Protecting the landscape we love
Our tourism businesses are proud leaders in sustainable practice, working together to care for the environment, support local communities, and ensure that this special place can be enjoyed for generations to come.
From Green Flag parks and award-winning beaches to accessible coastal experiences - including Groomsport, one of Northern Ireland’s few fully accessible beaches (seasonal) - we’re committed to making our outdoors open to all.
For accessibility information, head to AccessAble.co.uk (AccessAble - Your Accessibility Guide). Their detailed guides give you the information you need to decide whether a location meets your access requirements.
Loughs and Legends Tourism Cluster
Local businesses, community organisations and institutions are essential partners in creating a sustainable future for Ards and North Down.
An example of this is the Loughs and Legends Tourism Cluster; a dynamic collective of eighteen local businesses united by a shared vision for sustainable and community-driven tourism across Ards and North Down.
Formerly known as The Sustainable Giants, the group has evolved into a powerful collaboration that champions ethical practices, environmental stewardship and local engagement. Many members have completed sustainability programmes and earned accreditations, demonstrating their commitment to reducing energy waste, using recyclable products and supporting local suppliers.
Find out more at Loughs and Legends Tourism Cluster Itineraries - Ards & North Down
Groomsport Beach is one of the five Inclusive Beaches in Northern Ireland
The Mae Murray Foundation in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council work together on Groomsport Beach, so that people of all ages and abilities can be included and can enjoy their surrounds to the fullest. Read more
Booking is essential. To find out what equipment is available and how you can book, go to maemurrayfoundation.org
Green Flag
The Green Flag Award is an internationally recognised certification for environmental quality management for parks and open spaces. Seven locations in Ards and North Down have achieved a Green Flag Award:
- Cairn Wood, Craigantlet
- Clandeboye Cemetery
- Kiltonga Nature Reserve (Newtownards)
- Castle Park (Bangor)
- Ballymenoch Park (Holywood)
- Londonderry Park (Newtownards)
- and, Linear Park (Bangor)
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful – Beach and Marina Awards
The Seaside Awards are national standards for beaches in Northern Ireland, ensuring visitors of a clean, safe, attractive and well-managed beach. Blue Flag operators demonstrate commitment to protecting the coastal environment, excellent water quality, water safety, and providing access for all
Ards and North Down is proud to have five award-winning beaches in the borough and an award-winning marina.
Seaside Award
- Ballywalter BT22 2PG
- Cloughey BT22 1JA
- Groomsport BT19 6JR
- Millisle BT22 2HS
Blue Flag Award
Useful Tourism NI Industry Guidance and Webinars
Tourism NI produced a guide on Going Green which is available to download here. It includes useful tips which you can explore for your business and also NI tourism case studies. See also Growing Greener Experiences Together for a Sustainability Toolkit.
Due to concerns regarding environmental issues and rising costs a number of 'Leaner and Greener' industry webinars are also available along with useful guidance information in relation to :
There is also a guide to energy management and information on how to conserve energy, reduce emissions and reduce costs in your tourism business.
Full details on saving energy and reducing waste along with useful case studies can be found here.
Additional Guidance
NI Business Info
NI Business Info offers insights on Green Tourism certification and exploring sustainable tourism.
MyNI
The MyNI digital marketing team within the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has worked with a range of partners including Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Outdoor Recreation NI, Public Health Agency and others to help you ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit and Get into Nature’ by enjoying the wonderful environment on our doorstep.
‘Get Into Nature’, encourages people across Northern Ireland to be Be outdoor smart. Leave no trace. Love the place. To adventure out into our natural environment without damaging it, to do what we can to help protect it and crucially to be prepared for all conditions and events that may occur when we’re out and about! Read more
Tourism NI's Visitor Pledge
Have you signed up to Tourism NI's Visitor Pledge #MakeaGiantDifference? The visitor pledge has been created to encourage safe and responsible tourism across Northern Ireland while supporting local businesses.
