Portaferry and the Narrows

Portaferry sits at the southern tip of the Ards peninsula, guarding the fast tidal narrows where Strangford Lough empties into the Irish Sea. It is a classic maritime scene from the air: a colourful waterfront terrace, the small car ferry crossing to Strangford village opposite, ruined tower houses on both shores, and the churning current of the Narrows, one of the strongest tidal races in Europe. The town waterfront and green provide easy public launch points with an immediate view over the water. Strangford Lough is heavily protected, being an ASSI, Special Protection Area and Marine Conservation Zone, and is internationally important for wintering pale-bellied brent geese and other wildfowl from roughly October to March; keep your altitude sensible, avoid low passes over the water and give birds a wide berth, especially in winter. There is no airport flight restriction zone here. The tidal race is the star subject, so check the tide times and aim for the period around peak flow when the water boils through the Narrows and the ferry battles the current. Wind against tide can make conditions rough and gusty at the shore. Morning light works well on the eastern waterfront. It can be moderately busy around the ferry slip, so keep clear of vehicles and queuing traffic.