Northern Ireland

Exploris Aquarium tickets and tips

🦈Get face-to-face with native Irish Sea species including sharks, rays, and seahorses
🖐️Hands-on touch pools let children interact directly with real marine creatures
🦭Support genuine marine conservation through the on-site seal rescue sanctuary
🌊Northern Ireland's only public aquarium — a truly unique experience on the Ards Peninsula
☔A fantastic bad-weather option that keeps the whole family entertained indoors

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Where is it?

How to get to Exploris Aquarium

Address

Exploris Aquarium,
1 The RopeWalk, Castle St, Portaferry, Newtownards BT22 1NZ, UK,

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Northern Ireland

When is it open?

Exploris Aquarium opening times

Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00

Please note - all opening times are subject to seasonal changes.

What about facilities?

Exploris Aquarium facilities

On-site Café(s)
Toilets
Baby Changing Facilities
Pushchair Friendly
Gift Shop
Dog Friendly
Parking (Charges Apply)
First Aid

Here’s the questions people are asking about Exploris Aquarium

Yes, Exploris is great for toddlers and young children. The touch pools and up-close animal encounters are particularly popular with little ones, and the site is pushchair friendly.

Most families spend around 1.5 to 2.5 hours at Exploris, which is enough time to explore all the tanks, enjoy the touch pools, and catch a feeding talk if the timing works out.

There is parking available close to the aquarium in Portaferry village. The site is situated near the waterfront, so spaces can fill up quickly on busy days — arriving early is recommended.

Dogs are not permitted inside the aquarium building. Well-behaved dogs on leads may be welcome in outdoor areas, but it's best to check directly with the attraction before visiting.

Exploris has an on-site café where you can grab refreshments and light bites during your visit. The Portaferry village waterfront also has nearby options if you fancy lunch out.

Exploris is largely accessible for wheelchair users and pushchair visitors. If you have specific accessibility requirements, it's worth contacting the aquarium directly ahead of your visit to confirm arrangements.

Still got questions?

Contact Exploris Aquarium directly using the info below.

If you have a question for the Days Out team, please visit our help and contact section.

Exploris Aquarium tickets and tips

How to get to Exploris Aquarium

Address

More in this area

Exploris Aquarium opening times

Exploris Aquarium facilities

Says

Book tickets in advance

Says

Arrive early for the best experience

Exploris Aquarium tips and tricks

People say...

Says...

Book tickets in advance

Says...

Arrive early for the best experience

Says...

Wrap up for the seal sanctuary

Says...

Check feeding times on arrival

Here’s the questions people are asking about Exploris Aquarium

Q. Is Exploris Aquarium suitable for very young children?

Q. How long should we allow for a visit?

Q. Is there parking at or near Exploris Aquarium?

Q. Are dogs allowed inside the aquarium?

Q. Does Exploris have food and drink facilities on site?

Q. Is the aquarium accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs?

Still got questions?

What's there to do at Exploris Aquarium?

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Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

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Hastings Aquarium

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