Lough Neagh Discovery Centre

The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is situated in the Oxford Island Nature Reserve on the southern shores of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK. With over 200,000 visitors every year, the Discovery Centre is an ideal place to promote the principles of sustainability.

In 2004 we installed an array of photo-voltaic solar panels to generate our own electricity and then followed this with a wood-fuelled biomass boiler in 2006. We have a range of informative displays, audio-visual shows and interactive games inside the Centre explaining issues like renewable energy, recycling and promoting biodiversity. 

We have the excellent Loughside Café which specialises in home cooking and has wonderful panoramic views of the Lough. There is also a craft and gift shop with examples of local crafts, a Local Information Office for visitors to Craigavon and meeting rooms for courses, conferences and launches. 

The Nature Reserve covers an area of 270 acres with 8 Km of walks and nature trails. We have a rich diversity of habitats including reedbeds, woodland, wildflower meadows, ponds and open water. This makes for great wildlife watching and with 5 birdwatching hides on site there is plenty to see and do. 

The Conservation Service of Craigavon Borough Council is based at the Discovery Centre and this team offers guided educational activities tailored to all age groups. We also provide an extensive programme of themed events throughout the year with activities based on conservation, countryside recreation and traditional crafts.