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Things to do in Ards and North Down

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  1. 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 Moat and Camera Obscura

    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).

    More Info

    Add Donaghadee Moat and Camera Obscura to your Itinerary

  2. Bangor Market signage
    Bangor Weekly Market

    Bangor

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 8006

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Market

    Bangor Market has been a tradition for over 100 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 fish, seasonal…

    More Info

    Add Bangor Weekly Market to your Itinerary

  3. 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 Weekly Market

    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.

    More Info

    Add Newtownards Weekly Market to your Itinerary

  4. 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
    Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen

    Killinchy

    Address

    52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 7711 484 850

    info@traceysfarmhousekitchen.com

    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.

    Indicative Availability

    Book Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen Online (opens in a new window)

    More Info

    Add Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Ramp / Level Access
    • Ramp to main entrance

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  5. 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
    Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary

    Portaferry

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4272 8062

    info@explorisni.com

    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.

    More Info

    Add Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wi-fi available
  6. 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
    Mount Stewart

    Newtownards

    Address

    Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4278 8387

    mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

    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.

    More Info

    Add Mount Stewart to your Itinerary

    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
  7. 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
    Pickie Fun Park

    Bangor

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9145 0746

    hello@pickiefunpark.com

    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

    More Info

    Add Pickie Fun Park to your Itinerary

    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
  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
    Ulster Folk Museum

    Holywood

    Address

    153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9042 8428

    info@nationalmuseumsni.org

    Price

    Price from: £12.50 to £36.50 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: £12.50 to £36.50 Per Ticket

    Indicative Availability

    Book Ulster Folk Museum Online (opens in a new window)

    More Info

    Add Ulster Folk Museum to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  9. 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.
    WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

    Comber

    Address

    Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9187 4146

    info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk

    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…

    More Info

    Add WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
    • Wi-fi available
  10. An image of Helen's Bay beach from the shore with a bench ready to welcome someone to sit
    A photo of Helen's Bay beach on a beautiful summers day with green grass and yellow flowers on the shore
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    An image of Helen's Bay beach from the shore with a bench ready to welcome someone to sit
    A photo of Helen's Bay beach on a beautiful summers day with green grass and yellow flowers on the shore
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    a photograph of a sandy beach
    Helen's Bay Beach

    Helens Bay

    Address

    Crawfordsburn Country Park, Helens Bay, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities, all within twenty minutes drive of Belfast.

    Price

    Free
    More Info

    Add Helen's Bay Beach to your Itinerary

  11. 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 Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex

    Bangor

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0271

    chris.kelly@serco.com

    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.

    More Info

    Add Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  12. 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
    Somme Museum

    Newtownards

    Address

    233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 3202

    claire@sommeassociation.com

    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.

    More Info

    Add Somme Museum to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  13. arial photo of part of the lough
    photograph showing a field of sunflowers
    a photo showing the lough with the mountains in the background
    arial photo of part of the lough
    photograph showing a field of sunflowers
    a photo showing the lough with the mountains in the background
    Ballyquintin Point

    Portaferry

    Address

    8 Ballyquintin Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4461 5520

    nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Nature and Wildlife

    Ballyquintin Nature Reserve includes Ballyquintin Point at the tip of the Ards Peninsula, County Down where the Irish Sea enters Strangford Lough.

    Price

    Free
    More Info

    Add Ballyquintin Point to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  14. a photograph of a graveyard
    A photo of the side of Holywood Priory on a sunny day
    a photograph of a graveyard
    A photo of the side of Holywood Priory on a sunny day
    Holywood Priory Church

    Holywood

    Address

    High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    Holywood Priory is an intersting and historic site close to the bustling town of Holywood.

    Price

    Free
    More Info

    Add Holywood Priory Church to your Itinerary

  15. 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
    Cockle Row Cottages

    Groomsport

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0)28 9109 3038

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    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.

    More Info

    Add Cockle Row Cottages to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  16. 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
    Ulster Flying Club

    Newtownards

    Address

    61 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SG

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9181 3327

    fly@ulsterflyingclub.com

    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,…

    Indicative Availability

    Book Ulster Flying Club Online (opens in a new window)

    More Info

    Add Ulster Flying Club to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Establishment Features

    • Wifi
  17. Birds eye view of Bangor Marina
    Photo of a lone boat with others in the background moored at Bangor Marina
    A side view image of Bangor Marina
    Birds eye view of Bangor Marina
    Photo of a lone boat with others in the background moored at Bangor Marina
    A side view image of Bangor Marina
    Bangor Marina

    Bangor

    Address

    Bregenz House, 5 Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9145 3297

    bangor@boatfolk.co.uk

    Type

    Type:

    Marinas

    Bangor Marina is located right in the heart of Bangor city centre close to all major road, rail and air transport networks. The Marina lies at the mouth of Belfast Lough offering exceptional access to world class yacht racing waters.

    More Info

    Add Bangor Marina to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  18. Canoe and Cake

    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.

    Indicative Availability

    Book Canoe and Cake Online (opens in a new window)

    More Info

    Add Canoe and Cake to your Itinerary

  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
    Ballyholme Beach

    Bangor

    Address

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

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    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
    More Info

    Add Ballyholme Beach to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  20. 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
    St Cooey's Wells

    Portaferry

    Address

    Ballyquintin Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

    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
    More Info

    Add St Cooey's Wells to your Itinerary

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
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