Attractions and Places To See around Island Taggart - Top 20

Island Taggart boasts diverse habitats including pasture-land, scrub, hedgerows, marsh, foreshore, and woodlands with oak, beech, and Scots pine. It's a haven for wildlife, attracting a variety of butterflies and insects, and serves as an important wintering ground for birds like chaffinches and skylarks. You might spot curlew, redshank, and oystercatcher feeding on the mudflats, and porpoises can sometimes be seen off the eastern shore. Otters also frequent the northern tip of the island.

On Island Taggart, you can find remnants of its past as an inhabited and farmed area until 1967. These include one farmhouse and three cottages, old wells, an orchard, hedgerows, and ruinous stone walls. Notably, there are kelp kilns, with one particularly well-preserved example featuring a corbelled roof. An old well is situated near the sunken lane leading from the east shore to the farm. You can also find two 'fairy thorns' enclosed in a low ring of stones at the extreme north-eastern tip, adding a touch of local folklore.

Yes, several notable historical attractions are close by. You can visit Sketrick Castle, a 12th-century tower house on Sketrick Island, or explore the ancient Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a pre-Norman monastic site dating back to the 5th century. Another must-see is Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location), an 18th-century National Trust property known for its unique architecture and Game of Thrones filming connection. Additionally, Audley's Castle, another Game of Thrones filming location, is also nearby.

Island Taggart offers a natural environment suitable for families to explore. The varied habitats and potential for wildlife spotting can be engaging for children. Many nearby attractions like Sketrick Castle, Nendrum Monastery Ruins, and Castle Ward Tower are also categorized as family-friendly, offering historical exploration and scenic views.

The area around Island Taggart is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Delamont Country Park running loop' or the 'Castle Ward – Audley's Castle loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, options include the 'Portaferry to Quintin Castle loop' or longer routes like the 'Ards Peninsula half loop'. Hiking is also popular, with trails like the 'Castle Ward Hoof Trail' and 'Delamont Long Walk'. You can find more details on these activities and routes on the respective komoot guides for running, cycling, and hiking around Island Taggart.

From higher points on Island Taggart, you can enjoy fine prospects of Strangford Lough's marine life and seabirds, as well as the landscape of the Ards Peninsula. The Nendrum Monastery Ruins also offer one of the best views of the Lough from its far east corner. Additionally, the Shrigley Monument is clearly visible from Island Taggart.

Island Taggart is attractive year-round due to its diverse natural features. It is an important wintering ground for various bird species, making colder months ideal for birdwatching. During warmer seasons, the island's varied habitats support a wide variety of butterflies and insects. The natural beauty of Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula can be enjoyed in any season, though pleasant weather will enhance outdoor exploration.

Beyond the main attractions, Island Taggart itself holds unique elements like the well-preserved kelp kilns and the 'fairy thorns' at its north-eastern tip, which are steeped in local folklore. The island's history as a filming location for 'December Bride' also adds an interesting layer. Exploring the island's varied habitats can reveal hidden corners and unexpected wildlife sightings.

While Island Taggart itself does not have cafes or accommodation, the surrounding area of Strangford Lough offers options. Nearby towns and villages will provide choices for refreshments and places to stay. For example, the area around Sketrick Castle is known to have a good cafe/restaurant/bar, popular with cyclists.

Island Taggart is characterized by two prominent drumlins, which are elongated hills formed by glacial ice. The terrain includes varied habitats such as pasture-land, scrub, hedgerows, marsh, foreshore, and woodland. This mix offers a diverse walking experience, ranging from relatively flat areas to gentle inclines over the drumlins, providing fine prospects of the surrounding lough.

Island Taggart is accessible via a causeway from the mainland. Specific details on public transport directly to the island are limited, so driving is often the most convenient option. Parking facilities would typically be available near the causeway or designated access points to the National Trust property. It's advisable to check the National Trust's official website for the most current access and parking information.

The National Trust generally welcomes dogs on their properties, often with specific guidelines to protect wildlife and ensure visitor enjoyment. Given Island Taggart's importance as a wildlife habitat, especially for ground-nesting birds and wintering species, it is highly recommended to keep dogs on a lead. Always check the latest guidance from the National Trust before your visit.