Beaches in Ards and North Down

Our stunning coast is dotted with beaches for all occasions – a family fun day out, a romantic escape or timeout to reset and recharge.

Explore beautiful miles of coastline, its coves and beaches, from Holywood to the bottom tip of Ards and North Down where you will be taken on a journey from the scenes of Belfast Lough through our towns and nestling villages down to Portaferry.

The stunning scenery continues up our eastern coastline running along the shores of Strangford Lough. These still waters are home to teems of birdlife and 365 islands, one for every day of the year. Look out for the odd shipwreck or two and Scrabo Tower which sits proudly on its hill surveying our land.

Find out about Beaches off the Beaten Track in Ards and North Down.

During Northern Ireland's bathing season (1 June to 15 September), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) monitors designated bathing waters across Ards and North Down. View the latest water quality information on the Ards and North Down Borough Council website.