The Quoile River Downpatrick
The River Quoile from Annacloy down through Downpatrick to the Barrage where it flows into Strangford Lough. The main access point is in Downpatrick at Jane’s Shore and it is a beautiful paddle upstream to Inch Abbey. The river is surrounded by woodland and arable land and has huge populations of waterfowl and swans. Under the Belfast – Downpatrick road bridge you will fined some interesting canoe sized tunnels to go through (if the river is running too high the tunnels are not assessable, as I recently discovered). Killyleagh – Downpatrick road bridge marks the entrance to the Quoile Nature Reserve. At present the by-laws of the nature reserve forbid any boat traffic in this section of river. Large congregations of waterfowl are found in this area – particularly in winter.
Access Points No official access point at Annacloy but access can be gained from the bridge. Jane’s Shore is owned by the National Trust who have approved canoeists access to the water here . Go through the gate and limited parking is available on site. Small Gravel beach to access the water. View Canoeondown in a larger map |
Quoile pondage
The Quoile River flows into Strangford Loughs south west corner. In 1957 a tidal barrier was constructed to prevent flooding in the Downpatrick area. This caused the formation of a sheltered pond at the end of the river. On either side of the Quoile River is The Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve. The Reserve has a diversity of habitat and wildlife that make the Quoile a great location to visit. Facilities at the reserve include the Quoile Countryside Centre with displays on the wildlife and history of the area. There are also many features of historical interest within the reserve including Quoile Quay situated close to the Centre. On the Quay Roadopposite the Quoile Countryside Centre are two car parks with pleasant river side walks.
No boating access to the Quoile pondage. The area between the two barrages is a national nature reserve that has by-laws prohibiting boating. From GR 490465 - 504495
The Quoile River flows into Strangford Loughs south west corner. In 1957 a tidal barrier was constructed to prevent flooding in the Downpatrick area. This caused the formation of a sheltered pond at the end of the river. On either side of the Quoile River is The Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve. The Reserve has a diversity of habitat and wildlife that make the Quoile a great location to visit. Facilities at the reserve include the Quoile Countryside Centre with displays on the wildlife and history of the area. There are also many features of historical interest within the reserve including Quoile Quay situated close to the Centre. On the Quay Roadopposite the Quoile Countryside Centre are two car parks with pleasant river side walks.
No boating access to the Quoile pondage. The area between the two barrages is a national nature reserve that has by-laws prohibiting boating. From GR 490465 - 504495