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Exploris Aquarium
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| Looking for: | Aquariums | | Address: | The Rope Walk
Castle Street
Portaferry
Co. Down
Northern Ireland | | Postcode: | BT22 1NZ | | Nearest City: | Belfast | | Telephone: | +44 (0) 28 4272 8062 |
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Description
The Northern Ireland Aquarium was opened by Ards Borough Council in 1987 to enable the public to view the amazingly diverse marine life that exists around these islands.
The conservation village of Portaferry was the ideal location. It is sited on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough which contains nearly three quarters of all the marine species to be found in Northern Irish waters.
As a result of the enormous popularity with both visitors and education groups the aquarium was extended and re-opened by Prince Charles in 1994 as Exploris.
The increased number of tanks enabled the aquarium to re-create a wide diversity of underwater communities which exist locally. This gave visitors the opportunity to really go on 'An Exploration of the Irish Sea' (Exploris).
While the aquarium has been involved in the rehabilitation of seals since 1989, the new purpose built Seal Sanctuary opened in 2000. Not only did this provide state of the art facilities to look after sick or abandoned seals from rescue to release, but also included a new Education Suite and Exhibition Hall.
Exploris, the Northern Ireland Aquarium, strives to provide an enjoyable and educational experience through changing marine exhibits, a rolling programme of exhibitions and activities for 'kids of all ages'.
DISCOVERY POOLS
A chance for your group to discover a variety of living animals at close hand. For example observe Rays, Starfish and Sea Urchins. Exploris Discovery Pools are run by experienced guides who help to break down inhibitions and develop an appreciation of nature.
AQUARIUM TOUR
A guide leads your group on a journey through the aquarium starting with displays focusing on Strangford Lough, moving on to the Irish Sea via Exploris themed display tanks. Also learn about seal rehabilitation from the rescue of seals to their release back into the wild.
SHORE WALKS
Shore walks are available at certain times depending on the tides in Strangford Lough. These afford pupils the opportunity to learn about life on the shore. Educational staff accompany your group to a local rocky shore to study living things in their natural habitat.
WORKSHOPS
Use the Exploris Educational Suite for one of our themed workshops, Conservation, Pollution and The Seashore.
Headteachers- Why not use our facilities for one of your INSET days!
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To contact this company with an enquiry please fill out the form below. If you call, please tell them you found them on the CHILDRENS LEISURE website.
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