There are lots of sustainable experiences, activities, food and accommodation providers in Ards and North Down. Here are some providers who are taking steps to protect the environment and reduce their carbon footprint.
Activity and Attractions
Bangor Castle Walled Garden – set within Castle Park, a Green Flag award-winning park; organically grown produce (usually for sale).
Mount Stewart – grounds with a variety of habitats: wetland, woodland, grassland; walking trails; Strangford Lough Lookout with views of the wildlife on Strangford Lough. Barn owls nest boxes; protection of red squirrels; education facility for school and adult groups.
Crawfordsburn Country Park – home to a wide range of wildlife with a visitor centre, two beautiful beaches, walks and a geology garden.
Exploris Aquarium – aquarium with interpretation and information on marine life and biodiversity of Strangford Lough and further afield. Seal sanctuary which rehabilitates injured or orphaned seals. Providing educational group visits for schools and at events.
Welig Heritage Crafts – traditional crafts and countryside skills workshops on smallholding on the Ards Peninsula. Aim to grow willow and other broadleaved trees in an environmentally sound way, pass on skills and knowledge to others and ultimately to run a sustainable business based on quality, heritage and traditions and creativity.
On the water
CitizenSea – a charity offering boat trips and educational experiences aboard the ‘Sea Bird’, a beautiful wooden hulled traditionally built ‘Ringnetter’ type vessel. Offers experiences including Boat based Cetacean Survey and Shore Surveys, collecting plankton and keeping a look out for birds, whales, porpoises and dolphins.
Strangford Lough Activity Centre - located on the shores of Strangford Lough. A mobile activity provider that can help you explore places off the beaten track and get close to the wonderful wildlife of the lough using paddle power on a sea kayaking or SUP adventure.
Tours
Sustainable Journeys Ireland – local tour guide and chartered environmentalist, Brigid Watson has a background in environment and sustainability education and offers walking and small coach tours for groups with a commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and the adoption of sustainability principles. Tours are tailormade and are designed to connect you with nature, landscapes and heritage. Themes offered include nature and wildlife including related Celtic folklore and traditional ecological wisdom; maritime heritage and Celtic Christianity.
Bed & Bike Northern Ireland – using extensive knowledge of County Down in Northern Ireland, Bed & Bike Northern Ireland have crafted the perfect Self-Guided and Guided cycling trips using the traffic free greenway from Belfast to access the lough and seascapes, notable local landmarks and “off the beaten track” attractions, all on quiet roads.
Food
The Walled Garden Helen’s Bay – ongoing restoration of a neglected Victorian Walled Garden. Vegetable growing and beekeeping using organic principles. Farm shop open to the public during the summer season , occasional workshops and events.
Indie Füde – Deli stocking extensive range of locally sourced foods all produced in Ireland by independent suppliers. Events eg supper clubs, cookery demonstrations highlighting locally produced goods.
The Copeland Distillery – Situated in Donaghadee, a coastal distillery and café producing Irish gin, rum and whiskey using organic and wild foraged ingredients including barely and sea pink maritima.
Comber Farmers' Market – monthly market organised by Comber Regeneration Community Trust with local artisan food and plant stalls. Providing an outlet for local food producers and a social gathering place for customers and the local community.
Get in touch...
If you are provider and you have a green/sustainable story or experiences to tell us about, please tell us via the Contact Us Form.
