The Quoile River Downpatrick 
The River Quoile from Annacloy down through Downpatrick to the Barrage where it flows into Strangford Lough.
The main access point is in Downpatrick at Jane’s Shore and it is a beautiful paddle upstream to Inch Abbey. The river is surrounded by woodland and arable land and has huge populations of waterfowl and swans.
Just upstream of the Belfast – Downpatrick road bridge (which has some interesting canoe sized tunnels to go through) is the outfall for the sewage treatment works for Downpatrick. Over the years canoeists have regularly reported untreated discharges from this system and paddlers using the area should report any pollution to the Water pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Downstream from Jane’s Shore about 100m beyond the Killyleagh – Downpatrick road bridge is a barrage which marks the entrance to the Quoile Nature Reserve. At present the by-laws of the nature reserve forbid any boat traffic in this section of river. Very large congregations of waterfowl are found in this area – particularly in winter.
Start: Annacloy J 458483
Finish: Jane’s Shore J 487464
Access Points
No official access point at Annacloy but access can be gained from the bridge.
Jane’s Shore is owned by the National Trust who have approved canoeists accessing the water here . Go through the gate and limited parking is available on site. Small Gravel beach to access the water.
Quoile pondage
The Quoile River flows into Strangford Loughs south west corner. In 1957 a tidal barrier was constructed to prevent flooding in the Downpatrick area. This caused the formation of a sheltered pond at the end of the river. On either side of the Quoile River is The Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve. The Reserve has a diversity of habitat and wildlife that make the Quoile a great location to visit. Facilities at the reserve include the Quoile Countryside Centre with displays on the wildlife and history of the area. There are also many features of historical interest within the reserve including Quoile Quay situated close to the Centre. On the Quay Roadopposite the Quoile Countryside Centre are two car parks with pleasant river side walks.
No boating access to the Quoile pondage. The area between the two barrages is a national nature reserve that has by-laws prohibiting boating. From GR 490465 - 504495
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