Craigavon: Nature, Water and Rural Culture

Craigavon combines nature experiences by the water with rural history and active pursuits. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house can choose the location based on whether excursions into a nature reserve, cycling, water sports or cultural discoveries are the main priorities. The range of activities makes Craigavon a destination where eventful and quieter days can be planned in a varied way.

Nature and Water at Lough Neagh

Oxford Island is a designated national nature reserve on a peninsula on the southern shore of Lough Neagh. This makes it a special natural focal point for travellers who want to combine their stay with wildlife observation and walks. Oxford Island also has a network of accessible walking trails. These trails can be taken into account when planning if you want to bring together different interests within your travel group.

Tannaghmore Gardens also combines landscape and history. The grounds are centred around Fairview House, a listed Georgian farmhouse dating from the late 18th century. The site includes an animal park where Irish Moiled cattle are kept. A visit therefore offers two different ways to experience Craigavon: you can explore a historic building or get to know the Irish Moiled cattle kept there.

Active Days on Two Wheels and on the Water

For cyclists, the Craigavon Mountain Bike Trail is a specific option. The trail is 10 km long and runs along routes graded green and blue. Take the length and the designated route grades into account when planning your day before choosing this focus.

On the water, South Lake Watersports offers taster courses for children, adults and families. This provides an opportunity to try water sports without committing your entire stay to a single activity. Anyone wanting to bring together different age groups or interests can combine such a course with a day focused on nature or culture.

Crafts and Rural History

Craigavon Museum at the Barn presents exhibitions about rural life. Topics include dairy farming, blacksmithing and haymaking. The exhibitions bring regional work and everyday activities from the past to life, offering a different focus from the nature attractions around Lough Neagh. Millennium Court also runs educational and training workshops as well as courses.

Another historic stop is Moneypenny’s Lockhouse. The building is named after the Moneypenny family, who managed the lock operation from the early 19th century until its closure in the mid-20th century. Moneypenny’s Forge can be reached via the towpath along the Newry Canal from Portadown or from Knock Bridge. Hands-on blacksmithing courses take place there every Saturday throughout the year; booking is required.

Craigavon as a Suitable Holiday Base

In Craigavon, your choice of accommodation can easily be matched to your preferred pace of travel. Nature lovers can make Oxford Island and the walking trails their focus, while active days can be shaped by the Mountain Bike Trail or a taster course at South Lake Watersports. Those interested in history and tradition can include Tannaghmore Gardens, the Museum at the Barn or Moneypenny’s Lockhouse in their plans. This creates a trip made up of clearly distinct experiences, without every day having to follow the same pattern.

For further travel planning, you can also look at Portadown.

For the overview of the wider region: Craigavon.