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Welcome to Ards and North Down

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Experience and
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  1. Visit Ards and North Down - It's closer than you think
    Great value getaways, getting off the beaten track, quality time, and memories that will last a lifetime – it’s all closer than you think with the hidden treasure that is Ards and North Down, only a short journey from Belfast and a two-hour drive from Dublin.
  2. October Events
    What's On in October 2025 - A bustling month of activities for all marking the official change of season, Hallowe'en and school half term break.
  3. A child looking through a magnifying glass outside of Mount Stewart House
    Events celebrating the stunning nature and wildlife inhabiting the local shoreline and official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough, with free entry to explore both locations, fascinating talks, and fun activities for all ages and everyone who loves nature.
  4. Brent Geese on the waters of Strangford Lough
    Part of Shorelife Celebration | Dot Blakely will lead this guided walk, talking about the beautiful Brent Geese that migrate every year to the shore of Strangford Lough.
    1. 4 Oct 2025
  5. A birds eye view of Greyabbey from the Lough side
    Part of Shorelife Celebration | Join us at Greyabbey Bay to witness the spectacle of migratory Brent geese, with a Ranger on hand to answer questions and provide binoculars for a closer view.
    1. 4 Oct 2025
  6. Aspects Web Graphic
    Now in its 34th year, Aspects Festival returns to Bangor this autumn, celebrating books, ideas and Irish writing in all its forms. Northern Ireland's longest-running literature festival features a vibrant programme of author events, workshops, music, art and storytelling.
    1. 24 Sep 20255 Oct 2025
  7. Lila Rose and Clydebuilt Puppets
    Ards Puppet Festival is back! The Ards Puppet Festival returns to Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 October – and it's as magical as ever!
    1. 26 Oct 202527 Oct 2025
  8. Halloween Events in Ards and North Down
    Halloween events and activities for everyone in Ards and North Down
  9. Experience Ards and North Down
    Immersive experiences and guided walking tours. Take in the natural beauty of our countryside, encounter water’s edge wonders, charming towns and villages and our delicious food and drink.
All this
and more...

Delve into rich culture and heritage, explore parks and gardens, discover the coast and feast on fabulous food.

  1. Food and Drink
    Ards and North Down is well established as a leading food region where culinary innovation thrives. Savour the tastes of our region’s many award-winning restaurants and artisan food shops. Menus feature the finest local fayre and you can enjoy the warmest of welcomes with a ‘wee dram’ of local ale, gin or whiskey.
  2. Sustainable Tourism
    The need to be green and sustainable to protect the planet is increasing, across in our personal lives and for businesses. Tourism is no exception with many of our attractions, activity and accommodation providers taking steps to protect the environment and be more sustainable.
  3. Donaghadee Lighthouse, Mount Stewart, Strangford Lough, Filming

    The stunning scenery of Ards and North Down is becoming an increasingly popular location for filming in Northern Ireland. From gritty dramas to big blockbusters our beautiful landscapes and seascapes provide the backdrop, it is not surprising so many choose to bring productions here.

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