54.596423 -5.929466

Description

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.
  • 78 Ballydrain Road
  • Comber
  • Down
  • BT23 6EA

Top Reasons To Visit

  • Epic wildlife spectacles
  • Fantastic year round events and exhibitions
  • Learn about WWT’s important conservation work
  • Take in the breath-taking scenery overlooking Strangford lough
  • Free access to cafe, gift shop, gallery and soft play area

Summer Postcard Trail

26.95 KM
27 Jul - 01 Sep 2024
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Can you find the lost postcards, discover who wrote them, and work out where the world's animals are spending their summer holidays?

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
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Jill McKee Exhibition

26.95 KM
27 Jul - 11 Aug 2024
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See the latest exhibition in the Graffan Gallery at Castle Espie from local artist Jill McKee.

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
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Teddy Bear’s Picnic

26.95 KM
27 Jul - 16 Aug 2024
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Bring along your favourite teddy bear, a picnic blanket, and your favourite treats and enjoy an afternoon of nature-themed adventures.

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
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Great Uncle Arthur’s Astonishing Adventures

26.95 KM
12 - 23 Aug 2024
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Adventure into the hidden world of wildlife with the help of Uncle Arthur's mysterious journal and unusual inventions.

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Acoustic Afternoons

26.95 KM
28 Jul - 01 Sep 2024
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Relax and let the Acoustic Afternoons soundtrack your Sunday afternoon at Castle Espie.

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Birdwatch Morning

26.95 KM
31 Jul - 28 Aug 2024
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Join bird experts as they take a closer look at the wonderful variety of birds across our wetland reserve.

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Bat Night

26.95 KM
Fri, 23 Aug 2024, 8:30pm

At this special late-night opening, discover fascinating bat facts in an expert talk.

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Wee Birds Art Workshop – Experience AND 2024

26.95 KM
Mon, 26 Aug 2024, 2:00pm

Families will be welcomed by Marianne from Boom! Studios, based in Bangor, who will lead a "Wee Birds" art session.

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Mrs Maker’s Spooky Masquerade

26.95 KM
Wed, 30 Oct 2024, 11:00am

Join local artist Kerrie, aka Mrs Maker, and get into the Halloween spirit by creating masks of your favourite animals or your crazy imaginary creatures!

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