WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday, reconnect with nature, and experience the wonder of wetlands on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough.

Visit Castle Espie all year round and discover new trails, activities and wildlife highlights every time!

Get up close to Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic birds, ducks and geese in our World Wetland Aviary. Join our keepers for daily Diving Duck Talks and Handfeeding Sessions too.

Explore the nature reserve with walking paths through both the wetlands and woodlands. With bird hides and viewpoints throughout the trails, be sure to pause and look out for our seasonal wildlife highlights. Don’t miss willow warblers, terns, and butterflies in summer, and huge numbers of Brent geese, wigeon, and shelduck in winter.

Add to that our magical sensory garden, Graffan Gallery, gift shop and Kingfisher Cafe and you’re left with an unforgettable day out for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed family adventure or a relaxing day immersed in nature, there’s a world of wetland wildlife waiting to be discovered by you at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre.

WWT is the charity for wetlands and wildlife. We’re on a mission to restore wetlands because they are a wondrous solution to the problems our world faces. Together we will unlock their power – and help nature burst back to life. Because when wetlands flourish, all life will flourish.

Your visit to WWT Castle Espie supports our vital conservation work around Strangford Lough, across the UK, and around the world.

Opening times

The Centre is open daily 10:00 - 17:00 except Christmas Eve 24th December & Christmas Day 25th December.
Kingfisher Cafe is open daily 10:00 - 16:00.

Getting to the start by car

Directions: Take A2 from Newtownards to Comber. At the second Roundabout, take the Killyleagh/Downpatrick road A21 to the left. Turn first left at Ballydrain road.

Price from £

See website for up to date prices