Ready to Welcome You

Competitors, coaches, support teams and families can enjoy stunning landscapes and coastal walks, exhilarating activities and choose from a host of unique immersive experiences. Explore water’s edge beauty spots and fascinating heritage sites, learn about the rich local history at unique museums, savour award-winning food and drink, and be inspired by the vibrant music and arts scene. Many providers/attractions offer groups rates and discounts to enhance any social programme.

Home to 15 visitor attractions, including two of NI's Top 10 Visitor Attractions – National Trust’s Mount Stewart House and Gardens, Newtownards and Pickie Funpark, Bangor. Other popular attractions include the country’s largest aquarium and seal sanctuary, Exploris in Portaferry, and the Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra. Crawfordsburn Country Park records the highest recorded visitor numbers of any country parks in NI.

Golf in Ards and North Down dates back over 125 years when The Royal Belfast Golf Club became Ireland’s first club, in 1881. Today the region boasts 12 diverse courses, designed by the likes of H.S. Colt, James Braid and Peter Alliss. With breathtaking scenery, including stunning lough views and glimpses of Scotland, these courses deliver both challenge and beauty in equal measure.

Discover Ards and North Down through our lively events and experiences programme throughout the year. Within an hour of the bustling city of Belfast, Ards and North Down is a region brimming with creativity, we welcome you to celebrate with us; our maritime heritage, creatives, musicians and food!

Explore and treat your eyes to stunning Strangford Lough. Situated only 30 minutes’ drive away from the hustle and bustle of Belfast, the tranquil shores await, offering visitors a 365 days a year destination where a friendly welcome awaits, whatever the weather!

Ours is a place to escape to, slow down and feed your spirit Ards and North Down is defined by lush fertile fields and sweeping loughs, even the furthest reaches are within an hour of Belfast. Savour our award-winning local food and drink, be inspired by creative makers, artists and musicians and immerse yourself in our rich heritage.

The Borough offers accommodation to suit the needs of a wide range of participants, ranging from self-catering units and B&Bs to an array of 3, 4, and 5-star hotels.  The Borough can offer, 8 hotels, 375 rooms, 768 bed spaces, 60 serviced accommodation providers (443 beds) and 238 un-serviced accommodation providers (1193 beds). Group rates available directly from some accommodation providers. * Tourism NI March 2024

Make our Visitor Information Centres your first stop when planning your trip - our staff are passionate about what they do and will share hints and tips on lesser-known beauty spots, hidden gems and places of interest, then it's time to explore and tick off your list as you go!