The official website of Visit Ards and North Down

Welcome to Ards and North Down

Embrace the natural landscapes and seascapes as you journey the 115 miles of scenic coastline winding your way along the edge of Belfast Lough, on to the Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough.

Explore water’s edge beauty spots and heritage sites, savour our award-winning local food and drink, be inspired by our creative makers and experience exhilarating activities and events – it’s all waiting for you!

Always follow current COVID-19 travel advice and guidelines before planning and while visiting. Visit the NI Direct website. Check ahead with providers before visiting and book in advance where applicable.

Time depth

Discover the stories, embrace the folklore and indulge in our rich heritage. Explore ruined castles, holy wells, abbeys and military forts where tales of Bronze Age communities, Vikings, our early Christian and Ulster-Scots heritage and the role of this area in the Great Wars all come to life.

Local museums each have a unique story to tell. North Down Museum in Bangor, travels back to the Bronze Age through a series of rooms, each dedicated to a particular era. The Somme Museum, Conlig, transports you to the trenches for fascinating insights into life during the First and Second World Wars.

Uncover the magic of the National Trust’s Mount Stewart. Tour the 19th century stately home, stroll in world-class gardens or wind along idyllic woodland and farmland walking trails in this magnificent Irish demesne.

Water’s edge

This is the perfect base for water sport enthusiasts, with wonderful coastal waters and passionate providers to help as you give kite surfing, paddleboarding, canoeing or scuba diving a go.

Our scenic shoreline is yours to escape to and explore with a boat trip around the loughs, or a coastal walk or bike ride.

Creative spirit

A region brimming with creativity, with more makers per head than anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Awaken your creative spirit with a visit to our galleries, workshops and studios dotted across the landscape, where their unique skills are shared and crafts and artworks are showcased for sale.

Meet the makers, hear their stories, or why not take a class?

Food and drink

Savour the tastes of our region with the finest and freshest ingredients found at our traditional markets, artisan food shops and dishes across the region’s award-winning restaurants.

Ards and North Down is the ideal location to escape, relax and have fun.

Many of our providers are 'We're Good To Go' registered, committed to operating safely so that you can enjoy a visit with confidence.

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September Events

What's on in September - A highlight of the months is the second in our two part series celebrating food and drink, Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down, and so much more!
Comedy Arts Festival 2022

After the great success of Portico's first Comedy Arts Festival last year, it is back! The Portaferry festival runs across two weekends, 16-25 September, and is supported by a Tourism Events grant from Ards and North Down Borough Council.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

With over 100 miles of coastline, many Areas of Special Scientific Interest and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we want to protect this special place and the impact we have on our natural surroundings.
Experience Ards and North Down

Be surprised and awakened with 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.
Markets

We are well known for our wonderful local markets which have been a tradition for over 100 years. Dotted amongst our towns and villages, some weekly, some monthly, a foodie lovers haven. Come along and pick up delectable delights to taste and enjoy.
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.
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.
Things to do

Ours is a promise of adventure, from the nooks in the woods to award-winning beaches and country parks, we’re home to some of Northern Ireland’s top attractions. Plan your visit and make unforgettable memories with family and friends.

All this

and more...

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

Golf in Ards and North Down

Ards and North Down is renowned for for it’s most famous home grown player; world golf star Rory McIlroy and and Ireland's oldest golf club, The Royal Belfast. Perfect for your Society break, Ards and North Down have courses for all levels, and plenty to do to make your visit all the more worthwhile.
Explore

Explore Ards and North Down, our place offers far reaching skies, miles of magnificent coastline, natural beauty, bountiful beaches and inspirational coastal and country walks. Create your perfect escape.
Taste Ards and North Down

Taste Ards and North Down - a leading food region where culinary innovation thrives. The finest and freshest ingredients are sourced in abundance from our fertile fields and sparkling shores and can be found at our markets, artisan food shops and dishes across the region's award-winning restaurants.