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News
September 2023
Belfast City Airport adds Menorca and Venice to summer 2024 schedule18th Sept 2023
Belfast City Airport has announced the expansion of its summer 2024 schedule with three charter services to Menorca, Mallorca and Italy…
Bangor restaurants shortlisted for Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 202314th Sept 2023
Copyright - BelfastLive.co.uk 'Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2023: Spots battling to be named best in Northern Ireland',…
August 2023
Uplifting September At Portico29th Aug 2023
The leaves may be about to fall but the new programme at Portico promises a gathering of sensuous delights this season, starting with the…
Under the Sea at Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry25th Aug 2023
A new `Under The Sea’ experience has been launched at the Exploris Aquarium in Co. Down thanks to financial support from Tourism NI. A…
Celebrity Chef and The Florentinas Ready to Rock at Portavogie Food Festival14th Aug 2023
Portavogie will be a hive of activity on 1 and 2 September with an exquisite Dine at the Dock fine dining experience kicking off a memorable…
Fab Foodie Line-up for Ards and North Down's Taste Autumn8th Aug 2023
An exciting programme of activity starts on 31 August with Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down, giving you the chance to savour some of the…
Success For Local Food and Drink Businesses at National and All Ireland Awards!4th Aug 2023
The profile of Ards & North Down as a home of fantastic food was given another significant boost this week with our local…
July 2023
Ards Peninsula Kite Festival28th July 2023
Be sure to save the date for the Ards Peninsula Kite Festival, launch event held this week.
The Ards Peninsula Villages Partnership invite…
County Down listed as Most Welcoming Region in the UK in recent booking.com article18th July 2023
It is not a surprise to us, to hear that County Down got the top spot for Most Welcoming Region in the UK based on Traveller Review Awards 2023…
Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships Come to Newtownards!11th July 2023
The Ards and North Down Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships will take place on Saturday 22 July at Newtownards Airfield, from 11am to 6pm…
Belfast City Airport unveils £1.2 Million refurbished Aspire Lounge7th July 2023
Europe’s largest airport lounge provider, Aspire, has unveiled its new and improved lounge at Belfast City Airport following a £1…
June 2023
Easyjet launches flights to London Luton and Manchester from Belfast City Airport26th June 2023
Flights to London Luton and Manchester have taken off from Belfast City Airport today with easyJet, bringing the total number of destinations…
Council’s Event Recycling Stations a Huge Success20th June 2023
Ards and North Down Borough Council is celebrating the success of its newly implemented recycling stations at Council-run events, demonstrating…
Free Transport to this Saturday’s Comber Earlies Food Festival!20th June 2023
Getting to this Saturday’s Comber Earlies Food Festival has never been easier with a host of free buses ready to transport festival-goers…
Tourism NI hospitality campaign demonstrates a `vibrant industry’15th June 2023
A Tourism NI campaign aimed at encouraging more people to consider a career in the tourism and hospitality industry attracted more than 30,000…
New Location for Comber Earlies Food Festival!13th June 2023
A brand new location, live music, cookery demos and more will make this year’s Comber Earlies Food Festival bigger and better than ever as…
Belfast City Airport unveils new look for Aspire Lounge8th June 2023
Following the announcement that Aspire Lounges is investing £1.2million into enhancing the lounge at Belfast City Airport, CGI images of…
Culloden Estate is set for a sparking summer with new champagne garden7th June 2023
The Culloden Estate & Spa is celebrating the opening of its new Summer Champagne Garden.
The five-star property has transformed…
Award - Winning Beaches in Ards and North Down 20231st June 2023
Five council areas rewarded for excellent environmental management, Groomsport, Millisle,
May 2023
Maritime family fun in the sun at Sea Bangor this weekend (3 and 4 June)31st May 2023
The forecast is looking lovely for a marvellous weekend in the sun at Sea Bangor, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June. Bangor’s popular…
Family Favourite, Sea Bangor, Returns to the Seafront24th May 2023
Bangor Seafront will be a hive of activity when the Sea Bangor Festival returns on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June.
Organised by Ards…
Galgorm Collection checks out as a Great Place to Work17th May 2023
NI’s award-winning collection of luxury hotels and restaurants becomes first hospitality group on the island of Ireland to achieve official…
Belfast City Airport revealed as Northern Ireland's most punctual Airport12th May 2023
Data from the Civil Aviation Authority has revealed Belfast City Airport as Northern Ireland’s most punctual airport for 2022.
The…
Collaboration Brings Recycling Win for the Council12th May 2023
Ards and North Down’s annual tourism events are a highlight in the calendar, which attract audiences of up to 30,000. Officers have been…
Jersey service commences from Belfast City Airport with AER Lingus9th May 2023
Flights to Jersey have taken off from Belfast City Airport with Aer Lingus Regional, providing a convenient connection between Northern Ireland…
AER Lingus Regional connects Belfast City Airport to Newcastle and Isle of Man2nd May 2023
Flights to Newcastle will operate daily whilst the new Isle of Man route will operate four times per week, increasing to six weekly for the peak…
April 2023
Flights to Frankfurt take off from Belfast City Airport25th Apr 2023
Lufthansa’s new service to Frankfurt has taken off from Belfast City Airport, marking the first time the German flag carrier has operated…
Flights to Newquay take off from Belfast City Airport7th Apr 2023
The first Aer Lingus Regional service to popular UK holiday destination, Newquay Cornwall has taken off from George Best Belfast City Airport today…
Dolphins herald the new season at Portico!5th Apr 2023
Dolphins kindly answered the call to help Portico Arts and Heritage Centre promote its programme to a wider audience this week. A pair of wine…
Exciting Range of Tourism Experiences on Offer in Ards and North Down!4th Apr 2023
Ards and North Down Borough Council has announced an exciting range of Tourism Experiences for 2023. From guided walking tours to unique…
March 2023
Easyjet expands presence at Belfast City Airport with two additional routes31st Mar 2023
EasyJet has announced it will commence services from Belfast City Airport to London Luton and Manchester this summer.
Flights to both destinations…
Belfast City Airport and Loganair celebrate 40 years of flying together31st Mar 2023
Celebrations have taken place to mark the 40th anniversary of Loganair’s first flight from Belfast City Airport.
As the first airline to…
Galgorm Collection celebrates prestigious awards for culinary excellence across its restaurants21st Mar 2023
21/03/23 - Northern Ireland’s newest boutique hotel, The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, part of Galgorm Collection, has achieved AA 4-Star Silver…
Create Moments to Remember in Ards and North Down This Spring10th Mar 2023
Book great value offers now, plus a chance to win £300 off your stay!
Ards and North Down Borough Council Tourism Service has launched their…
Special Promotions Encourage Ards and North Down Shoppers to Keep it Local8th Mar 2023
Special promotions are available for shoppers in the Borough after Ards and North Down Borough Council launched a new ‘Let’s Keep it…
Northern Ireland world recognises Donaghadee and Greyabbey in 'Top 9 rural towns with plenty of character in Northern Ireland'7th Mar 2023
Northern Ireland World has recognised both Donaghadee at number 5 and Greyabbey at number 7, County Down in the top 9 rural towns that have…
February 2023
ASPIRE announces £1.2 million investment into Belfast city airport premium lounge facility27th Feb 2023
Europe’s largest airport lounge provider, Aspire, has announced a major refurbishment of the lounge at Belfast City Airport with a total…
Second Annual TASTE AND Food and Drink Hero Awards Recognises Local Food and Drinks Producers15th Feb 2023
Local food and drinks producers have been recognised at the second annual TASTE AND Food and Drink Hero Awards, hosted by Ards and North Down…
Echlinville Distillery wins 13 World Whiskies Awards8th Feb 2023
The Echlinville Distillery (Northern Ireland) has won thirteen accolades at this year’s World Whiskies Awards.
The County Down based…
Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen Awarded Accreditation in Sustainability7th Feb 2023
Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen in Killinchy was recently awarded accreditation in sustainability through the World Tourism Organisation…
Aer Lingus Regional to Commence Flights to Newcastle and Nottingham East Midlands from Belfast City Airport 3rd Feb 2023
All domestic regional points vacated by Flybe at Belfast City Airport will now be reestablished by Aer Lingus Regional
Belfast, 2nd February,…
Culloden Estate Unveils £250K Investment and Named a Best Luxury Spa by The Times1st Feb 2023
The Culloden Estate & Spa has announced the completion of a £250,000 investment programme of its spa facilities and is also celebrating…
January 2023
Holywood restaurant Fontana listed in prestigious Michelin Guide27th Jan 2023
Congratulation goes to the fabulous Fontana restaurant for being listed in the prestigious Michelin Guide!
The Holywood restaurant is amongst 24…
Bangor Marine Secures £9.8m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund23rd Jan 2023
Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department of International Trade, Andrew Bowie, today visited the City of Bangor to congratulate Bangor Marine…
£40 million Funding Secured for the Redevelopment of Bangor Waterfront20th Jan 2023
Ards and North Down Borough Council will be receiving £40 million funding for its Bangor Waterfront Development as part of the Belfast Region…
The government unveils new 'Energy Bills Discount Scheme' for businesses13th Jan 2023
The Government announced a new energy support scheme for businesses, charities, and the public sector to replace the current Energy Bills Support…
December 2022
Upgraded Path at Nugent’s Wood in Portaferry to Cater for Increased Footfall19th Dec 2022
Further works have been completed at Nugent’s Wood in Portaferry with the resurfacing of the walking trail path to help cater for a tenfold…
Belfast City Airport announces arrival of Lufthansa with route to Germany14th Dec 2022
Germany’s flag carrier airline, Lufthansa, has announced it will commence operations at Belfast City Airport.
The airline, which is one of…
The ultimate hotel guide to Belfast2nd Dec 2022
Copyright - NationalGeographic.co.uk, 'The ultimate hotel guide to Belfast' by Sarah Barrell
National Geographic recently published an…
Six farm shops you have to try in Ards and North Down2nd Dec 2022
Copyright - NorthernIrelandWorld.com,'6 farm shops you have to try in Ards and North Down', by Conor McAteer
It's great to see Belfast…
November 2022
Clandeboye Lodge has been featured in The Times' '25 cosy UK hotels for winter', the only hotel in Northern Ireland to be featured!29th Nov 2022
This historic lodge on the 2,000-acre Clandeboye Estate, three miles southwest of Bangor, has evolved over time to become a 43-room contemporary…
Bangor spot named 'Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland' at top Asian food awards28th Nov 2022
Copyright - BelfastLive.co.uk, Bangor spot named 'Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland' at top Asian food awards, by Sophie McLaughlin
A…
Dunville’s ‘The Spirit of Belfast’ named Best Overall Whiskey Of The Year at Irish Whiskey Awards18th Nov 2022
Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, The Spirit of Belfast, has picked up the coveted Whiskey of the Year title at the Irish Whiskey Awards with its…
Ireland’s Blue Book for 2023 features The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn11th Nov 2022
Luxurious Georgian Mansion, Quirky Townhouse, Historic Inn, Elegant Townhouse and 15th Century Castle join Ireland’s Blue Book for 2023…
Luxury US Travel Agents Discover All Northern Ireland Has To Offer8th Nov 2022
Copyright - NI Travel News
Twenty-two (22) American travel agents have been exploring Northern Ireland recently – as guests of Tourism…
October 2022
Ards and North Down Borough Council welcomes Tourism NI Regions Team26th Oct 2022
The Tourism Service was delighted to host Tourism NI’s Regions Team on a mini familiarisation visit to some attractions in Ards and North Down…
Aer Lingus regional announces flights to Newquay and Jersey from Belfast City Airport26th Oct 2022
Aer Lingus Regional, exclusively operated by Emerald Airlines, has announced two new routes from Belfast City Airport to Newquay and Jersey…
Bokhara Bangor: Co Down Indian wins NI Restaurant of the Year at National Curry Awards24th Oct 2022
Copyright - 'Bokhara Bangor: Co Down Indian wins NI Restaurant of the Year at National Curry Awards' By Nadia Breen, belfastlive.co.uk
A…
Shared Island Funding Awarded for Cross-Border Projects18th Oct 2022
Ards and North Down Borough Council has been allocated a portion of the €4.3m made available through the Shared Island Local Authority…
Donaghadee and Comber Secure Consecutive Translink Ulster in Bloom Awards!18th Oct 2022
Donaghadee and Comber have again been recognised among Northern Ireland’s top horticultural talent at this year’s Translink Ulster in…
Experience Development Industry Event and Networking Session 6th Oct 2022
On Tuesday 4 October Ards and North Down Borough Council tourism department hosted an Experience Development Industry Event and Networking Session at…
September 2022
The Old Inn branches out with new luxury outdoor Treetop Spa offering as part of £2.5 million revamp28th Sept 2022
Historic Crawfordsburn hotel acquired by Galgorm Collection last year confirms 1 December opening date for new luxury outdoor spa offering…
Hospitality Exchange 202223rd Sept 2022
Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to support Hospitality Exchange once again for 2022.
The conference takes place in the Crowne…
Events Update Following the Passing of the Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II9th Sept 2022
Events Update Following the Passing of the Sovereign Queen Elizabeth II
Following the sad news of the death of the sovereign Queen Elizabeth II,…
CANCELLED-Celebrate European Heritage Open Day This Weekend at Kirkistown Castle! 7th Sept 2022
CANCELLED
Celebrate European Heritage Open Day and the 400th anniversary of the building of Kirkistown Castle with a fun family-friendly day at…
Visit Belfast launches two new Belfast Plus brochures6th Sept 2022
Visit Belfast is delighted to launch two new Belfast Plus brochures in partnership with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Ards and North…
Savour Ards and North Down's Finest Food and Drink during Taste Autumn!6th Sept 2022
An exciting fortnight of activity starts this Saturday 10 September with Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down, giving you the chance to savour some of…
August 2022
Jamaica Inn features amongst 50 of the UK’s best seaside restaurants18th Aug 2022
Copyright - '50 of the UK’s best seaside restaurants, from oysters on the Yorkshire coast to mussels on a Cornwall beach' by Emily…
Tickets Now on Sale for Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down!15th Aug 2022
Savour seasonal tide and turf produce and some of Ards and North Down’s finest food and drink in an exciting fortnight of activity from 10-24…
July 2022
Aer Lingus Regional Services to Cardiff and Southampton take off from Belfast City Airport8th July 2022
New services to Cardiff and Southampton have taken off from George Best Belfast City Airport with Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Emerald Airlines…
Snow Patrol to play acoustic concert on Bangor Seafront 7th July 2022
To Celebrate the Award of Freedom of The Borough to Gary Lightbody
Gary Lightbody, lead singer of Snow Patrol and the City of Bangor’s…
Stand by for a Sizzling Summer of Events in Portaferry5th July 2022
Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce a series of Council sponsored events taking place in Portaferry from July through to…
Belfast City Airport hailed as the UK’s most punctual airport4th July 2022
Belfast City Airport has been revealed as the UK’s Most Punctual Airport in recent data released by the Civil Aviation Authority…
June 2022
Creative Peninsula Celebrates Art and Craft in Ards and North Down30th June 2022
Creative Peninsula, Northern Ireland’s largest celebration of Art and Craft was officially launched in Ards and North Down this week. Now in…
Refurbishment of historic windmill creates 15 new jobs for people with disabilities17th June 2022
Fifteen new jobs have been created for people with disabilities after the opening of a magnificent new £1.7m visitor attraction at the historic…
May 2022
Sustainable Experience Showcase Day Offers Unique Experiences at Reduced Rates with Live Here Love Here Grant30th May 2022
An exciting Sustainable Experience Showcase day, offering six unique experiences at reduced rates, will take place on Saturday 18 June with a…
Heritage, Heart and Hope – Bangor's Successful Bid for City Status27th May 2022
Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted that Bangor has been successful in its bid for City Status as part of the 2022 Platinum Jubilee…
Helpful Information for Accommodation Providers26th May 2022
Owning and running your own tourist accommodation business can be very rewarding but there are many things you should consider before starting. The…
Portaferry Heritage Trail brings hidden history to life once more16th May 2022
Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce that the Portaferry Heritage Trail is now open.
Highlighted for its amazing potential…
The Old Inn Listed As One Of Ireland's Best Places To Stay3rd May 2022
The Irish Independent has published its Fab 50: Ireland’s best places to stay in 2022. We are so delighted that The Old Inn has been…
April 2022
Local Food and Drinks Producers Recognised at TASTE AND Food Heroes Awards14th Apr 2022
Local food
Condor Ferries to operate Zero-Emission Pilot Scheme between Bangor and Belfast14th Apr 2022
Condor Ferries to operate Zero-Emission Pilot Scheme between Bangor and Belfast
As part of the Belfast Maritime Consortium, Ards and North…
March 2022
Quick Getaways To And From Belfast Have Never Been Easier - Aer Lingus Regional Service Take Off From Belfast City25th Mar 2022
Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional, today commences its services from Belfast City Airport, with its inaugural flight from…
Aer Lingus Regional Services From Belfast City Airport To 6 Cities In Great Britain On Sale Now10th Mar 2022
Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional has announced it will commence services from Belfast City Airport base later this month,…
Make it Yours spring campaign!1st Mar 2022
We are delighted that the Ards and North Down Borough Council’s #MakeItYoursAND campaign is due to launch on Wednesday 2 March 2022 supported…
February 2022
Embrace your Viking spirit this spring in Co. Down28th Feb 2022
Join us for an unforgettable experience this spring as the Strangford Lough Viking Festival sets up camp on the shores surrounding Portaferry and…
No 14 at The Georgian House Featured in Michelin Guide16th Feb 2022
A huge congratulations to No 14 at The Georgian House which was featured in the Michelin Guide.
The Michelin Guide's Point of View on No 14 at…
The Vikings are Coming!4th Feb 2022
Supported by Tourism NI, Ards and North Down Borough Council and Newry Mourne and Down District Council are excited to launch the Strangford Lough…
January 2022
Magic Carpet Ride – The next big development in water sports31st Jan 2022
E-Foiling allows people to effortlessly glide above water in a futuristic activity that has been likened to taking a magic carpet ride.
Once the…
AND Sustainable Giants – Green Tourism Network Launched31st Jan 2022
Ards and North Down Borough Council has launched the AND Sustainable Giants - Green Tourism Network which will enable the Council, in partnership…
Tourism NI Undergoes Digital Transformation18th Jan 2022
Seven local council websites have been successfully redeveloped by Tourism NI as part of its digital transformation work programme which aims to…
Emerald Airlines and Belfast City Airport Announce new partnership18th Jan 2022
In a bid to increase choice for customers travelling from Belfast and the wider region, Emerald Airlines, exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional…
Hastings Hotels Announces New Chairman and Managing Director13th Jan 2022
Hastings Hotels has announced that its longest serving Director, Edward Carson, has retired as Chairman and is succeeded by Howard Hastings…
Visit Ards and North Down Tourism Team… Here to help you 5th Jan 2022
Here’s how….
We work to keep Ards and North Down at the forefront of visitors’ minds, so that they choose this beautiful place…
November 2021
Have your say: Citizen Services for Newtownards11th Nov 2021
The Council is exploring options for the development of ‘Citizen Services’ in Newtownards that would make it easier for residents…
Hastings Hotels showcase the beauty of Culloden and the local area with their new 'Have a Giant Stay' Campaign5th Nov 2021
Hastings Hotels has launched a new marketing campaign to celebrate the reawakening of the tourism and hospitality industry and some of Northern…
October 2021
Enchanting New Series coming to UTV about Strangford Lough26th Oct 2021
A brand new series about Strangford Lough - its people and habitat, is coming to UTV. Called ‘Keepers of the Lough’, the…
September 2021
Boost Your Local High Street in Ards and North Down23rd Sept 2021
23 September 2021
Northern Ireland’s High Street Scheme opens for registration on 27 September so it is time to claim your £100…
Ards and North Down producers accredited under the Great Taste 2021 scheme21st Sept 2021
21 September 2021
We are absolutely delighted that several Ards and North Down based producers were accredited under the Great Taste 2021 scheme…
Ards and North Down featured in The Guardian - County Down and Around9th Sept 2021
Date: 9 September 2021
This fantastic article in The Guardian, by Phoebe Taplin, highlights a really exciting range of places to visit and things…
August 2021
The Old Inn unlocks its doors to reveal £1 million refurbishment27th Aug 2021
27 August 2021
Historic luxury hotel in Crawfordsburn reopens on 3 September under new ownership by premier hospitality group Galgorm…
May 2021
Royal Visit to Ards and North Down19th May 2021
On day two of their visit to Northern Ireland, Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, travelled to Ards and North…
April 2021
The Culloden Estate & Spa joins small luxury hotels of the world 22nd Apr 2021
The 5-star Estate is the collection’s only property in Northern Ireland
THE five-star Culloden Estate & Spa is proud to announce that it…
Galgorm Collection Snaps Up Crawfordsburn’s Old Inn9th Apr 2021
Copyright - Galgorm Collection Snaps Up Crawfordsburn's Old Inn by Margaret Canning: Full article can be found at Belfast Telegraph…
Music And Culture Are Re-Shaping Bangor’s Perception Of Itself7th Apr 2021
Article Copyright - Clash magazine: article can be found at Clash magazine website
Northern Ireland's third city is engaged in…
Holywood and Strangford Lough named in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide 20217th Apr 2021
Copyright -Best place to live in Northern Ireland named in Sunday Times list, by Sheena McStravick: Full article can be found at Belfast Live…
March 2021
Hi-Spirits Ireland to Distribute Echlinville Distillery Brands19th Mar 2021
The Echlinville Distillery has announced a new distribution agreement with Hi-Spirits Ireland. The deal will see an increased presence for…
Ryanair returns to Belfast City Airport Summer 202118th Mar 2021
The announcement of Ryanair's return to Belfast City Airport after 11 years with 8 Routes for Summer 2021 has been welcomed by many, travellers…
Two Borough Chefs take part in Great British Menu Season 1618th Mar 2021
Copyright - Belfast Live, Great British Menu 2021 - Meet the 4 Northern Irish chefs taking part in this year's show by Peter McGoran: Full…
Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt wins at the Made in Northern Ireland Awards15th Mar 2021
The awards recognise and reward manufacturing companies based in Northern Ireland that have demonstrated success in innovation, product development…
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