The Observatory is based on Light House Island, part of the Copeland Group, which lie just to the south of the mouth of Belfast Lough. The other islands in the group are Mew Island, just to the east of Light House Island, and Big Copeland, a much larger island about 1 km south of the other two.

Access from the Northern Ireland mainland is by small boat from the harbour at Donaghadee. Visitors wishing to make the trip must first contact our bookings secretary, Neville McKee (028 9443 3068) as space on the boat and on the Island is limited.

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Lighthouse Island has an area of approximately 16 hectares or 40 acres. At its highest point, near the buildings, the land rises to 40 metres above sea level. There is a low cliff on the east side while, on the west, the land slopes more gently down to the sea.

This map shows the main Manx Shearwater sub-colonies. Well Path (WP), Cliff (C) and Alley (A) have the largest number of breeding pairs.

The names of the other sub-colonies are as follows: NL North Landing, NP North Point, WW West Warren, G Gully, NA North Alley, NG North Garden, EP East Pub, ES East Side, LS Lower Shore, TS Toilet Steps, HB Heli Bushes, R Radar, SP South Promontory.