Strangford and Lecale National Landscape

Sea loughs, coastal trails, and landscapes shaped by water

Sheltered shores, tidal inlets, rolling farmland, and quiet peninsulas create a landscape shaped by the sea and centuries of settlement. Located on Northern Ireland's east coast, the Strangford and Lecale National Landscape surrounds Strangford Lough and the Lecale Peninsula, combining coastal scenery, rich wildlife, and historic landscapes within one of the island's most distinctive regions.

Long-distance trails such as sections of the Lecale Way and Ulster Way pass through the landscape, linking places including Strangford, Portaferry, Downpatrick, Ardglass, Killough, and Newcastle. Coastal paths, shoreline tracks, countryside routes, and quiet lanes reveal changing views across tidal waters, offshore islands, historic harbours, and rolling farmland, creating journeys closely connected to the character of the landscape.

Whether exploring the shores of Strangford Lough, following coastal routes around the Lecale Peninsula, or walking between villages and historic landmarks, Strangford and Lecale rewards time spent on foot. Rich wildlife, maritime heritage, and a strong connection between land and sea make it one of Northern Ireland's most rewarding destinations for self-guided travel