The Outer Ards site extends from Grey Point on the north Down coast, to Ballyquintin Point in the south. The site mainly encompasses the inter-tidal areas, but with some additional adjoining areas of notable habitat. It includes sand and mud dominated shores, cobble and boulder beaches together with rocky shores. Off shore islands are also present. Adjoining habitat includes areas of maritime grassland and heath.
Outer Ards qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) by supporting nationally important populations of Arctic tern and golden plover. The principal interests are the breeding colony of Arctic tern, together with the wintering populations of light-bellied Brent goose, golden plover, turnstone and ringed plover.
The boundary of the Special Protection Area site is entirely coincident with the Outer Ards Area of Special Scientific Interest together with the Ballymacormick Point Area of Special Scientific Interest. It also includes the open marine area as indicated on the site map.
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