Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary
County Down

Exploris Aquarium is in Portaferry, Co Down, Northern Ireland.

Directions from Belfast:

From Belfast take the A20 through Newtownards and on to Portaferry.

By Bus:

From Laganisde Bus Station in Belfast, take buses travelling on routes: 9, 9a or 10.  These routes travel through Newtownards and end in Portaferry.

By ferry:

Take the A25 from Downpatrick to Strangford. Follow the signs to the Strangford ferry - the journey to Portaferry across the Lough takes less than 15 minutes.

The ferry leaves Portaferry at quarter to and quarter past the hour: Strangord on the hour and half past during operating hours. For timetable information on the Strangford Ferry, telephone 028 4488 1637.

On arrival in Portaferry, Exploris is signposted and easy to find.

About Exploris

Exploris; The Northern Ireland Aquarium, is ideally sited on the shores of a marine nature reserve and area of special scientific interest – Strangford Lough.

A visit to Exploris enables the visitors to view and learn about the marine species that are indigenous to Strangford Lough and the coastline of the island.

Marine communities are recreated to enable the visitor to gain a better understanding of the complex inter relationships between different species.

The Seal Sanctuary affords the visitor the opportunity to view the process of rehabilitation of rescued seal pups from their arrival through to full health when they are re-introduced to the wild.

Opening Hours and Prices

Peak Period (March – September)

Free entry for one assistant accompanying a customer in a wheelchair

Suggested Hotels in County Down

Slieve Donard Hotel
Downs Road
Newcastle

Location
This hotel is one of Northern Ireland's greatest holiday hotels.

Only a five minute walk from the bustling resort town of Newcastle, it is picturesquely situated between mountains and a sweeping strand.

No less than eight of Northern Ireland 's finest golf courses are within a twenty mile radius of the Slieve Donard Hotel, such as Ardglass Golf Club, Seapoint Golf Club and Kilkeel Golf Club.

Nearby places of interest include Mourne Mountains and Tollymore Forest Park, Silent Valley Resevoir, Castle Ward House, Downpatrick Cathedral, St. Patrick's Grave and Visitors Centre, Castlewellan Country Park and Newcastle Town where there is a selection of restaurants, bars, children's fun parks and shopping.

Rooms
The Slieve Donard has 176 bedrooms, each exquisitely decorated and tastefully furnished providing guests with a luxurious environment that draws them back time and time again.

Many of the rooms have magnificent views of the Mountains of Mourne, Royal County Down golf course and the beautiful sweeping strand of Newcastle Bay.

Restaurant
The Slieve Donard offers relaxed lunchtime or evening dining in the atmospheric Percy French Inn in the gardens, or more formal dining in the hotel's magnificent Oak Restaurant.

Bursting with character and charm, this grand dining room is home to oak panelling and a fabulous central fireplace.

Lounge/Bar
In the evening time, why not pop into Chaplin’s Bar. Residents and locals alike frequent the venue, which is named after the famous comedian who visited the hotel in 1921.

General
This hotel is a truly magical place. The one hundred year old building evokes memories of the golden age of railway hotels, while offering guests the most luxurious and modern of amenities.

The hotel’s spa includes 16 therapy suites, a swimming pool, a range of thermal heat experiences and suites with Rock saunas, Lifestyle showers, Amethyst steam rooms and vitality pools over looking the stunning views. Complimentary car parking is also available for 500 cars at front and rear of the hotel.

Book Your Room
More Information