Bird PlacesArmagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council reserve · Lurgan, County Armagh
Oxford Island birdwatching guide
Oxford Island is a wooded peninsula on the southern shore of Lough Neagh, laced with surfaced trails linking four hides that look out over reedbed, ponds and open water. Lough Neagh holds internationally important numbers of diving duck in winter, and the reserve's free entry and level paths make it the most approachable birdwatching site in Northern Ireland.
Key facts
- Habitat
- wetland
- Size
- Not recorded
- Entry fee (adult)
- Free
- Entry fee (child)
- Free
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- Not published
- Wheelchair access
- Not verified
- Car park
- Yes
- Car park to hides
- 400m on surfaced woodland paths
- Toilets
- Yes
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Status
- open
- Best seasons
- winter, spring
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) | frequent | — |
| autumn | Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) | occasional | — |
| winter | Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) | frequent | — |
| winter | Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) | common | — |
Hides at Oxford Island
Getting there
Lurgan, County Armagh
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Reserve open dawn to dusk; discovery centre 10am–5pm
Frequently asked questions
Is Oxford Island free to visit?
Yes — entry, parking and the hides are all free; the discovery centre and café are open daily.
Explore more
Information last updated 25 July 2026.