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: 138

, 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. 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)
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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

  6. Cockle Row Cottages
    A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of some museum articles on display. Items from the 1910's era commonly used by the fisherman and his family who lived in Cockle Row Cottages.
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay
    Cockle Row Cottages
    A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of some museum articles on display. Items from the 1910's era commonly used by the fisherman and his family who lived in Cockle Row Cottages.
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay

    Groomsport

    Address

    The Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR

    Telephone

    +44 (0)28 9109 3038

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Take a step back in time with a visit to the lovingly restored Cockle Row Cottages located beside the harbour, Groomsport.

    Dates

    From:
    5 June 2025to14 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  7. 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
  8. Scrabo Tower at dusk
    Photo of yellow gorse bush and Scrabo Tower peaking up from behind framed by blue sky
    Drone photo of Scrao Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking the countryside
    Scrabo Tower at dusk
    Photo of yellow gorse bush and Scrabo Tower peaking up from behind framed by blue sky
    Drone photo of Scrao Tower sitting majestically on it's hill overlooking the countryside

    Newtownards

    Address

    203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Tower

    At the top of Scrabo Hill, overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down, is Scrabo Tower. The tower, which was built in 1857, is one of Northern Ireland’s best known landmarks and the views from the top are spectacular.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  9. Photo of the Rollo Gillespie Monument standing tall in the centre of Comber Square
    Photo of the Comber Andrews-Titanic Trail information board that sits in Comber Square
    Photo of a more close up view of the Rollo Gillespie monument
    Photo of the Rollo Gillespie Monument standing tall in the centre of Comber Square
    Photo of the Comber Andrews-Titanic Trail information board that sits in Comber Square
    Photo of a more close up view of the Rollo Gillespie monument

    Comber

    Address

    Comber Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Historial figure

    Situated in The Square in Comber, it was erected in 1845 to commemorate the bravery of Major General Robert 'Rollo' Gillespie born in the town in 1766. A list of his battles can be found on the sides of the pillar.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  10. 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
  11. Photograph of yachts on the water of Belfast Lough from Kingsland showing
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Photograph of yachts on the water of Belfast Lough from Kingsland showing
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay

    Bangor

    Address

    1 Marine Gardens, Queens Parade, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5HA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    A perfect area for a family day out. Picnic area, children's playground and views over Ballyholme Bay.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  12. Vintage double decker bus
    Vintage double decker bus
    The earth and moon sculptures from the Our Place in Space trail.
    A man and boy looking at a vintage train
    A car lit up
    A family enjoying the Transport Museum exhibit
    Vintage car and surf boards
    Vintage plane
    The famous DeLorean car, as featured in the Back to the Future movies
    Two girls view the Titanic exhibit
    Vintage double decker bus
    Vintage double decker bus
    The earth and moon sculptures from the Our Place in Space trail.
    A man and boy looking at a vintage train
    A car lit up
    A family enjoying the Transport Museum exhibit
    Vintage car and surf boards
    Vintage plane
    The famous DeLorean car, as featured in the Back to the Future movies
    Two girls view the Titanic exhibit

    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

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Celebrate the history of invention and innovation through engineering, design, and technology at the Ulster Transport Museum. Check out the famous DeLorean, a Ferguson tractor and the motorbikes of some of Northern Ireland's biggest road racing…

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. Image of a walkway and woodland steps surrounded by leafy green trees and pink flowers
    Photo of walkway through leafy Castle Park
    Photo showing North Down Museum opening sign with Town Hall in backdrop
    Photo of Bangor Castle Walled Garden arches and flowers. The Garden is located within Castle Park grounds.
    Photo showing the embossed words Edward Ward 1852, the date the Town Hall was erected
    Photo of Town Hall/Bangor Castle in the sunshine framed by leafy tree branches
    Image of a walkway and woodland steps surrounded by leafy green trees and pink flowers
    Photo of walkway through leafy Castle Park
    Photo showing North Down Museum opening sign with Town Hall in backdrop
    Photo of Bangor Castle Walled Garden arches and flowers. The Garden is located within Castle Park grounds.
    Photo showing the embossed words Edward Ward 1852, the date the Town Hall was erected
    Photo of Town Hall/Bangor Castle in the sunshine framed by leafy tree branches

    Bangor

    Address

    Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Public Park

    Stroll through this beautiful wooded wonderland which is an exhilarating experience throughout the seasons.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  16. Portaferry Castle, view from the road

    Portaferry

    Address

    Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NY

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Portaferry Castle is a 16th Century tower-house, built by the Savage family. It is located on the slope overlooking Portaferry harbour.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Photo of Bangor Boat logo, a sketch of the boar with the words With your support since 1936 bangorboat.com

    Bangor

    Address

    Bangor Marina, Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 7510 006 000

    Type

    Type:

    Boat Tours

    Fishing trips and cruises around Bangor Bay and Belfast Lough from Pickie Family Fun Park (Bangor seafront). 30 mins.

    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