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. 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
  2. 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
  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 2026to14 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Photo of professionally painted ceramic pieces or sale with a sunflower pattern
    Photo of the external building and car park area
    Photo of paint pots of all colours lined up ready for use
    Photo of professionally painted ceramic pieces or sale with a sunflower pattern
    Photo of the external building and car park area
    Photo of paint pots of all colours lined up ready for use

    Millilse

    Address

    218 Abbey Road, Millilse, County Down, BT22 2DH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9186 2300

    Type

    Type:

    Craft Workshops and Courses

    Eden Pottery's studio, shop and café are set in the countryside of Ards Peninsula, surrounded by fields, with Strangford Lough on one side and beaches and the seaside on the other. You can come along and create your own masterpiece in the studio.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  7. 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
  8. 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.

  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.

  14. 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
  15. Inside the Battletown Gallery

    Newtownards

    Address

    90 Bowtown Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SL

    Telephone

    +447816 576102

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Art Gallery

    The gallery seeks to promote quality Irish art in a relaxed atmosphere and displays a varied range of work. With emphasis on quality and innovative work, the gallery showcases both contemporary and semi-traditional styles.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  16. 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)
  17. 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
  18. Exterior to the centre with welcome banner

    Killinchy

    Address

    Church Hill Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PP

    Telephone

    02897541249

    Price

    Price from: £5.00 Activity

    Type

    Type:

    Cultural Centre

    The Livingston Centre at Killinchy Parish Church is a local heritage centre. It tells the transatlantic story of the Livingston family. The Livingston family became one of the most influential families in American history and includes Presidents, a…

    Price

    Price from: £5.00 Activity

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wi-fi available
  19. Harlequin Grey  Alpaca called Splodge
    Grazing alpacas
    Female Alpaca with Cria
    Alpacas in their field
    Alpacas in a field
    Alpacas by a shed
    Three male alpacas
    Alpacas grazing
    Mural of alpacas at Ashtonelle Alpacas
    Mural of flowers at Ashtonelle Alpacas
    Harlequin Grey  Alpaca called Splodge
    Grazing alpacas
    Female Alpaca with Cria
    Alpacas in their field
    Alpacas in a field
    Alpacas by a shed
    Three male alpacas
    Alpacas grazing
    Mural of alpacas at Ashtonelle Alpacas
    Mural of flowers at Ashtonelle Alpacas

    Greyabbey

    Address

    23 Ballywalter Road, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2RF

    Telephone

    07796692952

    Type

    Type:

    Cultural Learning Experiences

    Spend up to 45 minutes feeding the alpacas their favourite treats and learning all about them. There will be plenty of time to watch and enjoy the alpacas' company and take as many photographs as you like. You will also have time to see (and feel)…

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2026to30 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  20. 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

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