Northern Ireland · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Armagh

Explore these places for wildlife in Armagh. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Oxford Island National Nature Reserve

Near Derrymacash, near Lurgan.

Habitat: A peninsula on Lough Neagh combines reedbeds, wet meadows, woodland and sheltered lakeshore.
Wildlife to look for: Great crested grebe, tufted duck, goldeneye (winter).

02 / 05

Near Portadown.

Habitat: Fen, pools and wet alder–willow woodland occupy the remains of a former peat bog.
Wildlife to look for: Hairy dragonfly (late spring–early summer), four-spotted chaser dragonfly (late spring–summer), ruddy darter dragonfly (summer–early autumn).
Access note: Use the public paths north of Brackagh Moss Road; access to the southern section requires permission.

03 / 05

Near Tamnamore.

Habitat: Oak and birch woodland meets fen and raised bog within Peatlands Park.
Wildlife to look for: Jay, badger (mainly nocturnal), wood ants (most active in warmer months), hen harrier (winter).
Access note: Keep to the paths; leaving the path system requires advance permission from the site manager.

04 / 05

Near Tamnamore.

Habitat: Raised bog supports sphagnum mosses, heather, cotton-grasses and wet hollows.
Wildlife to look for: Large heath butterfly (June–July), common lizard (warmer months), snipe (especially winter), woodcock (winter).

05 / 05

Near Meigh.

Habitat: Conifer forest and broadleaved woodland cover the lower slopes of a heath-covered mountain.
Wildlife to look for: Red squirrel, pine marten (elusive), red deer (occasionally encountered on the mountain).