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About
The Portico of Ards is located in picturesque Portaferry at the tip of the Ards peninsula. Built in 1841, this beautiful church, modelled on the Greek temple of Nemesis, has unique ‘grade A listed’ architecture. It was restored and reopened in 2016 as an Arts and Heritage Centre, retaining many original features including its pews and marbled columns. The pipe organ was also refurbished, with a new Greek-inspired case and a spectacular new console. The organ loft is now accessible and showcases how the organ works. The heritage tours at Portico include the organ loft and a chance to have a play on the organ or make it play by itself!Portico’s heritage displays hold artefacts from nearby Neolithic sites and an excellent timeline detailing local history from the Ice Age to the present. Interactive options include the story of Christian music, access to a Digital Film Archive and a wealth of history on tablet computers outlining Portaferry’s fascinating history and Portico’s links with the United Irishmen. Guided tours are available at any time of year but must be pre-booked.
Seating over 300 and with stunning acoustics, Portico’s events programme is highly popular. There are concerts most weekends ranging from all kinds to music to theatre, film and comedy. In September, the Portico Comedy Arts Festival takes place with events including operetta, stand-up comedy and sketch shows. Portico attracts many high quality international artists: to check what’s on this month or buy tickets please visit porticoards.com
Portico is part of the Strangford Lough Tourism Cluster and there are frequently offers for accommodation or dinner and concert deals with The Portaferry Hotel, a five minute walk away at the edge of the lough. Portico is also easy to reach by ferry from Strangford: ferries operate every half an hour and concerts always end in time for the last ferry.
Guided tours £10 per person (discounts for groups)
Events individually priced (please see website)
Facilities
Children & Infants
- Baby changing facilities
Guide Prices
Guided tours £10 per person (discounts for groups)
Events individually priced (please see website)
Events
Thursday, 22nd May 2025 - Thursday, 22nd May 2025
Thursday, 29th May 2025 - Thursday, 29th May 2025
Thursday, 5th June 2025 - Thursday, 5th June 2025
Early Birds ChoirJoin us in Portico for 8 wonderful mornings of community singing
Held over 8 weeks and led by Ciara Daly, this is an opportunity for people who love music to come together and try singing from traditional African pieces, to songs from the Selkies and Popular music.- more info
Friday, 30th May 2025 - Friday, 30th May 2025
The KilkennysBack by popular demand! These guys went down a storm last year - not to be missed!
A traditional Irish folk and ballad band, The Kilkennys are noted for their dynamic arrangements, energetic performances and charisma!
"The Kilkennys are a great band upholding the Irish Folk/Ballad tradition with…- more info
Saturday, 31st May 2025 - Saturday, 31st May 2025
The Henry Girls and LoreThe Henry Girls and Lore join forces to create a double whammy of gorgeous folk fabulousness!- more info
Sunday, 1st June 2025 - Sunday, 1st June 2025
Olivier Latry Organ RecitalWe are thrilled to welcome Notre Dame's resident organist to Portico!
Olivier Latry is acknowledged as one of the world's most eminent exponents of the organ. He has performed in the most prestigious concert halls, has appeared as a guest of major orchestras under the direction of renowned…- more info
Saturday, 7th June 2025 - Saturday, 7th June 2025
Ratpack RevisitedExperience the Magic of the Rat Pack with *Ratpack Revisited*
Step back in time to the glitz and glamour of 1960s Las Vegas as Ratpack Revisited brings you an evening of timeless classics, laughter, and iconic swing. Paying authentic tribute to the legendary trio—Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and…- more info
Friday, 20th June 2025 - Friday, 20th June 2025
Legends of American Country"As good a Country show that you will see live anywhere outside Nashville" Country Music Northern Ireland
Now seen by over 350,000 fans live and watched by millions on TV, Europe's No.1 multi-award-winning show "The Legends of American Country", this hit country show returns for another fantastic…- more info
Saturday, 2nd August 2025 - Saturday, 2nd August 2025
Emer Dunne Trio Presents 'Folk Threads'This August, we welcome folk singer, Emer Dunne, and her superbly talented musicians as they present 'Folk Threads', a show celebrating well known and loved folk songs from Ireland, Scotland, England and America. Sing along with 'Wild Mountain Thyme' and 'Streets of London' alongside contemporary…- more info
Friday, 19th September 2025 - Friday, 19th September 2025
Martin HarleyMartin Harley is celebrated as "One of the UK's finest contemporary roots musicians" (Guitarist Magazine) and a "slide guitar master" (Roots Magazine).
Known for his spellbinding slide guitar and ability to blend Americana, Blues, and Folk, Harley has captivated audiences for three decades,…- more info
Saturday, 20th September 2025 - Saturday, 20th September 2025
Jarlath Regan: In BitsYou've watched his clips on Instagram, you've shared his standup with your friends and family on TikTok, now it's time to see Jarlath Regan's funny bits live and in person. The brand new standup show from the man behind some of the most hilarious viral standup comedy clips is finally here. After…- more info
Friday, 3rd October 2025 - Friday, 3rd October 2025
ROCKET - Micky BartlettMicky Bartlett is back in 2025 with his brand new show 'ROCKET!'
After another sell out international tour Bartlett brings his best hour of comedy yet. Sharing his thoughts on the modern world and secrets that most people wouldn't tell their therapist, this is a show not to be missed!- more info
Friday, 10th October 2025 - Friday, 10th October 2025
Sean Hegarty: Guess Who?Sean Hegarty's new tour 'Guess Who?' brings his signature sharp wit and masterful crowd work to Portico. His ability to craft punchlines that resonate across different platforms has made him a standout performer.- more info
Friday, 17th October 2025 - Friday, 17th October 2025
Paddy Raff: Here's One For Ya!Here's One For Ya!' is a show not to be missed!
Paddy Raff is hitting the road again in 2025 following the success of his last show, the biggest selling NI stand-up comedy tour of 2024 seen by a whopping 15,000+ people!- more info
Saturday, 15th November 2025 - Saturday, 15th November 2025
The Bjorn IdentityMAMMA MIA! World-class, International Tribute to ABBA – The Bjorn Identity return to Portico of Ards, to thank ABBA for the music.- more info
Sunday, 1st March 2026 - Sunday, 1st March 2026
The Fureys - a Final FarewellThe Fureys have announced their final tour and we are delighted that they wanted Portico on their final line up - come say goodbye- more info
