Plan Your Trip
Ours is a place to escape to, slow down and feed your spirit Ards and North Down is defined by lush fertile fields and sweeping loughs, even the furthest reaches are within an hour of Belfast. Savour our award-winning local food and drink, be inspired by creative makers, artists and musicians and immerse yourself in our rich heritage.
To plan your trip to our beautiful part of the island, we’ve some tools to make things hassle free, view our Maps and Guides, for inspiration on where to go, what to do and how to get there, view our suggested itineraries. For everything you need to know about visiting Ards and North Down and Northern Ireland please check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Need more help? Chat with a member of our Visitor Information Centres who will be happy to help you plan your trip.
Family fun
Home to some of Northern Irelands top-class attractions, you can explore the region making unforgettable memories as you go, experience land and water and everything in-between. Find Family Fun things to do.
Water’s edge encounters
With Northern Ireland’s longest coastline, there’s 185km of scenic shoreline, from the southern shore of Belfast Lough take in expansive views across the Irish Sea and the beauty of Strangford Lough. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the lough is a unique biodiverse nature reserve and home to thousands of marine species just waiting to be explored.
Time depth encounters
From early Bronze age communities, to Vikings, our early Christian and Ulster Scots heritage and our role in the Great Wars, our historic landmarks, stately homes, towers and museums tell the fascinating history of this place.
Great food and drink encounters
Discover unique local food and drink in many award-winning restaurants and artisan food shops. Finest and freshest ingredients are sourced in abundance and found in dishes across the region. Explore our Food and Drink section for inspiration on how to get an authentic taste of Ards and North Down, including afternoon teas, food and drink tours and trails and information on local breweries and distilleries.
Creative encounters
A region brimming with creativity, with more makers per head than anywhere else in Northern Ireland, why not visit our galleries, workshops and studios where their unique skills are shared and unique crafts and artworks are showcased for sale. Find out more about our Arts, Culture and Heritage.
Ours are the people celebrating life
Join us for a wide variety of events, festivals and workshops, celebrating everything from our maritime heritage, local creative arts, music and food. In this vibrant place, make memories, there is always something to intrigue and entertain. Find out What's On.
Relax and explore
Embrace the natural landscapes and seascapes on land, water or in the air. The rich golf history dating back 125 years gives this area an offering to be proud of. Explore on foot, by bike or by car.
Or, experience the region with a difference by taking a guided tour or booking the unique experiences we have to offer.
Get a sense of the place
View our Maps and Guides
For inspiration on where to go, what to do and how to get there, view our suggested itineraries.
Need more help? Chat with a member of our Visitor Information Centres who will be happy to help you plan your trip.
