Blog

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.

Groomsport Beach is one of the five Inclusive Beaches in Northern Ireland, enabled so by the Mae Murray Foundation, which means that it has been carefully planned so that people of all ages and abilities can be included and can enjoy their surrounds to the fullest. Situated in the North Down area of our borough, this village location is an idyllic spot to spend a summer's day.

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.

Men are notoriously hard to buy for but this Father’s Day, Sunday 15 June 2025, we have the ultimate gift guide! With unique experiences for all types of enthusiasts, eateries for all taste palettes and an array of local makers and shops, you won’t fall short of getting something your Dad is sure to thoroughly enjoy…

Looking for family fun days out? Here are quick links to some family favourites in Ards and North Down to help you plan day trips and short breaks to remember.

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.

The Maypole has been synonymous with Holywood for generations and indeed its history covers centuries. However, did you know there have been numerous different structures over the years, each with their own story to tell…