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: 117

, 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
    Sunlight shines through the tree trunks of Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver Trail and central access route at Cairnwood
    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
    Willow sculpture of a Pine Marten
    Tale Trail trailhead information
    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
    Sunlight shines through the tree trunks of Cairn Wood Forest
    Cairngaver Trail and central access route at Cairnwood
    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
    Willow sculpture of a Pine Marten
    Tale Trail trailhead information

    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. 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 Welcome Inside - All dogs must remain on a lead.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Golfers on the green with woodland and coast in background
    A photo of local golfing legend Rory McIlroy holding a trophy
    The green with woodland and coast in background
    Image of restaurant bar area
    Golfers on the green with woodland and Belfast city in the background
    Golfers on the green with woodland and coast in background
    A photo of local golfing legend Rory McIlroy holding a trophy
    The green with woodland and coast in background
    Image of restaurant bar area
    Golfers on the green with woodland and Belfast city in the background

    Holywood

    Address

    Demesne Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9LE

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9042 3135

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland Golf Course

    Set high in the Holywood Hills, County Down we are just seven miles outside Belfast and have breathtaking views of Belfast Lough and the Antrim Coast. Visit the home course of world golf star Rory McIlroy. Get a photo taken with the major trophies.

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on site
  6. 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…

  7. 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
  8. Photo of golfers in play on the green with waters of Belfast Lough in background
    Photo of golfers in play on the green with waters of Belfast Lough in background
    Photo of golfers in play on the green with waters of Belfast Lough in background
    Photo of golfers in play on the green with waters of Belfast Lough in background

    Bangor

    Address

    Station Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1EZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0368

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland Golf Course

    There has been a course at Carnalea for over 100 years. Indeed Carnalea became Ireland’s first municipal golf club in 1927. Its beautiful seaside setting has superb views over Belfast Lough and the Antrim hills beyond. Long on history and ...

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on site
  9. 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
  10. Drone image of Burr Point the most easterly point in Ireland
    Ned Jackson Smith sculpture at Burr Point
    Drone image of Burr Point the most easterly point in Ireland
    Ned Jackson Smith sculpture at Burr Point

    Ballyhalbert

    Address

    Ballyhalbert Harbour, Ballyhalbert, County Down, BT22 1DL

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Viewpoint

    Burr Point, the most easterly point on the island.

    Price

    Free
  11. Photo of Golf Club front
    Welcome sign
    Photo of Golf Club front
    Welcome sign

    Donaghadee

    Address

    84 Warren Road, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0PQ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9188 3624

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland Golf Course

    Set on the scenic North Down Coast at the mouth of Belfast Lough, Donaghadee Golf Club offers stunning views of the Copeland Islands and a rich heritage dating back to 1899. This 18-hole, par 71 course blends links and parkland golf, with strategic…

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on site

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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.

  15. 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)
  16. 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
  17. An aerial photo of the Country Park showing the expanse of forest, with Scrabo Tower in the background
    An aerial photo of Whitespots Country Park showing the wind turbines on site and the remnants of the old windmill
    Woodland area of the park
    A photo of the remnants of the Whitespots windmill surrounded by forest, with a moody sky in the backdrop
    An aerial photo of the Country Park showing the expanse of forest, with Scrabo Tower in the background
    An aerial photo of Whitespots Country Park showing the wind turbines on site and the remnants of the old windmill
    Woodland area of the park
    A photo of the remnants of the Whitespots windmill surrounded by forest, with a moody sky in the backdrop

    Newtownards

    Address

    233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

    Telephone

    028 9182 6846

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

    Whitespots has a fascinating industrial heritage and a walk here gives an insight into the lead mining which took place here from the late 18th century until the 1910s.  In the mid 19th century, around 40% of the total lead produced in Ireland was…

  18. Killinchy

    Address

    Braddock Reach, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PY

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 7909 721 898

    Type

    Type:

    Health & Wellbeing

    Limber up as the sun comes up. Glide across the peaceful waters of Strangford Lough at dawn and greet the day ahead with a guided yoga flow.

  19. 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
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