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: 43

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. External building of museum with adjoining Town Hall building in background
    External building main entrance to Museum
    Visitors enjoying the cafe
    Stained glass window
    Sign displaying the words The Raven Maps
    The replica Monks cell
    Model bygone village
    Viking Helmet and shield
    Photo of the Viking gallery display within North Down Museum
    Cinema room display
    External building of museum with adjoining Town Hall building in background
    External building main entrance to Museum
    Visitors enjoying the cafe
    Stained glass window
    Sign displaying the words The Raven Maps
    The replica Monks cell
    Model bygone village
    Viking Helmet and shield
    Photo of the Viking gallery display within North Down Museum
    Cinema room display

    Bangor

    Address

    Bangor City Hall, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BT

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 1200

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Visit North Down Museum to explore the fascinating saga of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day. The Museum takes you on a journey through Early Christian heritage and the Vikings to Scottish Settlers and the Victorians.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  2. Photo of Mahee Castle, with bridge way and water to forefront

    Comber

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    This ruined Tower House commands a position at the north end of Mahee Island in Strangford Lough. The house was built in 1570 by an English soldier called Captain Browne. Today, it is badly ruined but still of considerable interest.

    Price

    Free
  3. Mount Stewart House
    Mount Stewart House and gardens
    Mount Stewart house and patio, sunlight filtering through greenery
    Mount Stewart House and Gardens, pond
    Mount Stewart house and gardens, sunken garden area
    Mount Stewart lake
    Photo of Mount Stewart trees with beautiful autumn foliage with hues of greens, oranges and browns
    A photograph of the Mount Stewart formal gardens to back of Estate house in bloom
    Photo of the bronze statue that commemorates the birth of Lady Mairi in 1921, surrounded by bells and cockle shells based on the nursery rhyme, set wi
    Image of the formal dining room inside of the Mount Stewart Estate House
    Mount Stewart House
    Mount Stewart House and gardens
    Mount Stewart house and patio, sunlight filtering through greenery
    Mount Stewart House and Gardens, pond
    Mount Stewart house and gardens, sunken garden area
    Mount Stewart lake
    Photo of Mount Stewart trees with beautiful autumn foliage with hues of greens, oranges and browns
    A photograph of the Mount Stewart formal gardens to back of Estate house in bloom
    Photo of the bronze statue that commemorates the birth of Lady Mairi in 1921, surrounded by bells and cockle shells based on the nursery rhyme, set wi
    Image of the formal dining room inside of the Mount Stewart Estate House

    Newtownards

    Address

    Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4278 8387

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    The National Trust

    Mount Stewart is a stunning estate in the beautiful scenic area of Strangford Lough. The Formal Gardens are ranked as one of the top ten in the world and the within the house there are collections of national and international significance.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs Welcome Inside

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Photo of Market Cross in the heart of Newtownards town
    Close up sepia coloured photo of the gargoyle features on Market Cross
    Photo of Market Cross in the heart of Newtownards town
    Close up sepia coloured photo of the gargoyle features on Market Cross

    Newtownards

    Address

    High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7HZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

    At the east of High Street in Newtownards the Market Cross was built in 1636 but was destroyed by Commonwealth troops in 1653.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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 2026to14 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  12. 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)
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. Grey Point Fort canon
    a photograph of the canon firing with a cloud of smoke at the front
    a photograph of a canon pointing towards the water
    a photograph of the back of a canon
    Grey Point Fort canon
    a photograph of the canon firing with a cloud of smoke at the front
    a photograph of a canon pointing towards the water
    a photograph of the back of a canon

    Helen's Bay

    Address

    Fort Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1PU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Situated in Helen's Bay, Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.

    Price

    Free
  16. 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
  17. A view of Kearney village from the beach.
    Original white wash fishing cottages in the village.
    A view of the Black Rock lighthouse out at sea.
    The visitor centre at Kearney
    A view of the sea from the village.
    A view of the Mourne Mountains from Kearney Beach.
    A view of Kearney village from the beach.
    Original white wash fishing cottages in the village.
    A view of the Black Rock lighthouse out at sea.
    The visitor centre at Kearney
    A view of the sea from the village.
    A view of the Mourne Mountains from Kearney Beach.

    Portaferry

    Address

    Kearney Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QP

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4278 8387

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    The National Trust

    Sitting on the southern tip of the famous Ards Peninsula, Kearney is a picturesque fishing village full of unspoilt, timeless character. On this short coastal walk from the village car park and visitor centre, look out for quaint, whitewashed…

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)
  18. coppersmithing copper jewellery workshop

    Millisle

    Address

    218A Abbey Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2DH

    Telephone

    +44 (0)7926 121 282

    Price

    Price from: £60.00 to £90.00 Per Ticket

    Type

    Type:

    Craft Workshops and Courses

    Every experience with Redsmith’s Forge results in at least two pieces of jewellery for you to take home and treasure. Our range of workshops are suitable for both beginners and creatives.

    Price

    Price from: £60.00 to £90.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  19. A print
    A print press on the workshop floor
    Artwork drawers
    The workshop floor
    An artist, creating
    Print press wheel
    Artwork
    Letterpress printer on workshop floor
    A print
    A print press on the workshop floor
    Artwork drawers
    The workshop floor
    An artist, creating
    Print press wheel
    Artwork
    Letterpress printer on workshop floor

    Bangor

    Address

    75 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AF

    Telephone

    +44(0)28 9146 0595

    Type

    Type:

    Craft Workshops and Courses

    Seacourt is a friendly open-access print workshop based in the seaside town of Bangor, Northern Ireland

  20. Woman cuts her piece of silver to size to make her own ring with NI Silver
    Filing down a piece of silver for her jewellery
    Ruth leads the jewellery making sessions with helpful and friendly instruction
    Ruth of NI Silver talks through the process of making your own silver jewellery
    Guests get involved with each stage during an NI Silver workshop
    Women admire the jewellery they've made during the workshop with NI Silver
    NI Silver is based amongst the Holywood hills overlooking Belfast Lough
    Woman cuts her piece of silver to size to make her own ring with NI Silver
    Filing down a piece of silver for her jewellery
    Ruth leads the jewellery making sessions with helpful and friendly instruction
    Ruth of NI Silver talks through the process of making your own silver jewellery
    Guests get involved with each stage during an NI Silver workshop
    Women admire the jewellery they've made during the workshop with NI Silver
    NI Silver is based amongst the Holywood hills overlooking Belfast Lough

    Holywood

    Address

    Holywood, County Down

    Telephone

    +44 (0)7879 698 286

    Type

    Type:

    Craft Workshops and Courses

    Based in Holywood, County Down, NI Silver welcomes you to connect with a centuries-old tradition, through which you'll learn a new skill whilst creating your own unique piece of jewellery.

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