Northern Ireland

Kearney coastal walk at Strangford Lough

Kearney Village in County Down from the shoreline | © Sarah Harkness

Sitting on the southern tip of the famous Ards Peninsula, Kearney is a picturesque fishing village full of unspoilt, timeless character. On this short coastal walk from the village car park, look out for quaint, whitewashed cottages and an abundance of wildlife, from oystercatchers, rock pipits and shelducks, to winter waders and turnstones.

Near to

Strangford Lough

Start point

Village car park, Kearney. Grid ref: J649517

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2.7 (km: 4.32)

Duration1 hour to 1 hour 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*The surface varies along the route. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Only part of the route is accessible. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome, with conditions. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Take precautions

Waterproof and windproof clothing are essential, as the weather on the peninsula can be wild at times. Also take care when walking through the rocky shoreline areas. Though this is a short trail, you're advised to inform someone of your intended route before you leave.

Address
Village car park, Kearney, Portaferry, County Down BT22 1QP
Directions via Google Maps
Cycling
Please refer to 'By road' instructions.
By road
Kearney is on the coast directly east of Portaferry. From the west and south, you're advised to take the ferry from Strangford village – visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/ferry-services. It sails 364 days a year (weekdays, 7.30am to 10.45pm; Saturdays, 8am to 11.15pm; Sundays, 9.30am to 10.45pm).
From the north, the A20 or A2 south will take you to the country lanes leading to Kearney.
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Village car park, Kearney. Grid ref: J649517
Stage 1
From the car park, walk through the stone wall and follow the path running south until you come to a traditional cast-iron gate.
Stage 2
Walk through the gateway and continue along the grass path, passing blackthorn hedges.
Stage 3
At the crossroads, follow the grass path to your right, passing through areas of dog rose and elderberry.
Stage 4
Keep right, continuing through coastal grassland.
Stage 5
Take in the beautiful views from the wooden bench, then turn left to walk along the shore.
Stage 6
Continue along the shore.
Stage 7
Stay right to continue along the shore path.
Stage 8
At this point, you can loop back round through the village to the car park or continue straight ahead along the coastal path.
Stage 9
When the path finishes, head back the way you came.
End point
Village car park, Kearney. Grid ref: J649517
Trail map
Map of the route | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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