Comber

The home of great taste

To the west of the borough, you will find Comber Town, renowned for coffee, cycling, craft and fine cuisine.

Comber can be accessed via the Comber Greenway, a seven mile, traffic free section of the National Cycle Network. The cycle path starts in Belfast and finishes in Comber, providing views of Stormont Estate and Scrabo Tower along the way. The current path of the Greenway was originally used as the route for the Belfast and County Down Railway. The railway was in use from the 1850s to 1950.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries Comber grew as a market town with many family run businesses. The town holds an award winning Farmers Market on the first Thursday of every month. The market has built up a strong reputation for selling fresh, seasonal, award winning food and plant products. With 26 artisan food stalls regularly taking part, you will certainly want to visit.

After achieving EU Protected Geographical Indication status in 2012, the Comber potato (Comber Earlies) became a global brand. The humble spud is now celebrated annually at the Comber Earlies Food Festival in June, together with the Comber Earlies Growers.

Places to visit in the town centre include the beautiful St Mary's Church. The church dates back to 1840s and has many interesting memorials within it, as well as some beautiful examples of stained glass. Some of the stained glass depicts scenes from the history of Comber and surrounding area.

Also situated in Comber square is a large statue of local hero, Major General Rollo Gillespie. It was erected to commemorate his heroic exploits in India during the 19th century.

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Castle Espie is situated three miles south of Comber. The three time award winning wetland provides an early wintering site for almost the entire Nearctic population of Brent geese. The reserve has the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Ireland. Nature walks around the centre allow visitors to get close to the wild birds while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Comber is famous for being the birthplace of Thomas Andrews, the designer of the RMS Titanic. He died in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

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WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

Here you'll find the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Northern Ireland, as well as a gallery, café, woodland walks, sensory garden, events and activities, free parking, and a picnic area.
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
Comber Farmers' Market

Comber Farmers' Market is held on the first Thursday of the month from 09:00 - 13:30 in St Mary's Parish Church car park, the Square, Comber. There are over 24 regular traders selling artisan food and plants.
1. 1 Jun 2023
2. 6 Jul 2023
St Mary's Comber

St Mary’s Parish Church stands on the site of a Cistercian Abbey built in 1199. It was of similar size and architecture to the one in Greyabbey and survived until 1543 when it was closed by order of Henry VIII. The present church dates from 1840.
Discovery Glass

Inspired by an eclectic mix of styles, I work intuitively to enhance the intrinsic beauty and magic of glass. The resulting creations range from jewellery to boxes, lighting, mirrors, sun catchers, panels, awards and windows.