The official website of Visit Ards and North Down
En

Attractions & Activities

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
Entertainment
Location

Number of results: 116

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Cairnwood Trail map
    Cairngaver walking Trail rising into the Beech trees, with views over the Ballysallagh reservoirs at Cairnwood
    Two people set off for a walk through Cairn Wood Forest
    Clearing visible off the Ballysallagh Trail for walking, wheeling and family cycling
    Sunlight shines through the tree trunks of Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver Trail and central access route at Cairnwood
    Trees in Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver walking Trail in Cairnwood
    Viewpoint towards Newtownards and Strangford Lough at highest point on the Boundary or Cairngaver Trail at Cairnwood
    Ballysallagh Trail in Cairnwood for walking, wheeling and family cycling
    Cairnwood Trail map
    Cairngaver walking Trail rising into the Beech trees, with views over the Ballysallagh reservoirs at Cairnwood
    Two people set off for a walk through Cairn Wood Forest
    Clearing visible off the Ballysallagh Trail for walking, wheeling and family cycling
    Sunlight shines through the tree trunks of Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver Trail and central access route at Cairnwood
    Trees in Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver walking Trail in Cairnwood
    Viewpoint towards Newtownards and Strangford Lough at highest point on the Boundary or Cairngaver Trail at Cairnwood
    Ballysallagh Trail in Cairnwood for walking, wheeling and family cycling

    Newtownards

    Address

    21 Craigantlet Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TE

    Telephone

    0300 013 3333

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Walking & Hiking

    The Woodland Pathways offer five scenic walks, starting from the car park and weaving through beautiful mixed woodland. These trails are a favourite among families and local dog walkers. With trail lengths ranging from 1.7 to 4.5 km, the routes…

    Dates

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

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

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Ramp to main entrance - From car park level into woodland trailhead.
  2. Photo of four seals gathered on the seaweed and moss covered sea rocks

    Newtownards

    Address

    Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

    Telephone

    02842787769

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    The Lookout is a wildlife interpretative centre, showcasing the wildlife around the Strangford Lough area. Telescopes and remotely controlled camers allow close up views of basking seals and breeding seabird colonies.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  3. Killinchy

    Address

    Mobile Team Adventure, Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9064 6695

    Price

    Price from: £89.00 Activity

    Type

    Type:

    Canoeing & Kayaking

    Taking out a kayak is beautiful way to explore Strangford Lough, and with John Hubbucks as your guide you're in for a rewarding and unique experience that will be remembered for all the right reasons.

    Price

    Price from: £89.00 Activity
  4. Aerial view of WWT Castle Espie wetland centre
    Three mallard ducklings following their mother.
    A child handfeeding a Barrow's goldeneye duck in the aviary at Castle Espie.
    A family walking out of the Crannog roundhouse at WWT Castle Espie.
    A common frog sitting on some frogspawn in a pond.
    A woman looking through binoculars in a wetlands.
    A common tern taking flight out of the water.
    Aerial view of the Limekiln Observatory - a glass building overlooking Strangford Lough
    A mute swan splashing.
    Two visitors enjoying a coffee and traybake in the cafe.
    Aerial view of WWT Castle Espie wetland centre
    Three mallard ducklings following their mother.
    A child handfeeding a Barrow's goldeneye duck in the aviary at Castle Espie.
    A family walking out of the Crannog roundhouse at WWT Castle Espie.
    A common frog sitting on some frogspawn in a pond.
    A woman looking through binoculars in a wetlands.
    A common tern taking flight out of the water.
    Aerial view of the Limekiln Observatory - a glass building overlooking Strangford Lough
    A mute swan splashing.
    Two visitors enjoying a coffee and traybake in the cafe.

    Comber

    Address

    Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9187 4146

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday, reconnect with nature, and experience the wonder of wetlands on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough. Visit Castle Espie all year round and discover new…

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  5. Image of full ball bucket ready for use at the driving range

    Newtownards

    Address

    115 Old Belfast Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TS

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9181 3484

    Type

    Type:

    Driving Range

    18 covered floodlit bays, 10 outside bays.
    Also Explanar Teaching centre, resident PGA professional Gordon Fairweather.

  6. Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum
    Horses at work ploughing a field
    Children enjoying the autumn leaves in the museum grounds
    A little girl enjoying one of the working displays
    Children sitting on a wall within the village of the Museum
    A spinner at work
    A weaver at work
    Ballycultra Village within the museum
    One of the museum characters at work
    Ballycultra Village replica homes
    Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum
    Horses at work ploughing a field
    Children enjoying the autumn leaves in the museum grounds
    A little girl enjoying one of the working displays
    Children sitting on a wall within the village of the Museum
    A spinner at work
    A weaver at work
    Ballycultra Village within the museum
    One of the museum characters at work
    Ballycultra Village replica homes

    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

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2025to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    1 Mar 2026to30 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  7. Photo of shrubs and reeds along Millisle promenade with water in the distance

    Millisle

    Address

    Ballywalter Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2HS

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Millisle Beach Park is an area of 150 metres of golden sand and a relatively safe bathing seawater lagoon extending out 50 metres. A jetty, slipways and paddling pool complement the lagoon area.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  8. A photo of the alter at St Cooey's wells
    A photo of the word drink which forms part of the Washing, Eye and Drinking wells situated in this peaceful, wooded dell, which are reputed to have he
    A photo of the alter at St Cooey's wells
    A photo of the word drink which forms part of the Washing, Eye and Drinking wells situated in this peaceful, wooded dell, which are reputed to have he

    Portaferry

    Address

    Ballyquintin Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    The church at St Cooey’s Wells is thought to date from the 7th century but only the foundation stones now remain. The Washing, Eye and Drinking wells in this peaceful, wooded dell are reputed to have healing powers.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  9. Couple walks outside the Echlinville Distillery in the sunshine
    Photo of The Echlinville Distillery sign on exterior of building
    Tour group learns about Echlinville's field-to-glass distillery
    Women on tour admire Echlinville's beautiful copper stills
    A tasting underway on the Echlinville distillery tour
    Photo of the Echlinville whiskey barrels in storage
    Photo of whiskey in glass set amongst a a mound of barley
    Couple walks outside the Echlinville Distillery in the sunshine
    Photo of The Echlinville Distillery sign on exterior of building
    Tour group learns about Echlinville's field-to-glass distillery
    Women on tour admire Echlinville's beautiful copper stills
    A tasting underway on the Echlinville distillery tour
    Photo of the Echlinville whiskey barrels in storage
    Photo of whiskey in glass set amongst a a mound of barley

    Kircubbin

    Address

    62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4273 8597

    Price

    Price from: £23.00 Per Ticket

    Type

    Type:

    Distillery

    Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their spirits, before settling down to relax and enjoy them in the bar.

    Price

    Price from: £23.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  10. A photo of Ballywalter harbour on a bright day with pink flowers to the forefront of the image
    An image of Ballywalter harbour from the beach on a bright sunny day
    a photo of a sandy beach with some rocks
    a photo of some trees on a grassy area next to the sandy beach
    photo of the beach showing the sand and the sea
    a photo of the long sandy beach
    a photo of an arch in a brick wall next to the beach
    a photo of a brick wall next to the beach
    A photo of Ballywalter harbour on a bright day with pink flowers to the forefront of the image
    An image of Ballywalter harbour from the beach on a bright sunny day
    a photo of a sandy beach with some rocks
    a photo of some trees on a grassy area next to the sandy beach
    photo of the beach showing the sand and the sea
    a photo of the long sandy beach
    a photo of an arch in a brick wall next to the beach
    a photo of a brick wall next to the beach

    Ballywalter

    Address

    Springvale Road, Ballywalter, County Down, BT22 2PE

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    A long sandy beach which offers enjoyment for all.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    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. 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…

  13. Horse and rider mid-jump
    Horse and rider mid-jump
    Horse and rider mid-jump
    Horse and rider mid-jump

    Bangor

    Address

    10 Kerrs Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7QD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 7855 462 614

    Type

    Type:

    Equestrian

    At Gransha Equestrian Centre we welcome beginners and more experienced riders. We can taylor a ride out or lesson in any of our 4 arenas to suit your individual requirements on our lovely horses and ponies, accompanied by our friendly qualified staff

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  14. Bangor Castle Walled Garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, walkway to fountain
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, fountain
    a photograph of a metal sculpture in the bangor walled garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, opening times
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, walkway to fountain
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, fountain
    a photograph of a metal sculpture in the bangor walled garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden, opening times

    Bangor

    Address

    Valentine Road, Castle Park, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

    Telephone

    +44 (0)28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Garden

    It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Varieties of flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables mix with sculptures and a unique fountain with a tongue twister! We are thrilled that the Walled Garden is now open all year round…

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  15. A photo from a distance showing Eisenhower Pier on a sunny day, framed by a leafy tree branch
    Photo of large orange and navy coloured Life Bouy on display located at the start of the Eisenhower Pier
    Photo of the light beacon that sits at the end of the Eisenhower Pier alongside a mosaic mural depicting the boroughs role in WWII
    Image of the mosaic mural on the wall at the end of Eisenhower Pier which depicts the boroughs role in WWII
    A photo from a distance showing Eisenhower Pier on a sunny day, framed by a leafy tree branch
    Photo of large orange and navy coloured Life Bouy on display located at the start of the Eisenhower Pier
    Photo of the light beacon that sits at the end of the Eisenhower Pier alongside a mosaic mural depicting the boroughs role in WWII
    Image of the mosaic mural on the wall at the end of Eisenhower Pier which depicts the boroughs role in WWII

    Bangor

    Address

    The Seafront, Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Marinas

    At the seafront in the City of Bangor in Ards and North Down, a short stroll from the promenade, past Bregenz House (Headquarters to HM Coastguard), takes you to the Eisenhower Pier

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  16. Photo showing view from golf club across the green

    Bangor

    Address

    Broadway, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4RH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0922

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland Golf Course

    Bangor Golf Club is situated on the outskirts of Bangor overlooking Belfast lough and the Antrim Hills. It is a Private Members Club with upwards of 1,000 playing and social members. Bangor Golf Club was founded in 1903 with a nine hole golf course.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on site
  17. 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
  18. Birds eye view of Bangor Marina
    Photo of a lone boat with others in the background moored at Bangor Marina
    A side view image of Bangor Marina
    Birds eye view of Bangor Marina
    Photo of a lone boat with others in the background moored at Bangor Marina
    A side view image of Bangor Marina

    Bangor

    Address

    Bregenz House, 5 Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9145 3297

    Type

    Type:

    Marinas

    Bangor Marina is located right in the heart of Bangor city centre close to all major road, rail and air transport networks. The Marina lies at the mouth of Belfast Lough offering exceptional access to world class yacht racing waters.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  19. 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
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