Your guide to a rainy-day adventure at Castle Espie
Your guide to a rainy-day adventure at Castle Espie
Although we all love a bit of summer sun, Castle Espie is the perfect place to embrace the rain and spend an unforgettable day amongst nature. So, grab your wellies and get involved!
Hear the splashing of our collection birds
Start your day with a stroll through our collection area for some close encounters with birds like Shelducks and Red-breasted geese. Listen to the splash as they enter the water and watch the ripples as they swim.
Find your favourite hide
Shelter from the rain in one of the many hides across the reserve. The Brent Discovery Hide offers amazing views over three different wetland areas, while the Crannog will transport you back in time as you look out over the freshwater lagoon.
Continue on to the Limekiln Observatory, and you might just spot Black-headed gulls, Oystercatcher, and Curlew as you gaze out over Strangford Lough. And don’t miss the chance to hear a reading from the visiting Poetry Jukebox.
Venture into the woodland
Watch out for the recently sighted Blue tit fledglings sheltering in branches as you follow our woodland trail. Wet days are also great for insects so keep your eyes peeled for earthworms, slugs and millipedes. And remember to jump through the puddles!
Admire the art in the Graffan Gallery
Head back to the Visitor Centre and make sure to stop by the Graffan Gallery, Ireland’s only environmental art-space. Check out our social media to keep up with the latest exhibition.
Warm up in the Kingfisher Café
Last stop is, of course, the Kingfisher Café. Treat yourself to a traybake alongside a cosy hot chocolate after your successful day of exploring our wetlands.
Don’t let the ducks have all the rainy-day fun! Book your visit now.
