Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

With over 100 miles of coastline, many Areas of Special Scientific Interest and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we want to protect this special place and the impact we have on our natural surroundings.

Strangford Lough, the UK’s largest sea lough, is one of only three Marine Nature Reserves in the UK. It’s hard to believe that only 30 minutes from Belfast’s urban attractions, this captivating rural retreat (designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an Area of Special Scientific Interest) is waiting to be explored.

To protect our special places for generations to come there is the increasing need to become green and sustainable, tourism is no exception with many of our attractions, activity and accommodation providers taking steps to protect the environment and be more sustainable, read more about Green Tourism.