Lough Neagh Discovery Centre/Oxford Island National Nature Reserve
Craigavon
County Armagh
BT66 6NJ
028 38322205
Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, covering an area of 153square miles; touching five of the six counties of Northern Ireland, it is surrounded by many parks and nature reserves and is recognized as an area of international scientific importance due to its many diverse range of plants, animals and bird life.
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 with excellent stocks of Pollen, Perch, Bream, Roach, Rudd, Pike, Salmon, and the Dollaghan. (Lough Neagh Trout) are amongst the many species to be found which provide a range of challenges to anglers.
Game season - March 1st to October 31st
Requirements: A Fisheries Conservancy Board Rod Licence
A permit is essential
The legend of the Lough - There are many stories concerning its origin and one of the best known is that of Ireland's legendary giant, Finn Mac Cool, who is said to have created the Lough when he scooped up a portion of the land and tossed it at a Scottish rival; he missed, and the earth landed in the Irish Sea thus creating the Isle of Man!
The award winning 'Oxford Island National Nature Reserve' is actually a peninsula situated in the south east corner of Lough Neagh which is managed by Craigavon Borough Council’s Conservation Service; to protect and enhance its habitats and encourage visitor use and awareness.
Its mosaic of reed beds, woodland, wildflower meadows and wildlife ponds make this one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular National Nature Reserves and a wonderful place to view many aspects of wildlife at close hand.
Highlights for visitors include:-
Bird Watching Hides with dramatic views across Lough Neagh
Picnic & BBQ Area
Paddling pool and play area (seasonal)
Information panels about the site’s history and habitats
Most facilities are wheelchair accessible
Craft Shop Cafe Interactive Exhibition
Organised Events
Binoculars for Hire
Nature trails & walks through woodlands and meadows
Water sporting activities
The focal point of Oxford Island is the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, which houses an award winning exhibition about Lough Neagh.
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre has a unique and beautiful setting on the edge of the Lough where visitors can learn all about the history, culture and wildlife in and around Lough Neagh with audio-visual shows, interactive displays, panels and exhibits.
Other facilities in the Centre include:
The Loughside Café specialising in home cooking
A craft and gift shop with examples of local crafts
Local Information Office for visitors to Craigavon
Meeting rooms for courses
Conference facilities
Educational and Interpretive Services
The staff at the Discovery Centre can also arrange various environmental events throughout the year including bird watching, pond-dipping and guided nature walks. Tours of Lough Neagh are also available.
Opening times:
Monday - Friday:
10am - 5pm
Saturday and Sunday:
10am - 5pm
(From Easter until September the Centre will open on Sundays until 6.00 pm)
Please contact for further information.
Superdrive Motorsports Centre
7 Derryneskan Road
Craigavon
BT62 1UH
028 38852545
Superdrive Motorsports Centre, near Portadown, is set within ten acres of beautiful countryside and is a world of adrenalin and experience for children and adults, groups and individuals.
You can choose to drive vehicles from the centre's own 'ex-competition' Mark2 Escorts and Mitsubishi Evo rally cars or experience the thrill of Superdrive's low-slung 240cc Thunder Karts!
Rally Driving - Why not give someone the gift of an unforgettable motor sport experience! No previous rally driving experience is necessary as highly qualified instructors (all current rally competitors), will navigate you through Superdrive's purpose built gravel rally stage for maximum sideways action!
Superdrive's rally fleet includes 6 gravel grinding, rear wheel drive MKII Escorts and two turbo-charged Group N Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions - Evo's to the true rally fanatics!
Gift Vouchers are available for all Superdrive rally courses from the 'Novice Rally' to the 'Pro Rally'. Drivers must be at least 17 years of age and hold a provisional driving licence.
Children from 8 years upwards can drive the smaller 160cc Cadet Karts on the super-fast, outdoor tarmac racing track.
Practice sessions are available on the Cadet Karts for kids 8-12 years and the Thunder Karts for kids 13+ and adults.
Why not book a 'GRAND PRIX' for competitive racing at its best! With a minimum of 8 people you can earn a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place 'Superdrive Grand Prix Trophy' after racing a number of qualifying heats, semi finals and a gripping 6 driver final.
Or, for a team racing event, book a Le Mans style 'ENDURANCE RACE' where 6 or more people are required to run a racing relay!
Superdrive has an Advanced Rally School for competitors and activities must be booked in advance so please call to avoid disappointment.
Other activities for groups of 10 or more include:
Archery
Children's Parties
Corporate Entertainment Packages
Corporate/Team Building Days
Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting
Climbing wall
Self Defence
Stag and Hen Parties
Velocity Paintball
Superdrive, Ireland's premier motorsports centre, is open 7 days a week for karting and up to 5 days a week for rallying.
Please contact for further information.