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.[1][2]

Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary
Date opened1987,[1] re-opened 2016
LocationPortaferry, Northern Ireland
Coordinates54.382°N 5.549°W / 54.382; -5.549
Land areaArds and North Down
Volume of largest tank250,000
Annual visitors100,000+
Public transit accessulsterbus
Websitewww.explorisni.com

Exploris was closed in late 2014 for refurbishment. It 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.

References
  1. "About Exploris: Background". exploris.org.uk. Exploris. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
  2. "Waterways – Strangford Lough". bbc.co.uk. BBC. February 2006. Retrieved 7 March 2012.


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