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. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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)
  5. 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
  6. 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)
  7. Airplane on the ground
    Aeroplan on the ground
    Airplane in flight
    Birds eye view of Donaghadee
    Birds eye view of Scrabo Tower in Newtownards
    Birds eye view of Donaghadee town
    Birds eye view of Bregenz House and Coastguard building beside the marina in Bangor
    View of a sunset from an aeroplane
    Airplane on the ground
    Aeroplan on the ground
    Airplane in flight
    Birds eye view of Donaghadee
    Birds eye view of Scrabo Tower in Newtownards
    Birds eye view of Donaghadee town
    Birds eye view of Bregenz House and Coastguard building beside the marina in Bangor
    View of a sunset from an aeroplane

    Newtownards

    Address

    61 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9181 3327

    Type

    Type:

    Microlight Flying

    The Ulster Flying Club offers the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure over the picturesque landscapes of Ards & North Down.  Take to the skies in either our Microlight C42 or Cessna 172, you will soar above this stunning region,…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  8. 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
  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 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
  11. Windmill Hill in Portaferry.Close up photo of the windmill
    Photo on a bright day of the Strangford Ferry with Windmill Hill and Portaferry in the backdrop
    A photo of the picturesque view of Portaferry town from Strangford Lough. The Strangford Ferry is in the shot.
    Photo of Windmill Hill and Portaferry lit in the evening
    Windmill Hill in Portaferry.Close up photo of the windmill
    Photo on a bright day of the Strangford Ferry with Windmill Hill and Portaferry in the backdrop
    A photo of the picturesque view of Portaferry town from Strangford Lough. The Strangford Ferry is in the shot.
    Photo of Windmill Hill and Portaferry lit in the evening

    Portaferry

    Address

    Windmill Hill, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Viewpoint

    Situated on the hill south east of the town below the stump of Portaferry Windmill, a lay by and a viewpoint has been provided. One can enjoy a breath-taking view of Strangford Lough from the mouth of the Lough to Greyabbey.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  12. Photo of the brightly coloured bandstand where live music takes place in the summer months
    Photo of the war memorial in Ward Park, framed by leafy trees
    Close up image of green grass covered in white daisy flowers and green leafy trees in Ward Park
    Photo of the Ward Park duck pond and wooden bridge, surrounded by leafy green trees mid summer
    Photo of bowlers in action at the Ward Park Bowling Green
    Photo of the Ward Park Bowling Green and Club house surrounded by flora and fauna
    Photo of the Ward Park Aviary beside the duck pond
    Photo of the brightly coloured bandstand where live music takes place in the summer months
    Photo of the war memorial in Ward Park, framed by leafy trees
    Close up image of green grass covered in white daisy flowers and green leafy trees in Ward Park
    Photo of the Ward Park duck pond and wooden bridge, surrounded by leafy green trees mid summer
    Photo of bowlers in action at the Ward Park Bowling Green
    Photo of the Ward Park Bowling Green and Club house surrounded by flora and fauna
    Photo of the Ward Park Aviary beside the duck pond

    Bangor

    Address

    Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    A perfect park in the centre of Bangor. An ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife and feed the ducks.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  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. Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Image of generic golf ball and hole
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Image of generic golf ball and hole

    Bangor

    Address

    Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 5622

    Type

    Type:

    Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

    One nine hole pitch and putt course. Two 18 hole putting greens. 4 Tennis courts.
    There is also putting and pitch and putt equipment for hire.
    For booking information, please contact Bangor Sportsplex.

  15. An image of the Groomsport Information sign

    Groomsport

    Address

    Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JP

    Telephone

    028 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Groomsport has one of Northern Ireland's few fully accessible beaches for all ages and abilities, located close to Bangor in County Down.

  16. 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.

  17. 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 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  18. An image of Helen's Bay beach from the shore with a bench ready to welcome someone to sit
    A photo of Helen's Bay beach on a beautiful summers day with green grass and yellow flowers on the shore
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    An image of Helen's Bay beach from the shore with a bench ready to welcome someone to sit
    A photo of Helen's Bay beach on a beautiful summers day with green grass and yellow flowers on the shore
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    a photograph of a sandy beach

    Helens Bay

    Address

    Crawfordsburn Country Park, Helens Bay, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities, all within twenty minutes drive of Belfast.

    Price

    Free
  19. a boy and his dad looking at a sea creature in the tank
    View of underwater tank to tunnel
    Penguins
    a little girl looking at a fish in the tank
    a photograph of two kids kneeling down and looking into the fish tank
    a photograph of someone holding a starfish
    a photograph showing the interior of the aquarium
    a photograph of two otters in the water
    Food from the Kraken Bar and Grill at Exploris Aquarium
    a boy and his dad looking at a sea creature in the tank
    View of underwater tank to tunnel
    Penguins
    a little girl looking at a fish in the tank
    a photograph of two kids kneeling down and looking into the fish tank
    a photograph of someone holding a starfish
    a photograph showing the interior of the aquarium
    a photograph of two otters in the water
    Food from the Kraken Bar and Grill at Exploris Aquarium

    Portaferry

    Address

    The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4272 8062

    Gradings

    • Five Star Quality Assurance
    Five Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Zoo / Aquarium

    Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An underwater Tunnel Experience, friendly sharks and a Dwarfcrocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wi-fi available
  20. Golfer on the course
    A wide view of the golf course
    A photo showing the fold course and the beach the runs parallel to it
    Golfer on the course
    A wide view of the golf course
    A photo showing the fold course and the beach the runs parallel to it

    Helen's Bay

    Address

    Golf Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1TL

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9185 2815

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland Golf Course

    Helen’s Bay Golf Club is one of the prettiest golf courses in the North Down/Greater Belfast area. Founded in 1896, it nestles on a gentle hill over Belfast Lough in the middle of a quaint village.

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on site
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