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Activities Around Craigavon | |
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Take a break from cycling …. Enjoy activities in the Craigavon District In the heart of Northern Ireland, on the southern shores of Lough Neagh, Craigavon offers visitors a blend of town and country landscapes. The area embraces the historic towns of Lurgan and Portadown and many charming villages. Within this rich tapestry of lake land, parks and towns, visitors will find a host of activities for all the family to enjoy. Whether exploring the aquatic environment of Lough Neagh, enjoying the shopping opportunities of its towns, or taking advantage of its many sports facilities, Craigavon extends a warm welcome to its visitors.
The rich diversity of habitats around Lough Neagh offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching all year round. Oxford Island has discreet birdwatching hides, some of which are designed for wheel chair access, which provide open vistas onto the water where the hidden world of birds feeding, courting and nesting are revealed. The superhide overlooking Kinnego Bay is comfortable and safe in all seasons. Winter often brings several thousand diving duck with rarities such as smew, ring necked and long tailed duck in amongst the rafts of pochard, tufted duck and goldeneye. Surrounding farmland frequently sees flocks of whooper and bewick swans. In summer, the Lough and its shores provide support for grebe, mallard, terns, warblers, finches and coot. Lurgan Park Lake offers a very good range of the common wildfowl species but also occasionally the rarer species such as the ring necked duck are seen. The Craigavon Lake South is extensively used for watersports, but this does not deter a number of regular visitors including pochard, tufted duck, mallard, coot and grebe. Priority in managing the North Lake is accorded to wildlife and game angling. A great fishing lake - As the largest lake in the British Isles, Lough Neagh has always been synonymous with fishing. The rivers flowing into the Lough and the small lakes surrounding it offer fine fishing. Salmon, pollen, perch, bream, roach and dollaghan (Lough Neagh Trout) are among the species to be found and provide a range of challenges to all sorts of anglers. A central feature of Craigavon Lough Neagh has played a dominant role in the development of the region. Its vast surface area creates a unique microclimate and its many miles of shoreline area present hidden harbours, gently sloping shores, rich and varied habitats and recreation areas. Portadown ’s main walking and cycling route follows on the banks of the River Bann and the Newry Canal towpath. From early 2001 the path will open for walking between Portadown and Newry, 29km south.
Moneypenny's Lockhouse is an 18th and 19th Century lock keeper's house with stable's and lightman's bothy and is well worth a visit. Located 4km south of Portadown it houses an exhibition on the history of Britain's oldest summit level canal, Newry Canal, the lifestyle during the Canal era and the wildlife in the area. Lurgan Park is part of the demesne of Lurgan Castle (Brownlow House) and is very close to the town centre. The 55 ha of woodland, open grassland, lake and recreation areas provide an opportunity to get away from it all in Northern Ireland's most beautiful public park. The magnificent Brownlow House, designed by William Playfair, a famous Edinburgh architect, and built in 1839 overlooks the lake. Oxford Islandoffers 5 km of walkways in a National Nature Reserve along the shores of Lough Neagh. Brownlow - The City Park in Central Craigavon, provides an extensive network of walking and cycling paths. The paths by the lake lead to a number of visitor attractions including Tannaghmore Animal Farm & Gardens, the Barn Museum and Oxford Island, which are all well sign posted. Some of the cycle paths are part of the National Cycle Network. The Wetlands Way is a series of trails for walking, cycling and horse riding that run through the South Lough Neagh Wetlands, an area rich in natural and human heritage. The trails are on quiet minor roads and paths, following former bog ramparts. Points of interest are marked on the map (available from Lough Neagh Discovery Centre). The routes are circular so users can start at any point along the trails. Portadown Town Hall Theatre with modern lighting and sound equipment is a popular venue for both amateur and professional theatre. With concerts, fashion shows, exhibitions, dance and music festivals throughout the year, there is something to suit everyone. Pinebank House is a complex located in Brownlow and is the focal point for arts administration in Craigavon. The staff at the Centre organise summer schools and regular activities in the arts for children and youth groups. The site includes an aviary and the Pinebank integrated explorer, a unique playground designed for both disabled and able-bodied children. Lurgan Town Hall is a community resource centre situated on a prime site just off the main street. It includes a Victorian style auditorium and balcony. Theatrical productions and exhibitions are regularly held here. Ballydougan Pottery is a traditional pottery situated in a 300 year old farmhouse, specialising in designs inspired by the history and everyday life of Ireland. Rathbanna is a metal craftworks founded in 1995 close to Lough Neagh shore. Visitors can see copper and brass products being made on the premises by traditional methods. Shopping in Craigavon Borough combines the old and the new. The atmosphere of it's towns and villages is complimented by a good mix of major high street names and long established family businesses. Rushmere Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Craigavon. There are 1,800 free parking spaces and the Centre is easily accessed from the M1 and all major roads. The Centre is the only complex that houses both Sainsburys and Tesco under one roof. Other retailers include Dunnes Stores, TK Maxx, Index, Currys, Homebase, Peacocks, JJB Sports, Clarks Shoes, Boots, Carpet Right, and a host of other household names. Portadown owes its current reputation as one of the Province's most thriving shopping centres to its roots as a Market Town. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Portadown boasted a variety of markets and fairs which were held throughout the Town Centre, as we now know it, on virtually every day of the week. Today that market character has developed into commercial retailing, but the weekly market, now housed in the new Millennium Court complex on William Street, still provides the "fair day" atmosphere each Friday and Saturday. The sites of those 19th century fairs have now developed into a modern town centre, which, along with the two shopping centres of Meadows and High Street Mall, combines the well-known "high street names" with a wonderful mix of independent outlets, catering for everything from antiques and crafts to high fashion and household goods. In total, the town boasts over 300 retail outlets. Lurgan has a style and energy all of its own. Its Georgian architecture, Brownlow family connection, fascinating heritage and pleasant ambience make the town unique. The town demonstrates cosmopolitan chic with a range of special and individual shops that still boast the personal touch. This applies to fashion, health, furniture, shoes, beauty, gifts and specialist goods. The shopping facilities compliment a town that has one of the largest parks in Ireland with a stunning lime tree mall and beautiful Coalbrooke Fountain (one of only four in the world), a close knit community spirit and a strong arts movement. Craigavon Watersports, Golf and Ski Centre
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Part of the Ulster Way is situated on the banks of the River Bann and is an ideal location for walking and cycling. The river's natural beauty offers an opportunity to enjoy the diverse wildlife and plants along the river. The Ulster Way follows the River Bann and Newry Canal for 5km from Portadown town centre to Knock Bridge, via Moneypenny's Lock. It is possible to walk along the canal towpath to Newry. The Ulster Way north of Portadown to Maghery is mostly on minor roads. The Pleasure Gardens beside the River and close to the town centre accommodate a modern well-equipped children's play area and one of the Province's top outdoor bowling greens. 
Craigavon is renowned for its watersports and Craigavon Watersports Centre is the foremost facility of its kind in Northern Ireland. Expert instruction is offered in a wide range of water sports in a safe environment including: