Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough (Irish, Loch Cuan), inlet of the Irish Sea in County Down, Northern Ireland. About 25 km (16 mi) long and up to 8 km (5 mi) wide, it is separated from the sea by the Ards Peninsula. The entrance to the lough (the “Narrows”) is situated between the villages of Strangford and Portaferry and is subject to powerful tidal flows twice a day. The most prominent feature of the lough, particularly in the western and northern areas, are drumlins, some totally submerged, others protruding as islets. Almost all of the inlet’s water is fully saline.

The lough supports a variety of ecosystems, especially sandflats, salt marshes, and mudflats. About 2,000 marine animals live there, including large colonies of common and grey seals, making it one of the most important sites of its kind in Europe. Wildfowl, waders, and other wetland birds inhabit its shores; about 70,000 birds overwinter there each year, including brent geese. The lough is also a breeding ground for terns and black-headed gulls. Traces of human settlement in the area date from about 9,000 years ago. The lough has about 120 islands, including Mahee Island famous for its monastic ruins. In recognition of its environmental importance, the lough has been designated a marine nature reserve. In addition, it offers excellent fishing, sailing, and scuba-diving opportunities.