Places to stay on Strangford Lough

The fire pit at Salt Island Bothy, Northern Ireland

Whether you want a dog-friendly cottage, a camping adventure with the kids or a glamping experience you'll find somewhere on Strangford Lough to suit your needs. Here’s a list of our favourite places to stay on the lough.

Salt Island bothy

Salt Island bothy provides a fantastic overnight camping experience for groups. The bothy is located on Salt Island in Strangford Lough just south of Killyleagh. It is a bunkhouse which provides basic shelter, accommodation and camping facilities. It is very popular with canoeists, boat users, youth groups and families.
 
Salt Island is one of 11 canoe access points on the circular Strangford Lough Canoe Trail.
 

Bothy facilities

The bothy can accommodate up to Ten people sleeping inside and offers toilets, an outdoor BBQ and a lean-to area for hanging wet gear etc. There are some movable wooden platforms which can be slept on, but no mattresses or bedding. There's a small table and some chairs, a wood burning stove, a kitchen area with sink but no cooker. Users must bring their own means of cooking such as a Trangia or gas stove, along with any fire wood needed and drinking water.
 
Bookings and charges
All bookings for the bothy are coordinated through Mount Stewart (Tel. (028) 4278 7387). The charges, which go towards running, administration and maintenance costs, must be paid in full before your stay.
 
Charges are as follows:
  • £10 per person per night sharing
  • £80 for exclusive use of the bothy
Family sitting in front of one of the camping pods
Strangford Lough   County Down

Camping Pods at Castle Ward

The camping pods at Castle Ward provide an attractive, dry and spacious camping area without any need for a tent. As an integral part of Castle Ward Caravan Park you'll benefit from all its services across the 820 acre demesne.

Visitors sitting outside a camping pod among trees

Camping and caravans at Castle Ward 

With space for up to 28 caravans and plenty of room for tents too, Castle Ward has plenty of space for those looking for an outdoor adventure.

Stay at Castle Ward