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. 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. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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
  5. A view of Kearney village from the beach.
    Original white wash fishing cottages in the village.
    A view of the Black Rock lighthouse out at sea.
    The visitor centre at Kearney
    A view of the sea from the village.
    A view of the Mourne Mountains from Kearney Beach.
    A view of Kearney village from the beach.
    Original white wash fishing cottages in the village.
    A view of the Black Rock lighthouse out at sea.
    The visitor centre at Kearney
    A view of the sea from the village.
    A view of the Mourne Mountains from Kearney Beach.

    Portaferry

    Address

    Kearney Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QP

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4278 8387

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    The National Trust

    Sitting on the southern tip of the famous Ards Peninsula, Kearney is a picturesque fishing village full of unspoilt, timeless character. On this short coastal walk from the village car park and visitor centre, look out for quaint, whitewashed…

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)
  6. 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.

  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Image of the leisure waters at Bangor Aurora including play Pirate ship and water slides
    Image of the external of Bangor Aurora showing the gym lit up in the evening
    External image of the front entrance to Bangor Aurora
    Image of the leisure waters at Bangor Aurora including play Pirate ship and water slides
    Image of the external of Bangor Aurora showing the gym lit up in the evening
    External image of the front entrance to Bangor Aurora

    Bangor

    Address

    3 Valentine Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0271

    Type

    Type:

    Swimming Pool

    Bangor Aurora Leisure complex is situated in the heart of Bangor. Featuring 3 swimming pools, leisure waters and extensive gym facilities the Aurora offers a great family fun day out.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  10. Trees in Seapark Recreation Grounds
    Close up photo of two putting sticks and two golf balls beside putting hole and flag at Seapark
    Trees in Seapark Recreation Grounds
    Close up photo of two putting sticks and two golf balls beside putting hole and flag at Seapark

    Holywood

    Address

    Seapark Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0LP

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    A seafront facility perfect for all the family. An annual fireworks display at Halloween overlooking Belfast Lough.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  11. 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
  12. Leafy pathway through the country park
    Crawfordsburn waterfall
    Leafy pathway through the country park
    Crawfordsburn waterfall

    Helen's Bay

    Address

    Bridge Road South, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1JT

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9185 3621

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    With tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing natural retreat.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking - Car Parking is available at the Main Car Park, exit road lay by, Fort Road Car Park, Grey Point Fort and Sea Park, Coastguard Avenue.
  13. 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
  14. A photo of Bangor marina at sunset
    Photo taken on a summers day with a view over Pickie Funpark and the marina
    Photo of Bangor marina and promenade at dusk
    Life buoy on Eisenhower Pier beside Bangor Marina
    Photo of the light beacon on Eisenhower Pier and the mural made of ceramic tiles
    Image of the promenade mid summer, taking you round the marina. Image shows the visiting Big Wheel attraction.
    A photo of Bangor marina at sunset
    Photo taken on a summers day with a view over Pickie Funpark and the marina
    Photo of Bangor marina and promenade at dusk
    Life buoy on Eisenhower Pier beside Bangor Marina
    Photo of the light beacon on Eisenhower Pier and the mural made of ceramic tiles
    Image of the promenade mid summer, taking you round the marina. Image shows the visiting Big Wheel attraction.

    Bangor

    Address

    Bangor Seafront, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Marinas

    Picturesque promenade, leading from town centre to coastal path, past the prestigious marina. Sites include historic McKee Clock, Bregenz House the Headquarters of HM Coastguard, and Pickie Funpark.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  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. 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.

  17. Photo of golfers in play on the green

    Bangor

    Address

    150 Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1GB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9185 2706

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland Golf Course

    Premier pay and play golf facility with open Stableford every Friday. Visitors are always most welcome to come along and play the course..

  18. 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)
  19. Close up photo of the ripples of sand on Ballyholme Beach with the promenade and bathers in backdrop
    Ballyholme Esplanade during the day showing the waters splashing against the seawall.
    Photo of bathers and a kayaker enjoying the sparkling waters of Ballyholme Beach on a sunny day
    Close up photo of the ripples of sand on Ballyholme Beach with the promenade and bathers in backdrop
    Ballyholme Esplanade during the day showing the waters splashing against the seawall.
    Photo of bathers and a kayaker enjoying the sparkling waters of Ballyholme Beach on a sunny day

    Bangor

    Address

    Bank's Lane, Groomsport Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  20. 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.

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