The official website of Visit Ards and North Down
En

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Plan your trip
  • Stay
  • What's On
  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Shopping
Accommodation Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
I'm interested in...
Things to Do Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
What's On Search
Dates
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
Food & Drink Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
Shopping Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:

Refine By

Refine Your Search Further:

Type
Attraction
Activity
Location

Number of results: 47

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Photo of birds eye view of Kirkistown Castle surrounded by grassland

    Cloughey

    Address

    Main Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1JB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Traditionally believed to have been built by Roland Savage of Ballygalget in 1622, possibly reusing an earlier site.

    Price

    Free
  2. Portaferry Castle, view from the road

    Portaferry

    Address

    Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NY

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Portaferry Castle is a 16th Century tower-house, built by the Savage family. It is located on the slope overlooking Portaferry harbour.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  3. Cockle Row Cottages
    A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of some museum articles on display. Items from the 1910's era commonly used by the fisherman and his family who lived in Cockle Row Cottages.
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay
    Cockle Row Cottages
    A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of some museum articles on display. Items from the 1910's era commonly used by the fisherman and his family who lived in Cockle Row Cottages.
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay

    Groomsport

    Address

    The Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR

    Telephone

    +44 (0)28 9109 3038

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Take a step back in time with a visit to the lovingly restored Cockle Row Cottages located beside the harbour, Groomsport.

    Dates

    From:
    5 June 2025to14 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  4. A photo of the Sketrick Castle ruins

    Killinchy

    Address

    Sketrick Island, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Sketrick Castle is located on Sketrick Island which is reached by a causeway on the west coast of Strangford Lough. This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century.

    Price

    Free
  5. Different styles of crosses made by Brigid Watson
    Participants making a Saint Brigid Cross
    Gift card
    Views over Strangford Lough
    The Strangford ferry
    christianity; saul;saint patrick
    Saint Patrick's Well on the coastal camino in Lecale County Down
    Kearney National Trust village on the Ards Peninsula
     Portico in Portaferry
    Ancient hill-top graveyard near the Irish Sea coastline
    Different styles of crosses made by Brigid Watson
    Participants making a Saint Brigid Cross
    Gift card
    Views over Strangford Lough
    The Strangford ferry
    christianity; saul;saint patrick
    Saint Patrick's Well on the coastal camino in Lecale County Down
    Kearney National Trust village on the Ards Peninsula
     Portico in Portaferry
    Ancient hill-top graveyard near the Irish Sea coastline

    Portaferry

    Address

    Slanes Point, 38 Ardminnan Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 7763 898 074

    Type

    Type:

    Sightseeing

    Slow down, connect with nature, Irish culture and local people on a guided, coastal walk or coach tour with local, specialist tour guide, Brigid Watson.
    You will journey to areas off the beaten track to places which most tourists never see and…

  6. Image of Holywood Maypole dressed with ribbons for the annual May Day dancing event
    Maypole dressed with pastel coloured ribbons ready for the annual Maypole Dancing by local schoolchildren
    A photo of a trio of little girls taking part in the annual maypole dancing dressed in pastel skirts to match the ribbons of the Maypole
    A photo of a little girl with ribbon head dress taking part in the annual Maypole Dancing round the May Pole in Holywood
    Image of Holywood Maypole dressed with ribbons for the annual May Day dancing event
    Maypole dressed with pastel coloured ribbons ready for the annual Maypole Dancing by local schoolchildren
    A photo of a trio of little girls taking part in the annual maypole dancing dressed in pastel skirts to match the ribbons of the Maypole
    A photo of a little girl with ribbon head dress taking part in the annual Maypole Dancing round the May Pole in Holywood

    Holywood

    Address

    High Street/Shore Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

    Holywood's most well known feature is the town's Maypole, the only surviving in Ireland. Early maps show a Maypole has stood on the site since the 1620s and today is still the focus of the May Day Celebrations and Fair in the town.

    Price

    Free
  7. Image of the ruins at sunset with the light of the sun shining onto the remnants of the building
    Photo of beautiful Cloughey beach and boardwalk
    Image of the ruins at sunset with the light of the sun shining onto the remnants of the building
    Photo of beautiful Cloughey beach and boardwalk

    Cloughey

    Address

    Ardminnan Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1QJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

    On the coast, two thirds of a mile south east of Cloughey village. This house appears to have been built about 1634 by Roland Savage, a cadet of the Ardkeen family.

  8. Image of Donaghadee lighthouse and boats tied in the harbour
    A photograph of Donaghadee lifeboat orange in colour moored in the water in front of donaghadee lighthouse
    Image of Donaghadee lighthouse and boats tied in the harbour
    A photograph of Donaghadee lifeboat orange in colour moored in the water in front of donaghadee lighthouse

    Donaghadee

    Address

    The Harbour, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Type

    Type:

    Lighthouse

    Donaghadee lies on the Irish Sea coast and as such is popular with water enthusiasts, anglers and those who simply like to be beside the seaside.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  9. Vintage double decker bus
    Vintage double decker bus
    The earth and moon sculptures from the Our Place in Space trail.
    A man and boy looking at a vintage train
    A car lit up
    A family enjoying the Transport Museum exhibit
    Vintage car and surf boards
    Vintage plane
    The famous DeLorean car, as featured in the Back to the Future movies
    Two girls view the Titanic exhibit
    Vintage double decker bus
    Vintage double decker bus
    The earth and moon sculptures from the Our Place in Space trail.
    A man and boy looking at a vintage train
    A car lit up
    A family enjoying the Transport Museum exhibit
    Vintage car and surf boards
    Vintage plane
    The famous DeLorean car, as featured in the Back to the Future movies
    Two girls view the Titanic exhibit

    Holywood

    Address

    153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9042 8428

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Celebrate the history of invention and innovation through engineering, design, and technology at the Ulster Transport Museum. Check out the famous DeLorean, a Ferguson tractor and the motorbikes of some of Northern Ireland's biggest road racing…

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  10. Photo of museum exterior and grassland to front
    Photo of staged set that depicts soldier life in the war. The image shows a map, headphones, a gas lamp and some gear
    A staged set with a dummy model of a soldier in gear in ditch holding a gun over sandbags on alert
    Image of staged bunker set showcasing life in war, featuring uniforms, sleep set up and dining set up as well as everyday items used to survive the wa
    Photo's of an officers office setting featuring signs and posters encouraging men to enlist to the war, as well as featuring gear and accessories of t
    Photo of green hut exterior where some of the museum displays are featured
    Photo of staged bunker set showing bed, soldiers headwear and a table and chair for dining and writing
    Photo of museum exterior and grassland to front
    Photo of staged set that depicts soldier life in the war. The image shows a map, headphones, a gas lamp and some gear
    A staged set with a dummy model of a soldier in gear in ditch holding a gun over sandbags on alert
    Image of staged bunker set showcasing life in war, featuring uniforms, sleep set up and dining set up as well as everyday items used to survive the wa
    Photo's of an officers office setting featuring signs and posters encouraging men to enlist to the war, as well as featuring gear and accessories of t
    Photo of green hut exterior where some of the museum displays are featured
    Photo of staged bunker set showing bed, soldiers headwear and a table and chair for dining and writing

    Newtownards

    Address

    233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 3202

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    The Museum examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  11. Photo of the inside of the gallery showing seating area and paintings on display for sale
    Close up image of one of Terry Bradley's paintings showing a woman downcaste with red lips, flower in hair. Very colourful
    Photo of artist Terry Bradley seated on couch in front of three of his paintings hanging on display
    Close up photo of Terry Bradley art, a group pf men in hats
    Close up image of one of artist Terry Bradley's stunning  paintings, this one is of a woman's face in black and white
    Close up of a image of one of artist Terry Bradleys paintings of a woman's face, with rouged lips and a rose of the same colour in her hair
    Close up photo of one of artist Terry Bradleys paintings. This one is of a woman holding a drink, with two men in the background
    Photo of the inside of the gallery showing seating area and paintings on display for sale
    Close up image of one of Terry Bradley's paintings showing a woman downcaste with red lips, flower in hair. Very colourful
    Photo of artist Terry Bradley seated on couch in front of three of his paintings hanging on display
    Close up photo of Terry Bradley art, a group pf men in hats
    Close up image of one of artist Terry Bradley's stunning  paintings, this one is of a woman's face in black and white
    Close up of a image of one of artist Terry Bradleys paintings of a woman's face, with rouged lips and a rose of the same colour in her hair
    Close up photo of one of artist Terry Bradleys paintings. This one is of a woman holding a drink, with two men in the background

    Bangor

    Address

    105-107 High Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5BD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9147 3508

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Art Gallery

    Destination spot for Terry Bradley collectors and art enthusiasts from across the globe. Whether you are passing through or spending the day on the beautiful Peninsula, be sure to pop in and experience all that Bradley Art has to offer.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  12. Black and white photo of from the alter of the church showing the Bible and lit candlesticks overlooking the pews
    Photo of the Church from the car park, showing the entrance gates and arch way leading to the front doors of the church
    Image of the Clock tower of the church
    A close up photo of one of the stone entrance pillars to the church with the names Thomas Andrews and Ja Lemont, eighteenth century churchwardens,
    Black and white photo of from the alter of the church showing the Bible and lit candlesticks overlooking the pews
    Photo of the Church from the car park, showing the entrance gates and arch way leading to the front doors of the church
    Image of the Clock tower of the church
    A close up photo of one of the stone entrance pillars to the church with the names Thomas Andrews and Ja Lemont, eighteenth century churchwardens,

    Comber

    Address

    St Mary's Parish Church, The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9187 3963

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    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.

  13. Photo of the side view of Bangor Castle (Bangor Town Hall) on a beautiful sunny day framed by flowers
    Photo showing North Down Museum opening sign with Town Hall in backdrop
    Photo of Town Hall/Bangor Castle in the sunshine framed by leafy tree branches
    Photo showing the embossed words Edward Ward 1852, the date the Town Hall was erected
    Image of the Town Hall and front gardens in red, pink and yellow bloom
    Photo of the side view of Bangor Castle (Bangor Town Hall) on a beautiful sunny day framed by flowers
    Photo showing North Down Museum opening sign with Town Hall in backdrop
    Photo of Town Hall/Bangor Castle in the sunshine framed by leafy tree branches
    Photo showing the embossed words Edward Ward 1852, the date the Town Hall was erected
    Image of the Town Hall and front gardens in red, pink and yellow bloom

    Bangor

    Address

    Castle Park Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 300 013 3333

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

    This impressive building was built for the Hon Robert Edward Ward and his family in 1852. It is presently the headquarters of Ards and North Down Borough Council who use the mansions spectacular grand salon as the council chamber.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  14. a photograph of the motte surrounded by some trees

    Holywood

    Address

    Brook Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9BB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

    Holywood Motte is an Anglo-Norman castle mound, which probably had a ditch round its base and a timber palisade round the summit.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  15. a photograph of the exterior of the church

    Comber

    Address

    The Manse, 15 Windmill Hill, Comber, County Down, BT23 5EQ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9187 2265

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church was built on a site donated by James Andrews and the stained glass windows in the church depict family members. Members of the Andrews family are also buried in the graveyard.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  16. a photograph looking up at a windmill with a blue sky in the background
    a photograph of a mural of farmers in the field
    a photo of some rocks and posters on display in a museum
    a side view photo of a windmill
    Ballycopeland Windmill aeriel view
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Ballycopeland Windmill Exhibition
    a photograph looking up at a windmill with a blue sky in the background
    a photograph of a mural of farmers in the field
    a photo of some rocks and posters on display in a museum
    a side view photo of a windmill
    Ballycopeland Windmill aeriel view
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Inside Miller's House
    Ballycopeland Windmill Exhibition

    Millisle

    Address

    Windmill Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2DS

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Type

    Type:

    Windmill

    Late 18th-century tower mill in use until 1915 and still in working order. Take a virtual tour and discover this unique building.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Parking (free)
  17. A lady at work on a weaving sculpture resembling a person
    A basket maker at work
    A finished willow weaved sculpture of a person sitting alongside a weaved hare
    Close up image of a basket
    An image showing various pieces of work hanging on a wall and sitting on a table
    A lady at work on a weaving sculpture resembling a person
    A basket maker at work
    A finished willow weaved sculpture of a person sitting alongside a weaved hare
    Close up image of a basket
    An image showing various pieces of work hanging on a wall and sitting on a table

    Newtownards

    Address

    63 Cloughey Road, Nunsbridge, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 1NH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4277 1542

    Type

    Type:

    Craft Workshops and Courses

    Welig Heritage Crafts produce traditional willow basketry, bespoke baskets and sculptural pieces; gardenware, living willow installations and rustic furniture. we also undertake other traditional countryside skills like chair seating and drystone.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  18. Newtownards Priory from street view

    Newtownards

    Address

    Court Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7NY

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Abbey / Priory

    At the south east edge of Newtownards these substantial remains of a Dominican (Black) Friary founded in 1244 may be viewed. They are the only ones of their type in Northern Ireland.

    Price

    Free
  19. Scrabo Tower at dusk
    Photo of yellow gorse bush and Scrabo Tower peaking up from behind framed by blue sky
    Drone photo of Scrao Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking the countryside
    Scrabo Tower at dusk
    Photo of yellow gorse bush and Scrabo Tower peaking up from behind framed by blue sky
    Drone photo of Scrao Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking the countryside

    Newtownards

    Address

    203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Tower

    At the top of Scrabo Hill, overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down, is Scrabo Tower. The tower, which was built in 1857, is one of Northern Ireland’s best known landmarks and the views from the top are spectacular.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  20. Image of the front of Bangor Abbey on a bright sunny day
    Bangor Abbey photographed from the graveyard side on a bright winters day
    Image of the front of Bangor Abbey on a bright sunny day
    Bangor Abbey photographed from the graveyard side on a bright winters day

    Bangor

    Address

    Newtownards Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Abbey / Priory

    Founded in 558AD the main body of the building dates from 1830's, the tower from 15th century and steeple dates around 1693. Interesting gravestones include a memorial to the assistant surgeon of the Titanic, local man John Edward Simpson.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
View Maps and Visitor Guides
View of what Ards and North Down has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Ards and North Down newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss