Description
The easy Antrim Castle Gardens river path runs between Clotworthy House (free car park and a coffee shop) and the Gateway at Lough Neagh (also with free car park and coffee shop). You are next to the river the whole route. You will see at least a couple of Серая цапля fishing, and usually Горная трясогузка near the stone bridge at one end. I see Обыкновенный зимородок about 50% of the time. The parts closest to Lough Neagh are overrun with Озерная чайка.
Summer sees Береговушка and Деревенская ласточка along the river and the adjacent wildflower meadow, with Речная крачка along the shore. Winter time brings Чомга into the river from Lough Neagh, plus otters if you're there early enough. Also keep an eye out for Большой баклан, the Лебедь-шипун nesting in the Spring, plus the usual assortment of robins, wrens, tits and thrushes. Listen out for the Обыкновенный фазан half way along the path.
Finally, you can take a stroll in the woods around Clotworthy House and try to spot the Обыкновенная пищуха.
Details
Access
Antrim Castle Gardens River Path is very close to Antrim Town Centre, well served by buses and the train station is only a 10 minute walk away. There are free car parks either end. Press a P on the map for directions. Figure on spending a nice couple of hours along the river path and also the woods.


