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...
Dogs Welcome
Gym on Premises
Licenced Bar
Parking Available
Restaurant on Premises
Swimming Pool
Wi-Fi Available
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

Number of results: 137

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Cairnwood Trail map
    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

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)
    • Parking Available

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Ramp to main entrance - From car park level into woodland trailhead.
    • Wheelchair Access

    Price

    Free
  2. Photo of the brightly coloured bandstand where live music takes place in the summer months
    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.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
    • Parking Available

    Price

    Free
  3. Image of the front of Bangor Abbey on a bright sunny day
    Image of the front of Bangor Abbey on a bright sunny day
    Bangor Abbey photographed from the graveyard side on a bright winters day
    Image of the front of Bangor Abbey on a bright sunny day
    Bangor Abbey photographed from the graveyard side on a bright winters day

    Bangor

    Address

    Newtownards Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Abbey / Priory

    Founded in 558AD the main body of the building dates from 1830's, the tower from 15th century and steeple dates around 1693. Interesting gravestones include a memorial to the assistant surgeon of the Titanic, local man John Edward Simpson.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
    • Parking Available

    Price

    Free
  4. A photo of Ballywalter harbour on a bright day with pink flowers to the forefront of the image
    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.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
    • Parking Available

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Price

    Free
  5. Photograph of yachts on the water of Belfast Lough from Kingsland showing
    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
    • Parking Available
  6. Photo of the exterior of the photo, front entrance
    Photo of the exterior of the photo, front entrance

    Newtownards

    Address

    49 North Street, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4DF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 8234

    Type

    Type:

    Cultural Learning Experiences

    N.I's only privately owned theatre. 120 fully raked seats with professional sound/lighting. resident amateur drama company 2nd Skin. Community cinema specialising in classic and golden oldie movies. Available for birthday parties and charity events

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
    • Parking Available
  7. Photo of Mahee Castle, with bridge way and water to forefront
    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
  8. Image of full ball bucket ready for use at the driving range
    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.

  9. Image of Holywood Maypole dressed with ribbons for the annual May Day dancing event
    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. The Lightship
    The Lightship
    The Lightship docked
    The Lightship lit in the evening
    The Lightship lit at night
    The Lightship docked
    The Lightship
    A room on the ship
    The Lightship
    The Lightship docked
    The Lightship lit in the evening
    The Lightship lit at night
    The Lightship docked
    The Lightship
    A room on the ship

    Killinchy

    Address

    52 Ballydorn Road (near Sketrick Island), Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9754 1663

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Sports

    Ballydorn is located upon the northeast coast of Ireland, upon Strangford Lough’s western shore and to the west of Rainey Island.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
    • Parking Available
  11. Cockle Row Cottages
    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 9127 2269

    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:
    1 June 2025to15 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
    • Parking Available

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  12. Photo of four seals gathered on the seaweed and moss covered sea rocks
    Photo of four seals gathered on the seaweed and moss covered sea rocks

    Newtownards

    Address

    Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

    Telephone

    02842787769

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    The Lookout is a wildlife interpretative centre, showcasing the wildlife around the Strangford Lough area. Telescopes and remotely controlled camers allow close up views of basking seals and breeding seabird colonies.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
    • Parking Available

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Price

    Free
  13. An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    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.

  14. a photograph of the motte surrounded by some trees
    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.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
    • Parking Available

    Price

    Free
  15. Boat on the water
    Boat on the water

    Portaferry

    Address

    200a Shore Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4272 8297

    Type

    Type:

    Diving & SubAqua

    Marine Surveys, diving, sight seeing trips, fishing trips. All year for some activities and June –October fishing

  16. Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Image of generic golf ball and hole
    Photo of flagged bouy set out as decor at Ballyholme near the pitch and putt facility, overlooking the bay
    Image of generic golf ball and hole

    Bangor

    Address

    Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 5622

    Type

    Type:

    Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

    One nine hole pitch and putt course. Two 18 hole putting greens. 4 Tennis courts.
    There is also putting and pitch and putt equipment for hire.
    For booking information, please contact Bangor Sportsplex.

  17. Image of the ruins at sunset with the light of the sun shining onto the remnants of the building
    Image of the ruins at sunset with the light of the sun shining onto the remnants of the building
    Photo of beautiful Cloughey beach and boardwalk
    Image of the ruins at sunset with the light of the sun shining onto the remnants of the building
    Photo of beautiful Cloughey beach and boardwalk

    Cloughey

    Address

    Ardminnan Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1QJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

    On the coast, two thirds of a mile south east of Cloughey village. This house appears to have been built about 1634 by Roland Savage, a cadet of the Ardkeen family.

  18. a photograph of some brick ruins
    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
  19. Mount Stewart 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
    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
    • Dogs Welcome

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed
    • Licenced Bar

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)
    • Parking Available

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises
    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
    • SWi-Fi Available
  20. A photo of the alter at St Cooey's wells
    A photo of the alter at St Cooey's wells
    A photo of the word drink which forms part of the Washing, Eye and Drinking wells situated in this peaceful, wooded dell, which are reputed to have he
    A photo of the alter at St Cooey's wells
    A photo of the word drink which forms part of the Washing, Eye and Drinking wells situated in this peaceful, wooded dell, which are reputed to have he

    Portaferry

    Address

    Ballyquintin Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    The church at St Cooey’s Wells is thought to date from the 7th century but only the foundation stones now remain. The Washing, Eye and Drinking wells in this peaceful, wooded dell are reputed to have healing powers.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
    • Parking Available

    Price

    Free
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.