Although located in the heart of an urbanised area, this lough, fringed by wide meadows, is a thriving refuge for birds. Mandarin ducks, mallards, moorhens and a large swan population all enjoy it as a habitat.

The local prison, designed by Thomas Deane, was built in 1825 and closed down in 1923. Since 1878 only women were imprisoned here, except during the Civil War. Visitors can find out about the prisoners' daily routine and see some of the graffiti left..

The Heritage Park Centre is housed in the outbuildings of the Bessboro estate, former home of the Pikes, a local quaker family. The flora and fauna that can be found here and on the nearby estuary are presented in the Environment Centre.