Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Strangford Lough and Lecale Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC) encompasses a vast coastal and marine environment located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It includes Strangford Lough, one of the largest sea inlets in the British Isles, extending over 150 square kilometers. The area features complex coastal geomorphology with sea caves, rocky shores, mudflats, saltmarshes, and subtidal reefs that support diverse habitats and species. It is internationally recognised for its rich biodiversity, including various marine mammals such as seals and porpoises, extensive seaweed beds, and important populations of birds like the Arctic tern and common eider. Historically, Strangford Lough was vital for local communities for fishing and maritime trade, and remnants of ancient settlements and maritime fortifications illustrate its cultural significance. Visitors can engage in activities such as kayaking, sailing, wildlife watching, and coastal walking along the Lecale Coast. Notable landmarks include the Sketrick Castle ruins and the historic village of Portaferry, where a ferry crossing connects the lough’s shores. The SAC contributes significantly to protecting marine habitats under European environmental directives, making it both a valuable ecological resource and a destination for nature-focused outdoor recreation.
