Northern Ireland Walks: Rough Island, Strangford Lough

I like a walk that has a good talking point; a cute cafe, an interesting monument or maybe even a little tidal island with its very own causeway.

If you liked the sound of that last one, this is the post for you. Come with me and explore Rough Island, a tiny tidal island in Strangford Lough in here in Northern Ireland.

Rough Island, Strangford Lough

Rough Island is a tiny bit of land linked by a stone causeway to the shoreline of Strangford Lough. The causeway is only uncovered at low tide, meaning walks need to be timed accordingly.

Walking to an island that is cut off at high tide definitely adds a little something extra. If the Famous Five came to Northern Ireland, they’d definitely come somewhere like this to uncover some sort of mystery.

Rough Island is located where the Comber River flows into Strangford Lough, creating a world of salt marshes and tidal mud flats. As well as creating a beautiful environment, the mild climate and tidal shores are a haven for birdlife. A great place for a bit of birdwatching.

If the good old Famous Five did tip up here, they’d probably camp on Rough Island to catch villains hunting birds of stealing eggs. You can imagine, can’t you?

The walk across the causeway and round the island gives uninterrupted views across Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside.

Rough Island is unoccupied now, but excavations have revealed evidence of ancient inhabitants. Evidence of  shell middens (piles of discarded shells) and flints worked into tools dating back to 7000 BC were discovered in the area.

More recently, up until the 1950’s, the island was inhabited and farmed. There are still a few remains of a farmhouse and orchard if you look hard enough- a few bricks here, a bit of a wall there- but it’s hard to spot.

The tiny interior of the island is overgrown with thick vegetation, mostly scrubby trees, brambles and gorse. Around the edges, you can see erosion is taking its toll. The perimeter path is safe and easy to follow though, with a couple of benches here and there if you want to pause and take in the views.

I’m not sure where the name Rough Island comes from, but the shoreline around it fits the bill. Rocky and, well, rough. Full of shells and stones, some of them very pretty. Who doesn’t love a pretty stone? Bonus points for this one, it works very well with my nails. It’s the little things!

All in all, a very pleasant and very interesting walk. Rounded off nicely with a cuppa back at the van.

How to get to Rough Island

Turn off the A21 Comber to Newtownards Road towards the shore of the Lough. Island Hill Nature Reserve is sign posted. Approx. a mile along Ringcreevy Road brings you to the parking for Island Hill Nature Reserve.

From here you can take steps down to the lough shore and follow the path onto the causeway.

Is Rough Island free to visit?

Yes, visiting the island is free. There is also ample free parking, picnic benches, plenty of bins and free parking. Everything you could need.

Is Rough Island dog friendly?

Yes. There’s plenty of space to run and splash.

Not only dog friendly, but very popular. Lots of dogs of all shapes and sizes, on and off lead.

The Little Wolf had a great time and even found a moment to pose, Little Mermaid style, on a rock.

If you’d like to read about more walks in Northern Ireland, try this post next: Explore the Divis & Black Mountain Trails. For another coastal walk with a dash of adventure, check this one out: Hurst Castle Coastal Walk

Linking up to Jo’s Monday Walk

Helen x