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Things to do in Ards and North Down

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Number of results: 132

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  1. Seasonal vegetables from local produce farmers at Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market
    An image of Ards Arts Centre, the old Town Hall, which is the backdrop to the weekly market in Conway Square
    Seasonal vegetables from local produce farmers at Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market
    An image of Ards Arts Centre, the old Town Hall, which is the backdrop to the weekly market in Conway Square

    Newtownards

    Address

    Conway Square, High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

    Telephone

    +44 7770 633287

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Market

    A weekly market catering for all your needs.

  2. Bangor Market signage

    Bangor

    Address

    ASDA Car Park, Castle Square, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4SP

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 8006

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Market

    Bangor market has been a tradition for many years and the go to for local fresh produce.  Situated in ASDA car park every Wednesday from 8am to 1pm with stalls offering a wide selection of the fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh local fish, seasonal…

  3. 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…

    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.
  4. A photo of Donaghadee from above showing the Motte
    The Motte Donaghadee
    The Motte Donaghadee
    The Motte Donaghadee
    A photo of Donaghadee from above showing the Motte
    The Motte Donaghadee
    The Motte Donaghadee
    The Motte Donaghadee

    Donaghadee

    Address

    The Motte, Castle Street via East Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0ED

    Telephone

    028 9182 6846

    Home to the only Camera Obscura on the island of Ireland. Seasonal opening 2025: Summer, May to September (See Opening Times).

  5. 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
  6. a boy and his dad looking at a sea creature in the tank
    View of underwater tank to tunnel
    Penguins
    a little girl looking at a fish in the tank
    a photograph of two kids kneeling down and looking into the fish tank
    a photograph of someone holding a starfish
    a photograph showing the interior of the aquarium
    a photograph of two otters in the water
    Food from the Kraken Bar and Grill at Exploris Aquarium
    a boy and his dad looking at a sea creature in the tank
    View of underwater tank to tunnel
    Penguins
    a little girl looking at a fish in the tank
    a photograph of two kids kneeling down and looking into the fish tank
    a photograph of someone holding a starfish
    a photograph showing the interior of the aquarium
    a photograph of two otters in the water
    Food from the Kraken Bar and Grill at Exploris Aquarium

    Portaferry

    Address

    The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4272 8062

    Gradings

    • Five Star Quality Assurance
    Five Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Zoo / Aquarium

    Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An underwater Tunnel Experience, friendly sharks and a Dwarfcrocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wi-fi available
  7. 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
  8. 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.

    Price

    Price from: £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  9. 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
  10. Photo of people enjoying rides on the Giant Swans pedal boats on the blue waters of the man made pond at Pickie Funpark
    Photo of the Pickie Funpark Beach huts used for changing after enjoying the splash pad area
    Giant Swans pedal boats
    Photo of people enjoying rides on the Giant Swans pedal boats on the blue waters of the man made pond at Pickie Funpark
    Photo of the Pickie Funpark Beach huts used for changing after enjoying the splash pad area
    Giant Swans pedal boats

    Bangor

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9145 0746

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Enjoy a fun day out at Pickie Fun Park. Try out the 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train, children's play area, children's electric car track and more.

    Special Offers

    • Unlimited Pass

      From £15 

      All day wristband for £15.  The wristband entitles the visitors to all the attractions as many times as they want. (Hook a Duck and Aqua Blaster excluded).   T&C's apply - available weekends and holidays. Height restrictions apply to some attractions.

      Unlimited pass can be bought at park on day of visit.

      More offers like this - Family Fun Offers, Attractions Offers

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking - There is a public car park on Queen’s Parade which is a short walk round the marina. There are also limited disabled car parking spaces adjacent to Pickie Funpark which can be accessed via Marine Gardens.

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  11. 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
  12. Golfers on the green with woodland and coast in background
    A photo of local golfing legend Rory McIlroy holding a trophy
    The green with woodland and coast in background
    Image of restaurant bar area
    Golfers on the green with woodland and Belfast city in the background
    Golfers on the green with woodland and coast in background
    A photo of local golfing legend Rory McIlroy holding a trophy
    The green with woodland and coast in background
    Image of restaurant bar area
    Golfers on the green with woodland and Belfast city in the background

    Holywood

    Address

    Demesne Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9LE

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9042 3135

    Type

    Type:

    Parkland Golf Course

    Set high in the Holywood Hills, County Down we are just seven miles outside Belfast and have breathtaking views of Belfast Lough and the Antrim Coast. Visit the home course of world golf star Rory McIlroy. Get a photo taken with the major trophies.

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on site
  13. A tour group posing for the photo in the woods
    Photo of Trevor Edwards
    Photo of Trevor Edwards
    A tour group posing for a photo
    A tour group posing for a photo
    A tour group posing for a photo
    Image of Hillsborough Castle
    Image of Castle Coole
    A group of tourers visiting the Giants Causeway
    A tour group posing for the photo in the woods
    Photo of Trevor Edwards
    Photo of Trevor Edwards
    A tour group posing for a photo
    A tour group posing for a photo
    A tour group posing for a photo
    Image of Hillsborough Castle
    Image of Castle Coole
    A group of tourers visiting the Giants Causeway

    Bangor

    Address

    12 Meadow Way, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1JJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9185 3081

    Type

    Type:

    Sightseeing

    'Plantsman's Garden Tours' offer incredible access to the gardens of historic stately homes and the privately owned masterpieces of Co. Down and Northern Ireland together with those of the Republic of Ireland.

  14. Couple walks outside the Echlinville Distillery in the sunshine
    Photo of The Echlinville Distillery sign on exterior of building
    Tour group learns about Echlinville's field-to-glass distillery
    Women on tour admire Echlinville's beautiful copper stills
    A tasting underway on the Echlinville distillery tour
    Photo of the Echlinville whiskey barrels in storage
    Photo of whiskey in glass set amongst a a mound of barley
    Couple walks outside the Echlinville Distillery in the sunshine
    Photo of The Echlinville Distillery sign on exterior of building
    Tour group learns about Echlinville's field-to-glass distillery
    Women on tour admire Echlinville's beautiful copper stills
    A tasting underway on the Echlinville distillery tour
    Photo of the Echlinville whiskey barrels in storage
    Photo of whiskey in glass set amongst a a mound of barley

    Kircubbin

    Address

    62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4273 8597

    Price

    Price from: £23.00 Per Ticket

    Type

    Type:

    Distillery

    Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their spirits, before settling down to relax and enjoy them in the bar.

    Price

    Price from: £23.00 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  15. 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.

  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  20. 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..

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