Craigavon Lakes Local Nature Reserve

Craigavon-Watersports-Centre

Opening Times: Open all year round.

Contact Details: Craigavon Borough Council Tel: 028 3831 1672

Getting There: There are many entrances to this fantastic local nature reserve. Head for the town centre of Craigavon to find one as they are all well sign posted. For one simply come off roundabout 3, 4.5 miles from Junction 10 on the M1. Take right at the lights, pass golf ski centre. Follow signs.

Site Description

Craigavon City Park is the place to go if you’re into walking, cycling, jogging or dog walking. There are well-marked, surfaced trails throughout the 180 hectares of parkland that surround the two artificial lakes, including a three kilometre perimeter cycle path.  The paths are suitable for disabled users and incorporate the National Cycle Network Route 9. Tannaghmore Farm (located beside the nature reserve) features rare farm breeds and Tannaghmore Gardens includes formal gardens, play and recreation areas and a small museum. Apart from the rare breeds there is a range of biodiversity interests ranging from the wintering wildfowl on the lakes to the botanically rich area between the two lakes. The area hosts a large number of orchids including the bee orchid and is also an important site for butterflies, hosting the largest population of the Real’s wood white butterfly in the UK. A level tarmac from the Water Sports Centre car park runs round the lake. Angling from wheelchairs is possible around the harbour area but the path is not close enough to the waters edge elsewhere. Access for those with walking difficulties is good. North Lake is designated as a rainbow trout fishery and is stocked regularly with up to 5000 trout.  Anglers may take their own boats. Boats are available for hire from Craigavon Borough Council Recreational Department.

Species:

There are well-marked, surfaced trails throughout the 180 hectares of parkland that surround the two artificial lakes, including a three kilometre perimeter cycle path.  The paths are suitable for disabled users and incorporate the National Cycle Network Route 9. The area hosts a large number of orchids including the bee orchid and is also an important site for butterflies, hosting the largest population of the Real’s wood white butterfly in the UK. The path weaves its way under young ash, rowan and oak trees, with some horse chestnuts and hawthorns. It is lined with tufted vetch, herb Robert and the unfolding flowers of Lords and Ladies. Alongside the railway track path is an information board indicating species of wild flowers that align its route. The raised ground here contains spoil from the construction of the railway. It is poor in nutrients, which restricts the growth of vigorous grasses enabling wild flowers to thrive. You have a great opportunity to see ox-eye daisies, bird’s foot trefoil, red clover, mouse-eared hawkweed, knapweed, sedges and blue lupins. Also on the embankment during June you will see bee orchids. This embankment is reputedly home to the largest colony of these plants in Ireland.

Facilities:

  • Craigavon Watersports Centre: Craigavon is renowned for its Outdoor Centres and Craigavon Watersports Centre is the foremost facility of its kind in Northern Ireland. Expert instruction is offered in a wide range of watersports and land based activities in a safe and fun environment. The Centre, which was purpose built in 1998 and caters for all levels of experience and abilities. Craigavon outdoor centres can offer you a unique and fun filled multi activity package based at one or both of our centres. For more information and to book please contact us on (028) 3834 2669.
  • Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre: With stunning views over the picturesque Craigavon Lakes, the Civic Centre offers a suite of multi-purpose rooms with state-of-the-art facilities and a large and impressive Civic Hall. Whether you need a meeting place for 20 people, a conference venue for 120, a banqueting suite for 250 or a concert for 540, the Civic Centre will meet all your needs and expectations.
  • North Lake: North Lake is designated as a rainbow trout fishery and is stocked regularly with up to 5000 trout.  Anglers may take their own boats. Boats are available for hire from Craigavon Borough Council Recreational Department.
  • South Lake: The south lake contains mainly coarse fish such as pike, roach and bream. Watersport activities are provided through Craigavon Borough Council. Contact the Craigavon Watersport Centre.
  • Tannaghmore Gardens Farm/Museum Parking: A tourist attraction offering close encounters with many rare breeds of animal found on farms in Ulster 100 years ago, many of which are now rare and close to extinction. Experience old Irish gate, tree and sculpture trails. Rare breeds include Irish Moiled and Dexter cattle, Galway and Jacob Sheep, Saddleback, Tamworth and Gloucester Old Spot pigs. Large selection of ornamental fowl and waterfowl. Barn museum with agricultural exhibits. Tannaghmore is also home to the Kissing Gate. Legend has it that couples who kiss over the gate will get married within a year. Tannaghmore Gardens also features beautiful rose gardens, picnic areas, and a children’s play area as well as plant nurseries. A great family day out!