Exploris

Exploris is a public aquarium situated in Portaferry, Northern Ireland. The facility is located on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough, which is an important winter migration destination for many wading and sea birds. The lough is home to almost 75% of the marine species found in Northern Ireland, including common seals, basking sharks and brent geese. Three quarters of the world population of pale bellied brent geese spend winter in the lough area. Exploris illustrates and exhibits the large variety of animals that live in Strangford Lough.Exploris was closed in late 2014 for refurbishment.The aquarium reopened in August 2016 following an investment of close to £1.5m in refurbishment works and with the help of Crumlin Road Gaol Ltd, who are the operators.Exploris Aquarium and Northern Ireland's only Seal Sanctuary has enabled an impressive redevelopment and remodelling of aquaria, landscapes, soft play area, and licensed restaurant to create a first class visitor attraction in the heart of the Strangford destination.Guaranteed to be entertaining and educational, visitors will enjoy a diver’s view of marine life and learn about the many species via our newly installed AV information screens.As you wander around the exhibitions, one of the things that will blow you away is the attention to detail and the hand-painted artwork on the walls throughout the aquarium and the colourful animation within the display tanks and outdoor pool area. This has been designed and put together by Nautilus who are the team behind some of the biggest zoos and aquariums in the world.