Things to do

Ours is a promise of adventure, from the nooks in the woods to award-winning beaches and country parks, we’re home to some of Northern Ireland’s top attractions.

Make unforgettable memories with family and friends

Step into life as it was a hundred years ago at the Ulster Folk Museum, where passionate craft makers in authentic town and country dwellings demonstrate traditional skills. At the Ulster Transport Museum enjoy one of Europe’s most comprehensive transport collections.

Visit Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre, Exploris (Portaferry). Get up close to Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic waterbirds, bats and migrant birds at Castle Espie Wetland Centre (Comber) or spend the day at Pickie Funpark (Bangor) to enjoy family favourites, the ‘Pickie Puffer’, giant pedal swans and mini golf.

There are activities a plenty to keep the kids amused. From animal antics to karting, skate parks to crazy golf and water slides.

Adventure awaits

Get behind the wheel of a racing car or go-kart to curb your need for speed, or enjoy a bird’s eye view as you take to the skies by plane, helicopter or microlight.

Explore the beauty of our lough shores by paddleboard or canoe, slow down the pace with a yoga session, self-discovery or guided walking tour.*

Ards and North Down is also a haven for golfers with a rich heritage dating back 125 years with 12 diverse courses all within a 1-hour drive from Belfast, including parkland and links as well as being home to Ireland’s oldest club, The Royal Belfast.

Whatever adventure you choose, a warm local welcome awaits!

Experience hidden gems and enjoy every moment...

Be surprised and awakened with immersive experiences and guided walking tours.*

Take in the natural beauty of our countryside, encounter water’s edge wonders, charming towns and villages and our delicious food and drink.

Our local people are ready to welcome you and share their passion and skills.

*Experiences and tours are seasonal.

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Arts, Culture & Heritage

Immerse yourself in Ards and North Down, a place steeped in history, the stories are here to unfold as you travel the region, embrace the folklore and indulge in our rich heritage.
Attractions & Activities

Family favourite attractions will leave lasting memories filled with fun and laughter; plus activities to suit all – young or young at heart! From water lovers, to nature lovers, explorers, foodie’s, creatives and wanderers, we have it all! Come visit us soon!
Family Fun

Families love it here. It's where memories are made and a place you can return to time and time again to relive those memories and create new ones along the way.
Experience Ards and North Down

Immersive experiences and guided walking tours. Take in the natural beauty of our countryside, encounter water’s edge wonders, charming towns and villages and our delicious food and drink.
The Giant Experience Collection

Ards and North Down features as part of Discover Northern Ireland’s collection of Giant Experiences. Meet the locals and truly immerse yourself in this beautiful place.
Tours & Tour Guides

With so much to offer it's no wonder we have a wealth of tours to suit all curiosities. Join our tour guides - ready to share their passions and knowledge of this fascinating place.
Nature, Wildlife & Farms

For nature and animal lovers, opportunities await to experience and enjoy this beautiful environment. Our land and shores provide unique habitats for many species and conservation efforts work to ensure their home in the future in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Area of Special Scientific Interest.

Activity based things to do...

Cycling & Mountain Biking

If you love to get out and about on two wheels there are a number of forest parks and trails to get off the beaten track and back to nature in Ards and North Down. Explore via the Comber Greenway or for those looking to go that bit further we've an 82 mile cycle route around Strangford Lough with breathtaking coastal view.
Golf

Ards and North Down is renowned for for it’s most famous home grown player; world golf star Rory McIlroy and and Ireland's oldest golf club, The Royal Belfast. Perfect for your Society break, Ards and North Down have courses for all levels, and plenty to do to make your visit all the more worthwhile.
Walking & Hiking

Our stunning coastline, idyllic parks and breathtaking forests will bring out your inner adventurer and make you want to explore more.
Water Activities

As we embrace the great outdoors like never before, our beautiful loughs and coastlines have never been so busy, enticing you to try something new...
Horse riding

If horse riding is a passion of your, or if you simply fancy giving it a go, we have a number of Equestrian Centres ready to welcome you.