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: 119

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. 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
  2. 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.

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Ramp / Level Access
    • Ramp to main entrance

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Photo of two children with woolly hats on running through the autumn leaves of the park

    Holywood

    Address

    Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT19 6JF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    A lovely park perfect for families located only a short distance from Holywood.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  7. a photo of a group of adults on a small train surrounded by snow and trees
    a group of children and adults on a small train
    a group of adults on a small train
    a photograph of lightup sculptures of deer
    a photograph of a group of people riding the small train
    a man dressed as santa on the small train
    a group of men on the small train
    a photo of a group of adults on a small train surrounded by snow and trees
    a group of children and adults on a small train
    a group of adults on a small train
    a photograph of lightup sculptures of deer
    a photograph of a group of people riding the small train
    a man dressed as santa on the small train
    a group of men on the small train

    Donaghadee

    Address

    60 Upper Gransha Road, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0LZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9446 1272

    Type

    Type:

    Miniature Railway

    This 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway has about 2km of track with a variety of routes including bridges, cuttings, embankments, gradients and a twin-track tunnel. There is a station, picnic tables and the ticket office includes a small shop.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  8. 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 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.

  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 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.

  20. 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
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