Holywood

Historical gem of the lough

Located just a few minutes away from Belfast City and the local airport, Holywood is the gateway to Ards and North Down from Belfast, just a few minutes away. Indeed, the George Best Belfast City Airport is within viewing distance almost! Accessible by wheels, plane and train it is so accessible.

May Day

For a rather small town, it sure packs a lot in and is famous for many things... its maypole in the centre of town is one. Its origin is uncertain, but according to local folklore, it dates from 1700. A Dutch ship is said to have run aground on the shore nearby, and the crew erected the broken mast to show their appreciation of the assistance offered to them by the townsfolk. The maypole is still used for dancing at the annual May Day fair.

Homegrown talent

Forget Hollywood, Holywood is home to a few internationally famous faces of its own, including Golf Star Rory McIlroy and Actor Jamie Dornan.

As you wander the town, with it's boutique clothing and gift stores, it's cosy cafes and renowned eateries, look out for Jonny the Jig, a beautiful sculpture with a story behind it, created by local scupltress Rosamund Praeger.

Renowned Golf courses

The town is also home to the oldest golf course in Ireland, Royal Belfast Golf Club, as well as Rory's home club Holywood Golf Club.

History and Heritage

For those who love history, just a stones throw away in the area of Cultra, you can step back in time in and uncover a way of life from 100 years ago at the Ulster Folk Museum and the Ulster Transport Museum.  The Museum is on the outskirts of Holywood and illustrates the way of life and traditions of the people of Ulster. It is Ireland’s most comprehensive heritage museum and has a world-class Irish Railway Collection, Road Transport Galleries and interactive Flight Experience.

Visit Holywood Priory and Holywood Motte for a taste of the history of the local land.

Immersive green space

Enjoy the green spaces of Ballymenoch Park, Seapark Recreation Grounds and beach and, of course, the North Down Coastal Path. Stretching for 16 miles, from Holywood to Portavo near Donaghadee, the path provides stunning views across Belfast Lough. Spot the Stena ferry making it's way between Belfast and Scotland, visiting cruise ships and wildlife who frequent the shoreline.

In the summer of 2022, Seapark was listed amongst NI's most 'Instagrammed' Beaches, find out more.

Holywood Charm

Holywood is full of charm. As you wander the town, with it's boutique clothing and gift stores, it's cosy cafes and renowned eateries, look out for Jonny the Jig, a beautiful sculpture with a story behind it, created by local scupltress Rosamund Praeger.

Ulster-Scots in Holywood

Explore the influence of the Ulster-Scots in Holywood.

Tour Holywood

Explore Holywood through the Virtual Visit Tours lens; the first town in Northern Ireland to launch a 360-degree virtual reality tour of the town!

For information on walking tours available of Holywood, visit our Tours and Tour Guides section.