Visit Ards and North Down Autumn Campaign Showcases Local Tourism Offers

25th September 2025

Tourism providers across Ards and North Down can look forward to increased visibility this October as Ards and North Down Borough Council launches its latest autumn marketing campaign, designed to drive family short breaks and day trips during the shoulder season.

The campaign is designed to promote offers submitted by local providers earlier this year. These offers are now live on the Visit Ards and North Down website here and will form a central part of the promotional activity.

Grounded in the latest Tourism NI consumer sentiment research, the campaign targets ROI and NI audiences—especially young and middle-family segments keen to enjoy quality family time, memorable experiences, and hassle-free breaks. By highlighting the Borough’s proximity and ease of access, the campaign positions Ards and North Down as “Closer Than You Think.”

This campaign will showcase a wealth of great offers across the borough. Our message is simple: Ards and North Down is an accessible, family-friendly destination where visitors can relax, make memories, and enjoy fantastic value.

Campaign highlights include:
•    A strong family focus, with key messages around quality time and making memories
•    Offers showcased across Google, PPC, Facebook, Instagram, Dublin Live, Irish Times (print and digital), Belfast Live, and email marketing
•    Prominent out-of-home advertising in transport hubs including Connolly Station Dublin, Applegreens, and major shopping centres
•    A digital -first approach will include retargeting advertising to maximise bookings and engagement. 
The strapline “Closer Than You Think” is particularly effective for ROI audiences, reinforcing that Ards and North Down is an easy and convenient choice—just minutes from Belfast, yet offering a unique coastal escape.

This campaign is all about turning audience interest into bookings. By showcasing providers’ offers to families in both ROI and NI, we are making it easier than ever for visitors to choose Ards and North Down as their next short break destination. To stimulate additional interest the campaign also features a competition including the chance to win £300 off their stay here. 
The campaign runs through to the end of October, with all participating providers benefitting from an integrated marketing approach keeping this destination front of mind to potential visitors. 

For more details, visit visitardsandnorthdown.com/offers

If you are a tourism / hospitality provider based in Ards and North Down – find out more about how Ards and North Down Borough Council can support you with business support programmes, training and industry specific initiatives.