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.
Ballyhalbert Beach
Northern Ireland's most easterly point, Ballyhalbert village, dates back to the mid-17th century when its inhabitants were mainly fishermen. On a clear day, Scotland and the Isle of Man are visible from the village which looks out onto the Irish Sea and the North Channel. The village is home to a beautiful sandy beach, and water sports enthusiasts can enjoy Ballyhalbert’s harbour which has become a main attraction and centre for Jet Skis.
Ballyholme Beach
Located in the seaside town of Bangor, Ballyholme Beach is a mile-long crescent of sandy beach curving along the bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations. Nowadays, it is used all year round by wet suited windsurfers who come from all over Northern Ireland to skim along its waves in the breeze. Children love to paddle here and build sand castles, it is the perfect place for a family day out with bucket and spade.
Ballywalter Beach
Ballywalter Beach is a long, sandy coastline that offers enjoyment for all, especially bathers and walkers. Along with its rock pools, ready for children to explore, there is also a small playground located nearby. At the Lime Kilns, a raised area provides great views of the Irish Sea coastline.
Cloughey Beach
Renowned for its magnificent expanse of sandy beach, Cloughey is a tranquil, picturesque village with a beautiful, sandy beach and unique flora and fauna. Traditionally a seaside getaway, the village will take you back to days gone by.
The village's sandy beach makes a superb spot to spend a sunny day; paddling, playing tennis and enjoying the playpark with the little ones. It is easily accessed by visitors of all ages and levels of mobility thanks to recently installed boardwalks, accessed at the northern and southern ends of the beach. Theis enables visitors to reach the shoreline without trampling the dunes or disturbing their rare and valuable plant life. A decked rest area provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy breathtaking views over the coast.
Groomsport Beach
The beautiful village of Groomsport, just ten minutes from Bangor, is best known for its picturesque harbour that was once a major fishing port, and its two fishermens cottages known as Cockle Row.
The village boasts beautifully landscaped picnic and play areas around the harbour, sandy beaches, quality pubs and restaurants. It also has a recreation ground with two football pitches and a village hall situated in the historic boathouse at the harbour, dating back to 1884. A bus service links the village with Bangor, which is only a few miles away.
Groomsport is also a seasonal Inclusive Beach, made possible by the Ards and North Down Borough Council Community Team and the Mae Murray Foundation. Find out more
Millisle Beach Park
A rural beach situated off the Ballywalter Road on the coastal Ards Peninsula. Millisle Beach Park provides a sandy beach, play and picnic facilities, a jetty and two slip ways - perfect for a day at the seaside!
Knockinelder Beach, Portaferry
From Kearney village, there are attractive walks to the beach at Knockinelder, and along the shore to Stinking Point. The paths lead through lichen-covered slaty rocks and coastal grassland studded with spring squill on the promontories. The small, sheltered bays are made up of shingle and saltmarsh, with the yellow horned poppy, an unusual plant of the area.
Take care of our shared spaces
Remember everyone has to play their part in keeping shared outdoor spaces safe and clean for everyone to enjoy.
Here is a reminder about how you can stay on the #RightSideOfOutside:
- Arrive early and park responsibly
- Keep your dog under control and avoid areas where livestock are present
- Bring all of your litter home with you
- Bring your dog waste home with you
- Know the risks associated with outdoor fires
Find out more at Walk NI
Accreditations
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful's Beach and Marina Awards
Blue Flag
Bangor Marina has again received a Blue Flag award, one of the world's most recognised standards for water quality, safety, accessibility and environmental management in marinas.
Seaside Awards
Groomsport beach was one of four beaches in the Borough that retained its Seaside Award status, with Ballywalter South Beach, Cloughey Beach and Millisle Beach also retaining the award.
This award recognises these beaches as being clean, safe and well-managed.
Green Flag
Seven locations in Ards and North Down have achieved a Green Flag Award.
The Green Flag Award is an internationally recognised certification for environmental quality management for parks and open spaces. While Cairn Wood and Clandeboye Cemetery have claimed their first Green Flag, other winning areas include Kiltonga Nature Reserve (Newtownards), Castle Park (Bangor), Ballymenoch Park (Holywood), Londonderry Park (Newtownards) and Linear Park (Bangor).
Looking for more places to visit? Explore our Things to Do section.
