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 two golfers in play with stunning scenery to the background
    Image of a golfer in play
    Photo of two golfers in play with stunning scenery to the background
    Image of a golfer in play

    Portaferry

    Address

    15 Ardminnan Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4277 1321

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland Golf Course

    Situated in a scenic spot overlooking the Irish Sea and five minutes from both Portaferry and Kircubbin, this nine hole treat is perfect for starting a day’s touring with a quick round featuring water hazards, challenging holes and other parkland.

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on site
  3. Male and female couple at kitchen table with Tracey.  The male is pouring baking flour from bag into a bowl.
    Tracey with a male and female couple making soda bread at table in Tracey's kitchen
    group of 4 adults, 2 male and 2 female enjoying tea baked soda bread at a table in Tracey's Kitchen
    Tracey and guests in the external courtyard of the Farmhouse
    Ladies making soda bread on the griddle
    Male and female couple at kitchen table with Tracey.  The male is pouring baking flour from bag into a bowl.
    Tracey with a male and female couple making soda bread at table in Tracey's kitchen
    group of 4 adults, 2 male and 2 female enjoying tea baked soda bread at a table in Tracey's Kitchen
    Tracey and guests in the external courtyard of the Farmhouse
    Ladies making soda bread on the griddle

    Killinchy

    Address

    52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 7711 484 850

    Gradings

    • Five Star Quality Assurance
    Five Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Cookery School

    Tracey's cottage is located only 30 minutes from Belfast in a Marine Nature Reserve on Strangford Lough. Join her to make Soda and Wheaten Breads and to enjoy a feast of homemade treats around the Farmhouse Kitchen table. A hands on experience.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Ramp / Level Access
    • Ramp to main entrance

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  4.  Stricklands Glen, part of North Down Coastal Path
    View of Stricklands Glen from Carnalea Golf Club
    Photo on a cool day overlooking the area where Stricklands Glen meets the Coastal Path
     Stricklands Glen, part of North Down Coastal Path
    View of Stricklands Glen from Carnalea Golf Club
    Photo on a cool day overlooking the area where Stricklands Glen meets the Coastal Path

    Bangor

    Address

    Bryansburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3SU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  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. 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
  10. 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)
  11. 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
  12. Killinchy

    Address

    52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 7749 011 283

    Type

    Type:

    Food Tour

    A wellness experience and combines two experiences in one.

  13. 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
  14. Helicopter
    Stunning views of north coast
    Helicopter
    Helicopter
    Stunning views of north coast
    Helicopter

    Newtownards

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9181 1971

    Type

    Type:

    Sightseeing

    Heli Power is a well established Helicopter flight training school for beginners or experienced flyers. We also offer tours of Northern Ireland, transport for wedding and golf parties and many more tailor made packages.

  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Photos of shop merchandise to buy
    Photos of shop merchandise to buy
    Photo of driving range lit at night
    Photos of shop merchandise to buy
    Photos of shop merchandise to buy
    Photo of driving range lit at night

    Groomsport

    Address

    101 Springwell Road, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6LX

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9147 3586

    Type

    Type:

    Driving Range

    Groomsport Golf Centre has been established for 22 years, we have 16 inside floodlit bays and over 100 yards of outside hitting bays. Our shop is well stocked with the latest brands at the best prices with our speciality being the golf trolley market

  19. 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
  20. arial photo of part of the lough
    photograph showing a field of sunflowers
    a photo showing the lough with the mountains in the background
    arial photo of part of the lough
    photograph showing a field of sunflowers
    a photo showing the lough with the mountains in the background

    Portaferry

    Address

    8 Ballyquintin Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4461 5520

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    Ballyquintin Nature Reserve includes Ballyquintin Point at the tip of the Ards Peninsula, County Down where the Irish Sea enters Strangford Lough.

    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