Click and Chill Itinerary

Explore this picture perfect setting.

Grab your camera and set off on a journey up the peninsula for some truly unique selfie spots, finishing up in Northern Ireland's newest City, Bangor! Capture the beauty of our island studded loughs, shimmering coastlines, quilted landscapes and unique attractions.

Who:  For those who enjoy picture perfect scenery and locations 
 

Where: The Ards Peninsula and City of Bangor
 

Duration: Full Day / Overnight Stay

Discover St Cooey’s Wells

Tara Bay, BT22 1RF 

The Wells were founded in the 7th century by St. Cooey and reopened in 1977. According to tradition, it was here that St. Cooey performed his penitential exercises in the late 7th and early 8th centuries. A drinking well, washing well and eye well are still visited by pilgrims and are reputed to have healing powers. On the shore a short distance from the Church a flat rock can be found with deep indentations which, according to popular belief, mark where St. Cooey placed his hands and feet whilst in prayer.

Explore Kearney Village

Portaferry, BT22 1QP

12 mins from previous

A showpiece village carefully restored by the National Trust to give the authenticity of a traditional fishing village and has with views across to Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Mountains of Mourne. The Trust owns a number of cottages at Kearney and these have been restored in the vernacular style giving authenticity to this place of 
character.

Visit the islands most easterly point, Burr Point

Ballyhalbert, BT22 1DL

20 mins from previous

Burr Point the most easterly point on the island, is Burial Island, now a nesting site for terns but formerly a place of Daniish burial. Burr Point is located at longitute degress west, 2km south of Ballyhalbert. Just above Burr Point stands a dis-used Coast Guard Tower, which was in use in 1863 and was one of 12 which made up the Donaghadee district.

Explore the maritime town of Donaghadee

BT21 0HE

23 mins from previous

You know you have arrived into Donaghadee town, the 'Beacon on the Coast', when you see the iconic lighthouse.

Donaghadee has become renowned for its eateries and pubs, the town is reputedly home to Ireland's oldest pub, Grace Neill’s and to the now internationally famous, Pier 36, but these establishments sit in good company, surrounded by restaurants serving fresh local ingredients, farm to fork, as well as coffee shops from which to watch the world go by, and the town has its very own Distillery -Copeland Distillery right beside the harbour.

Donaghadee has also gained international fame gained from it's portrayal of the town fictional town of Port Devine in the BBC's 'Hope Street' TV series. Explore the town as a film location

Standing proudly overlooking the town's landscape is the Moat and Camera Obscura, originally constructed by the Anglo-Normans in the late 12th century, which now houses the only accessible Camera Obscura on the island of Ireland.

Explore the history of this place through guided tours, run throughout the year, led by local guides who know bring the story of Donaghadee to life >> Explore our Tours section

Other points of interest include the Sir Samuel Kelly Project, located just round the corner from Copeland Distillery, where you can see the RNLI Lifeboat up close and learn all about her history, and about the bravery of her crew.

Discover more about Donaghadee

Ease into the evening in the City of Bangor

BT20 5ED

15 mins from previous

Head to the lively city of Bangor to enjoy some of nightlife in the plentiful array of bars and restaurants. Choose from traditional music, live bands or hit the clubs for a lively end to your day.

Explore the City of Bangor further

Visit Helens Tower, Clandeboye

Bangor, BT23 4RX

7 mins from previous

Walk around Helen’s Tower, situated in the beautiful Clandeboye Estate. Helen’s Tower was designed in 1848 by William Burn in the Scottish style and construction was completed in October 1861. The tower was named in honour of his mother Helen Selina Sheridan, who was a granddaughter of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the great Irish playwright, orator and politician. It was built as an idyllic retreat and poems were written in its honour by Tennyson, Kipling, Argyll and other luminaries of the nineteenth century literary world. In the past, it has offered the opportunity to stay at in the private accommodation of the tower, managed by the Irish Landmark Trust, however, the property is temporarily closed due to restoration work by the Clandeboye Estate (2025-2026). 

Luxe Day Spa, Blackwood Golf Centre

Bangor, BT19 1GB

3 mins from previous

After your romantic evening, why not relax together. The spa is situated within the unrivalled surroundings of Clandeboye Estate's Blackwood Golf Centre. You will feel like you are in the heart of the countryside, but you are only just off the beaten track. Take time out, relax and revive before heading home. 

Stay in Ards and North Down

Find accommodation in the area.

Let our Visitor Information Centre team help plan your visit. Contact them for expert advise!

Note – Please check with inidividual attractions for opening hours before travelling.