateway to Strangford Lough, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is owned and managed by Portaferry Regeneration, is sited 100 metres south of the ferry slipway in Portaferry and can accommodate up to 50 boats. Some 12 berths are reserved purely for visitor use and there is on-site water and electricity. Portaferry village centre is two minutes from the marina. The marina pontoon is chain fixed and provides good shelter, although the current can reach up to 11 knots.[1]
Grey Abbey
Priory. Grey Abbey is a ruined Cistercian priory in the village of Greyabbey, County Down, Northern Ireland, currently maintained by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. It is a monument in state care in the townland of Rosemount, beside the Rosemount estate, on the eastern edge of the village of Greyabbey in the Ards and North Down local government district, at grid ref: J5829 6810.[2]
Address: Main Street, Portaferry
Exploris
Aquarium in Portaferry, Northern Ireland. Exploris is a public aquarium situated in Portaferry, Northern Ireland. The facility is located on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough, which is an important winter migration destination for many wading and sea birds. The lough is home to almost 75% of the marine species found in Northern Ireland, including common seals, basking sharks and brent geese. Three quarters of the world population of pale bellied brent geese spend winter in the lough area. Exploris illustrates and exhibits the large variety of animals that live in Strangford Lough.
Exploris was closed in late 2014 for refurbishment. It reopened in August 2016 following an investment of close to £1.5m in refurbishment works and with the help of Crumlin Road Gaol Ltd, who are the operators.[3]
Address: Castle St, BT22 1NZ Portaferry
Portaferry Castle
Historical landmark in Portaferry, Northern Ireland. Portaferry Castle is a small tower house in Portaferry, County Down, Northern Ireland, overlooking the harbour. It was built in the 16th century by William Le Savage. Portaferry Castle tower house is a State Care Historic Monument in the townland of Ballyphilip, in Borough of Ards, at grid ref: J5930 5085.[4]