Blog (Inspiration) - Ards & North Down

Gift your loved ones a piece of Ards and North Down this Christmas with these ideas that are unique to our place - gifts of time well spent, and the opportunities to make precious memories.

Winter walks in the Ards and North Down region of Northern Ireland offer a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the crisp, fresh air during the colder months. The area is blessed with 185km of stunning coastal landscapes, tranquil woodlands, and picturesque trails that are perfect for exploring in winter.

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.

Celebrate World Wellness Weekend 2025 in Ards and North Down, 19 - 21 September. Enjoy coastal escapes, local food and outdoor wellness in Northern Ireland.

Make the most of the last Bank Holiday of the weekend, 23 - 25 August with these ideas of where to go and what to do in Ards and North Down.

In Ards and North Down, we have 115 miles of scenic coastline for you to explore, from the edge of Belfast Lough, on to the Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough. Here you will find many beautiful and lesser-known beaches dotted along your journey.

A winter's day in Ards and North Down is a serene and refreshing experience, perfect for those seeking natural beauty, crisp air, and a chance to explore this picturesque corner of Northern Ireland. Here’s how you might spend a memorable day...

Annnnnnd relax! All within an hour of Belfast, unwind and embrace a slower pace, as you experience everything that is on offer in the coastal haven of Ards and North Down.

What better way to spend quality time with family and friends than to pack a picnic and enjoy the great outdoors. With so many beautiful spots you will be spoilt for choice, from salty sea air to open green spaces or panoramic views from a hilltop the choice is yours, and what's better it's free!

Join us on immersive experiences and guided tours. Take in the natural beauty of our countryside, encounter water’s edge wonders, charming towns and villages and our delicious food and drink. Our local people are ready to welcome you and share their passion and skills.

We have put together a list of highlights in the borough that you can do or visit for free, no matter the season, whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the borough. There is plenty to be enjoyed for all, for little to no money.

Northern Ireland is home to many stories, myths, and legends, with Ards and North Down laying claim to a fair few of its own. Ruined castles, holy wells, abbeys and military forts where tales of Bronze Age communities, Vikings, early Christian and Ulster-Scots heritage, and the role of this area in the Great Wars, are here to be discovered.