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. 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
  2. a photograph of some brick ruins

    Portaferry

    Address

    11 Cloughey Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    These ruined churches are situated one and a half miles north east of Portaferry on the Tullymally Road, east of the A2 to Cloughey and are signposted from Portaferry.

    Price

    Free
  3. Photo of the Rollo Gillespie Monument standing tall in the centre of Comber Square
    Photo of the Comber Andrews-Titanic Trail information board that sits in Comber Square
    Photo of a more close up view of the Rollo Gillespie monument
    Photo of the Rollo Gillespie Monument standing tall in the centre of Comber Square
    Photo of the Comber Andrews-Titanic Trail information board that sits in Comber Square
    Photo of a more close up view of the Rollo Gillespie monument

    Comber

    Address

    Comber Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Historial figure

    Situated in The Square in Comber, it was erected in 1845 to commemorate the bravery of Major General Robert 'Rollo' Gillespie born in the town in 1766. A list of his battles can be found on the sides of the pillar.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  4. a photograph of a graveyard
    A photo of the side of Holywood Priory on a sunny day
    a photograph of a graveyard
    A photo of the side of Holywood Priory on a sunny day

    Holywood

    Address

    High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    Holywood Priory is an intersting and historic site close to the bustling town of Holywood.

    Price

    Free
  5. Close up photo of one of the gravestones, with others within view

    Cloughey

    Address

    Ardminnan Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1QJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    Within it are the ruins of a medieval church which is believed to be the Church of Ardmacossce or Ardmacaisse, mentioned in the Taxation of Pope Nicholas, 1306, along with an unusual cross-carved boulder.

    Price

    Free
  6. A tour group posing for the photo in the woods
    Photo of Trevor Edwards
    Photo of Trevor Edwards
    A tour group posing for a photo
    A tour group posing for a photo
    A tour group posing for a photo
    Image of Hillsborough Castle
    Image of Castle Coole
    A group of tourers visiting the Giants Causeway
    A tour group posing for the photo in the woods
    Photo of Trevor Edwards
    Photo of Trevor Edwards
    A tour group posing for a photo
    A tour group posing for a photo
    A tour group posing for a photo
    Image of Hillsborough Castle
    Image of Castle Coole
    A group of tourers visiting the Giants Causeway

    Bangor

    Address

    12 Meadow Way, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1JJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9185 3081

    Type

    Type:

    Sightseeing

    'Plantsman's Garden Tours' offer incredible access to the gardens of historic stately homes and the privately owned masterpieces of Co. Down and Northern Ireland together with those of the Republic of Ireland.

  7. 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
  8. 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…

  9. A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    A photograph of boats in the water at the harbour
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    A photograph of boats in the water at the harbour
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign

    Groomsport

    Address

    Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JP

    Telephone

    +44 (0)28 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Groomsport village is a delightful spot, with quaint village shops, cafes and popular eateries, including historic Cockle Row Cottages, a restored turn of the century fisherman's cottages.

    Dates

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  10. 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
  11. Photograph of the Movilla Abbey, grave stones and ruins

    Newtownards

    Address

    Movilla Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8EZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Abbey / Priory

    Movilla Abbey, Methodist and Church of Ireland.

    As important as Bangor, Movilla was associated with Saint Finian of the 6th-century. As with many early monasteries, it was refounded as an Augustinian abbey in the Norman 12th century.

    Price

    Free
  12. Grey Abbey ruins and graveyard from a birds eye view
    Grey Abbey ruins in the sunshine
    Grey Abbey ruins
    Grey Abbey ruins
    Grey Abbey ruins
    Grey Abbey ruins and graveyard from a birds eye view
    Grey Abbey ruins in the sunshine
    Grey Abbey ruins
    Grey Abbey ruins
    Grey Abbey ruins

    Greyabbey

    Address

    Main Street, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2NQ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Abbey / Priory

    Grey Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey church and its living quarters were founded in 1193 by Affreca wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. Nendrum monastic site on a clear sunny day
    Nendrum monastic site
    Nendrum monastic site on a clear sunny day
    Nendrum monastic site

    Comber

    Address

    Mahee Island, Ringneill Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EP

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    Nendrum is thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century and also has links to St Patrick in later sources. The monastery consists of 3 round dry stone walled enclosures, one within the other.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  16. 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
  17. Photograph of the front exterior building of Ards Arts Centre previously the Town Hall, with backdrop of blue sky and two banners flanking the front w
    Exhibition space in Ards Arts Centre
    A man viewing exhibition pieces at Ards Arts Centre
    A piece of art on exhibition in Ards Arts Centre
    Ards Arts Centre
    Photograph of the front exterior building of Ards Arts Centre previously the Town Hall, with backdrop of blue sky and two banners flanking the front w
    Exhibition space in Ards Arts Centre
    A man viewing exhibition pieces at Ards Arts Centre
    A piece of art on exhibition in Ards Arts Centre
    Ards Arts Centre

    Newtownards

    Address

    Town Hall Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

    Telephone

    028 9181 0803

    Type

    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Located in Newtownards’ beautifully restored Georgian Town Hall in the centre of town, the Ards Arts Centres a welcoming space which supports a wide range of community arts activities alongside our own initiatives.

  18. 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
  19. Photo of the exterior of the photo, front entrance

    Newtownards

    Address

    49 North Street, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4DF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 8234

    Type

    Type:

    Cultural Learning Experiences

    N.I's only privately owned theatre. 120 fully raked seats with professional sound/lighting. resident amateur drama company 2nd Skin. Community cinema specialising in classic and golden oldie movies. Available for birthday parties and charity events

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  20. 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)
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