Montiaghs Moss reserve, a lowland raised bog, and Portmore Lough, a lowland, wet-grassland reserve, are both known for their rich biodiversity and scenic natural habitats.
Lying just five minutes’ drive apart and managed by the same RSPB team – so treated here as a single site – are two hidden gems.
Where are Montiaghs Moss and Portmore Lough?
Montiaghs Moss is situated near Aghalee in County Antrim.
Portmore Lough is a short drive away, located near Lower Ballinderry in County Antrim.
When to visit Montiaghs Moss and Portmore Lough?
Montiaghs Moss
In May, the rare marsh fritillary flits between nectar-rich flowers, along with a number of dragonflies and damselflies: including the large red, azure, variable, blue-tailed and Irish damselflies, along with the hairy dragonfly and four-spotted chaser.
In June, another localised butterfly, cryptic wood white, frequents rough grassland, while scrutiny of the manifold dragonflies could reveal a fragile-looking Irish damselfly. Come July, star billing goes to Irish lady’s-tresses, a delicate swirling, ivory orchid.
The last dragonfly species to appear up until late October are the black darter and the common darter. Once winter arrives, listen out for the honking whooper swans as they arrive in winter. Look out for buzzards and kestrels soaring overhead.
Portmore Lough
Portmore’s spring air resounds with the territorial calls of breeding waders, for whose benefit wet grasslands are managed. Lapwings tumble through the air, calling out their country name – peewit! pee-wit! – while redshanks chivvy and snipes bleat. Tree sparrows peer nervously out of special nestboxes, while Irish hares scamper past as if late for a meeting.
Summer brings lots of dragonflies and damselflies, which dart, chase and hawk as you zigzag down another boardwalk to reach a hide overlooking the water. Here common terns plungedive before returning to their chicks with a fish supper.
In winter, the lough fills with wildfowl. Teal and tufted ducks rub shoulders with two visitors from Iceland – whooper swans and greylag geese – the latter compact, nervous birds quite unlike their raucous brethren.
Visitor information for Montiaghs Moss and Portmore Lough
The lowland raised bog of Montiaghs Moss has recently been restored following 19th-century peat extraction. There is now a brand-new boardwalk, which weaves through the reserve, providing easy access and stunning views of the landscape, along with grassy pathways that run between dark pools, damp meadows, willow carr, and stately hedgerows.
The boardwalk paths in Portmore Lough lead through the reserve, offering close-up views of the wetlands and wildlife and there are a number of bird hides that provide excellent vantage points for birdwatching.
Looking for other day out ideas in the area?
Check out our guides to the best walks in Northern Ireland, walking the Causeway Coast and a guide to County Fermanagh.
