Lisbane

Lisbane is a small village and townland between Balloo and Comber with pretty, scenic walks, rich history and glorious food on its doorstep.

Mahee Island

Mahee Island is a short distance from Lisbane and hosts breathtaking views of Strangford Lough. Places of considerable interest on the island include the ruins of Mahee Castle and Nendrum Monastery.

Mahee castle is a small ruined tower house that is positioned at the north end of the Island. The tower house is said to have been built in 1570 by an English soldier called Captain Browne; however, it was abandoned in the 17th century. To preserve the castle, restoration work took place in 1923 and again in more recent times.

Nendrum Monastery

Although uncertain, records suggest that Nendrum Monastery was founded in the 5th century by St Machaoi. Nendrum evolved over centuries and the enclosure holds several monastic buildings. Tradition maintains human activity from the 5th century although evidence only dates positively to the 7th or 8th centuries. However, the material discovered at Nendrum is substantially more than that of any other monastic site in Ireland. Today when visiting the site evidence remains from the 7th to the 15th-16th centuries and the developments can be seen.

Nendrum is believed to be the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland.

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

Castle Espie is a three-time award winning wetland reserve that is just a short distance from Lisbane. The Visitor Center provides an early wintering site for almost the entire East Canadian High Arctic population of Brent geese. The reserve has the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Ireland. Nature walks surround the centre allow you to get close to the wild birds while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Food and Drink

Located in Lisbane is The Old Post Office tea rooms. The building dates back to the 1840s and was restored to create a charming eatery which offers a unique dining and hospitality experience.

The hugely successful Poacher’s Pocket restaurant in Lisbane oozes modern country charm. This Michelin recommended restaurant provides great tasting food and in perfect portions.

Visitor Information Centres

Our Visitor Information Centres in Bangor and Newtownards have a knowledgeable team who would be delighted to help offer tips and suggestions for how to make the most of your time in the city and the wider borough.

Each of our centres has a gift shop - pick up a memento of your trip from a range of items including souvenirs, locally crafted jewellery, ornaments, books of local interest and so much more.

Bangor Visitor Information Centre | Ards Visitor Information Centre

Click for detailed Maps and Guides

Getting to Lisbane

Lisbane is located just slightly inland from the western shores of Strangford Lough, 3.5 miles south of Comber on the A22 road to/from Downpatrick.

Best accessed by road and by using Translink public transport (bus only).

See Sat Nav details and Distance Guide at the bottom of the page.

Plan your trip

Sat Nav details

Latitude: 54.5234 Longitude: -6.0353

Driving distances (approx, depending on route):
Belfast - Lisbane | 30 minutes
Bangor - Lisbane | 25 - 30 minutes
Newtownards – Lisbane | 15 – 20 minutes
Comber - Lisbane | 10 minutes
Portaferry - Lisbane | 50 minutes by road | 70 minutes, via the Strangford Lough Ferry