Oxford Island Nature Reserve

Description

Oxford Island Nature Reserve is a large National Nature Reserve located on the south-eastern shores of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland. It is a peaceful outdoor attraction offering panoramic lake views, natural habitats, and recreation areas. Managed by the local council, it provides a balance of nature conservation and visitor enjoyment.

The reserve covers 112 hectares with 3.7km of shoreline and includes woodlands, meadows, reed beds, wildlife ponds, boglands, and open water habitats. Activities include all-access walking trails, woodland trails, bird-watching hides, exploring wildflower meadows, and learning at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Facilities also include Kinnego Marina, the Kinnego Bushcraft Centre, and educational exhibits about local wildlife, history, and conservation.

Admission to Oxford Island Nature Reserve is free.

Overall, Oxford Island Nature Reserve offers a calm and scenic experience surrounded by nature. It allows visitors to enjoy walking, wildlife watching, learning, and lakeside views in one location. This attraction is ideal for families, walkers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a relaxing outdoor day out near Lough Neagh.

Features

  • Free
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • Explore the sublime beauty of Oxford Island – a designated National Nature Reserve situated on the peninsula in the southern shores of Lough Neagh. 
  • The reserve has 3.7km of shoreline and covers an area of 112 hectares. Although it is called Oxford Island it is really a peninsula of land reaching out into Lough Neagh and consists of woodlands, meadows and recreation areas.
  • From four miles of absorbing woodland trails to bird watching hides, unique boglands, rich wildflower strewn meadows and wildlife ponds, become immersed in the panoramic views of this stunning setting. 
  • Learn fascinating facts about the protection and enhancement of the natural environment, including local history and heritage. With an educational Discovery Centre featuring a delightful restaurant, this tranquil paradise is truly inspirational.
  • Oxford Island houses a number of facilities including a network of all access walking trails, bird watching hides, the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Kinnego Marina and the Kinnego Bushcraft Centre.

Facilities

Food & Drinks: Loughside Café, a delightful restaurant with a split level mezzanine floor which offers panoramic views over Lough Neagh: With the availability to seat 100, the Loughside Café offers a wide range of freshly prepared local produce, which customers can enjoy whilst taking in the panoramic views of Lough Neagh.

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Oxford Island

  • Summer Opening: 9.00 am – (up to ) 9.00pm
  • Winter Opening: 9.00am – 6.00 pm

Lough Neagh Discovery Centre

  • Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10.00am – 5.00pm (open until 6pm from April until September)   

Address: Oxford Island Nature Reserve, Craigavon, UK

Post Code: BT66 6NJ

Council: Craigavon

County: Armagh

  • From Armagh: Take A3 to Kinnego Embankment in Craigavon. Take exit 10 from M1. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Kinnego Embankment. Continue on Kinnego Embankment to Oxford Island.
  • From Banbridge: Drive from A26 and A76 to Craigavon. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Kinnego Embankment. Continue on Kinnego Embankment to Oxford Island.
  • From Belfast: Get on A12 from A1 and Grosvenor Rd/B38. Follow M1 to Kinnego Embankment in Craigavon. Take exit 10 from M1. Continue on Kinnego Embankment to Oxford Island.
  • From Craigavon: Take M12 and M1 to Kinnego Embankment. Take exit 10 from M1. Continue on Kinnego Embankment to Oxford Island.

5.00

0 Reviews

Rating breakdown

5
80% Complete (danger)
0
4
80% Complete (danger)
0
3
80% Complete (danger)
0
2
80% Complete (danger)
0
1
80% Complete (danger)
0

Get the best blog stories into your inbox!