0.6 miles
Linear
Easy
Portmore Lough
If you enjoy walking and wildlife, Portmore Lough is a great day out at any time of year. During the summer the traditional hay meadows alongside the Lough attract a bewildering variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, while in the winter, greylag geese, whooper swans and thousands of ducks can be seen from the hide on the Lough edge.
The reserve is also home to a herd of konik ponies, which graze the land and help create perfect conditions for breeding birds like lapwings.
If you're coming in winter, we recommend wearing strong boots.
TRAIL INFORMATION
From the visitor centre, follow the all weather path along the boardwalk to the bird hide. Retrace your steps to the car park and follow the path around the wooded nature area and the wildflower meadow to arrive back at the visitor centre.
TRAIL INFORMATION
From the visitor centre, follow the all weather path along the boardwalk to the bird hide. Retrace your steps to the car park and follow the path around the wooded nature area and the wildflower meadow to arrive back at the visitor centre.
GETTING TO THE START
- Point of Interest Visitor centre, Portmore Lough, bird hide, wildflower meadow
- Facilities Visitor centre, community room, toilets, car parking, information panels, bird hide The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Disabled parking – Disabled toilets – Visitors Centre
- Dog Policy Dogs are allowed anywhere. They must be kept under close control at all times. During the bird breeding season, this may mean on a lead. Please check reserve notices for current restrictions. It is essential that you clean up after your dog
- Accessibility Information
Accessibility Grade: Grade 3 Terrain: Gravel paths and boardwalk Toilet Facility: No Signage: No - Getting to the Start The reserve is signposted from Aghalee village. From the M1 motorway come off at Junction 9, Moira roundabout, and head up the A26 towards the International Airport and Antrim. Go under the railway bridge and pass the Glenavy Road Service Station on the right. Take the second road on the left. It is signposted Aghalee. This is the Soldierstown Road. Go to Aghalee. From the north, travel towards Moira down the A26 as far as the Soldierstown Road, signposted Aghalee and go to Aghalee. From the Soldierstown Road at Aghalee Village turn left at the T-junction as signposted and head into the village. After a slight bend in the road, before the shops and petrol station turn right into the Ballycairn Road which is signposted Portmore Lough Reserve. Note sometimes the sign becomes bent in the wrong direction by lorries so be careful. Stay on the Ballycairn Road for approx 3 miles until a T-junction. Opposite is the Gawleys Gate Inn. Here turn right and follow this straight road for approx 1 mile until a series of bends. After these bends RSPB Portmore Lough Reserve is signposted to the right, up Georges Island Road. At a sharp left hand bend, at the top of Georges Island Road, turn right up a track beside a white gable wall. This will lead to the entrance of the Reserve
- Public Transport Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
- Trail Grade Easy TRAIL GRADE DISCLAIMER
The trail grades shown on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com are based on desk-based assessments of available trail information. The categories—Easy, Moderate, Strenuous, and Very Strenuous—follow the Sustainable Trails Development Guide grading system.
These grades are provided as a general guide to help users choose trails that may be suitable for them. They are not a substitute for official, on-site grading or safety information provided by the relevant land manager, which may differ from the information on these websites.
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including the risk of injury, death, property damage, and other hazards. By using information from OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of this information.
Conditions on trails can change, and the actual environment may differ from what is described online. Users should always exercise their own judgment, take appropriate precautions, and remain responsible for their own safety and conduct at all times.
All information provided on OutmoreNI.com and WalkNI.com is intended as a guide only and should be used alongside your own experience, awareness, and careful decision-making.
Suitable for most people, these routes are relatively flat, smooth and well-defined with occasional gentle slopes. There may be minor obstacles such as gates and bridges. A basic level of fitness will help to enjoy these trails.
