The official website of Visit Ards and North Down

You are here: What's on > Event Highlights

Event Highlights

Discover Ards and North Down through our lively events and experiences programme throughout the year.

Annual events are a highlight in our calendar here in Ards and North Down; flagship days out for locals and visitors who travel afar for our renowned programme, which offer free admission and can incur little to no cost.

Please note all events below are for 2024, and more details on each event can be found during the year as the individual event pages are updated.

United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch (RSPBANI) in conjunction with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is delighted to present the United Kingdom Pipe and Drum Major Championships.

The event will take place at Ward Arras area of Ward Park in Bangor, Northern Ireland, on Saturday 18 May 2024, commencing at 10 am and is supported by and Ards and North Down Borough Council. This free to attend event always makes for a fantastic day out.

The impressive showcase of sound and colour fills the air and is a delight to the eyes. Friendly competition creates a really enjoyable atmosphere for all.

Food and Drink Events

Here in Ards and North Down we can't help but love our food and drink! How can we not, with an abundance of quality local makers and producers who use ingredients from our rich tide and turf, and two local distilleries renowned worldwide for their brews and spirits.

Award winning restaurants and eateries showcase the best of our locally farmed ingredients on plates that tantalise the taste buds.Find out more.

We celebrate this offering with our two Taste Ards and North Down events, one in spring and the other autumn.

Taste Summer, Wednesday 19 – Saturday 30 June
Various events will take place across the borough
Featuring Comber Earlies Food Festival on Saturday 22 June

Taste Autumn, Thursday 5 – Sunday 15 September
Various events will take place across the borough
Featuring Tide and Turf, Portavogie on Saturday 7 September.

More info on both of these Taste events to come.

Keep checking back to our website, follow our facebook page or sign up to our ezine for updates.

Experience Ards and North Down

These events detailed are simply some of the highlights during the year however sprinkled in between is a wealth of independently run events, group tours and private tours of a variety of interests, family fun days and so on.

Every year we put together a programme of Experiences that bring together local businesses to create unique days out for you to enjoy in our place.Our coastline makes for a great adventure playground, treated respectfully of course with safety in mind; our countryside dotted with artists and makers, producers, and historic towns and villages, are a canvas of arts and heritage to be explored.

Highlights of this particular programme, which runs from April to January, can include tours and events held in locations not normally open to the public, on water fun such involving paddleboards and kayaks, opportunities to learn new skills in the way of arts and crafts, a chance to devour some scrumptious delights in our local eateries, serving our local ingredients in the finest way possible sure to have you wanting more.

Find out more about our Experience programme.

Calendar Events

April

Our AND Culture section present the Ards Guitar Festival. A programme of mini events and activities that celebrate guitar music locally and afar. Find out more

May

May Day starts off the events programme with the traditional Merry May Day celebrations in the wonderful boutique town of Holywood, our gateway into the borough from Belfast, Holywood District Community Council organise Merry May Day with support from Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The town centre closes its roads to make way for an on street market, food stalls, children's entertainment, live music and of course the dance performance around the May Pole, as well as the Bonny Baby compeitition and the crowning of the May Queen! Children are encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters which always makes for fantastic fun. Local school children, who practice intently in the run up, gather together to dance the traditional steps using ribbons that form a pattern on what is the islands only May Pole, accompanied by live traditional music.

June

The Sea Bangor Festival, held at the city of Bangor seafront over a weekend in June, celebrates our relationship with the sea and our maritime heritage.

Themed entertainment, children's crafts and play, on the water and off water activities, live music (normally accompanied by the chance to dance!),
displays by the RNLI and so much more make this popular event providing nothing but wholesome memories for all the family.

The location of the event serves the additional bonus of plentiful more activity close by in the centre including Pickie Funpark, just a short walk along the promenade around the marina.

Another highlight of June is the Comber Earlies Food Festival, part of our 'Taste Summer' programme. A weekend that celebrates the locally grown and worldwide famous Comber Early potato, whose claim to fame is the PGI status it holds, protected geographical indication (PGI) status, under European law. PGI status recognises the regional importance and distinctive characteristics of the Comber Early potato and means that only new season potatoes harvested from the fields of Comber and the surrounding area can be marketed as new season Comber earlies.

Celebrity chefs such as Jean-Christophe Noveli, Theo Randall and Paula McIntyre have previously joined us in our Demo Kitchen to share their recipes and tips on how to make the most of your Comber Earlies.

There is a surplus of family fun, from potatoe themed crafts, to chilren's fun fair rides, street theatre, live music, an artisan market that showcases our fabulous local makers and producers as well as tractor displays, and more!

Look out for associated events over the weekend including food tours, guided historical walking tours and more.

This festival forms part of our 'Taste summer' programme of events and markets.

August

Every August, the Open House Festival launches a month long programme of arts and culture events ranging from live music sessions, to book clubs, food tours, boat tours and Music in the Park on Sundays in local Ward Park.

In 2022, Open House opened The Court House Bangor, a venue for live music and the arts. Here you will find an all year programme, bringing people together for the best time! Find out more about Open House Festival.

Our own AND Culture produce a fantastic programme of events throughout the year too including workshops and classes, Friday Night Live sessions, theatre, children's crafts and so much more. Find out more about Culture - Ards and North Down.

September

'Taste Autumn' sees us through the end of summer and welcome in the autumn season at the end of August and into September. Tide and Turf Portavogie Food Festival serves as the flagship event to this programme of events and markets that showcase our fine food and drink. The location of this event, in Portavogie, celebrates the world class seafood that arrives to these docks, shipped over the island and afar, from the renowned 'Portavogie prawn' to fresh lobster, mussels and fish catch.

Christmas

In November, we welcome in the festive season to the borough with two council-run family fun events, in Bangor City and in Newtownards, with the Switch On events. These occur normally on the third and fourth Saturdays in the month. Join us for artisan markets, food, entertainment for the little ones and those young at heart, live music and more.

Throughout the borough, the remaining towns and villages choose to welcome in the season their own way. Look out for even more family fun dotted around Ards and North Down in November and December.

Craft workshops, Christmas markets and family shows put the additional sparkle into the festive season in our place.

Find out more about Christmas in Ards and North Down.

Tourism Grant Aided Events

We are also delighted to be supporting a number of local organisations through funding which has contributed to creating a programme of events for all in the community, visitors from inside the borough and outside.

Find out more about Grant-Aided Events.

And there's even more happening in between...

Find out what else the year has in store for you should you visit our part of the Isle, there is something for everyone!

What's on listings

Please note

This serves as a guide to a typical year of events highlights in Ards and North Down, however, details and events subject to change.

There will be a small charge for some activities at events.

Photography and videography may take place at some or all of the above events. Please be sure to inform a member of staff on site if you wish not to feature in stock imagery collected for the promotion of the borough and it's events.

Number of results: 764

, currently showing 81 to 100.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Ivy Cottage

Bangor

Address

63 Main Street, Greyabbey, Bangor, Co Down, BT22 2NF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7889393146

Magswhilbymw@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Sleeping four in a double and two singles, as well as having the option of a single sofa bed erected in the main bedroom - Ivy Cottage can accommodate five people in total. We also have one bathroom, with a large bath/shower.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Wild Dining at Orlock

Groomsport

Address

'The Orlock', 26 Orlock Road, Groomsport, County Down

alexanderdexters@btinternet.com

Price
Price £62.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A first for this area and an experience like no other. This is rare opportunity that combines the food stories of three local artisanal producers, The Alexander Family, owners of the farm, Nina Cristanacce from Lightfoot Kitchen, Bangor and Seafresh…

Dates

Price
Price £62.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Barnwell Farm Cottages- Whin Cottage

Greyabbey

Address

8 Ballybryan Road, Greyabbey, Co Down, BT22 2RB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8488

info@barnwellfarmcottages.co.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Self-Catering

1 of a group of 7 cottages that can accommodate parties of up to 34 people.
Whin Cottage was developed in single storey format. Whin is bright, cheery and welcoming, a reminder of the atmosphere in the original Brooks farm kitchen which forms part…
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
The Rabbit Rooms

Bangor

Address

30-32 Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 7699

Info@therabbitrooms.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Everything is locally sourced our wonderful meat, fish, vegetables, our staff (apart from our Moroccan
yak herder) all of it is good old home grown Northern Ireland stuff.

More Info
Culloden Estate and Spa

Holywood

Address

142 Bangor Road, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 0EX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 1066

res@cull.hastingshotels.com
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Hotel

Standing high on the wooded slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the Co. Antrim coastline, is the magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa, one of the most prestigious 5 star hotels in Northern Ireland.
Special Offers
- Midweek Serenity & Dine Retreat - County Down
  From £495 per room per night based on 2 sharing
  Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a Midweek Spa & Dine Retreat at the prestigious Culloden Estate & Spa. Relax in an oasis of tranquility at the Spa with a luxurious treatment for two and, in the evening, stroll through the Culloden Estate gardens down the path to the Cultra Inn for a 3 course dinner.
  Book now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Sunday Stayover - County Down
  From £320 per room
  Make it a lavish ending to the weekend with a Sunday Stayover. Enjoy a gourmet 3 course Sunday Lunch in Vespers, luxurious overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast in the morning and a late checkout until 12 Noon
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
More Info
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Gym On Premises
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Indoor pool
- Swimming Pool On Premises
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Newtownards Market

Newtownards

Address

Conway Square, High Street, Lower Mary Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Markets

Every Saturday, set in central Conway Square, from early morning, offering a diverse range of stalls.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Big Summer Food Showcase Weekend at the Georgian House

Newtownards

Address

The Square, Comber, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 5DT

Telephone
02891 311106

no14atthegeorgianhouse@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Chef Jim Mulholland is joined by guest chef friends from across Northern Ireland in a kitchen garden erected to provide live demos across a 2 day event.

Dates

From:
29 June 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
From:
30 June 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00

More Info
The Big Foodie Quiz

Comber

Address

McBrides on the Square, 1-3 The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
028 91313969

hello@mcbridesonthesquare.co.uk

Price
Price £3.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Bring your appetite for knowledge and join us for a night of fun, food trivia, and friendly competition.

Dates

From:
20 June 2024Open 19:30 - 23:00

Price
Price £3.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Lorne Estate

Holywood

Address

30 Station Road, Holywood, Co. Down, BT18 0BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 5212

info@girlguidingulster.org.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Group Hostel

Lorne Estate a 21 acre estate overlooking Belfast Lough. Situated 8 miles from Belfast on easily accessible transport routes. Facilities nearby include Folk Museum, Country Park and Ulster Way.
More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Bayview House

Newtownards

Address

40 Bayview Road, Killinchy, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 6TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1690

killinchy@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

Originally three labourers thatched cottages dating back to 1912 Bayview House was sympathetically modernised in 2000 and overlooks Ballymorran Bay.
Set just one mile from the village of Killinchy there are two pub restaurants, Balloo House & ...

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
North Down Museum

Bangor

Address

Bangor City Hall, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 1200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Visit North Down Museum to explore the fascinating saga of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day. The Museum takes you on a journey through Early Christian heritage and the Vikings to Scottish Settlers and the Victorians.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
NI Silver Beginners Jewellery Making Workshops

Holywood

Address

Holywood, County Down

Telephone
+44 (0) 7879 698 286

ruth@nisilver.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and courses

NI Silver is in the business of 'creating memories' for people; memories of their time in Northern Ireland, memories on this earth and memories of special time spent with loved ones. We help you create handmade and handcrafted ‘Wearable Memories’…

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking Free on public pavement between two drives. Please do not park outside neighbours drives or on our private drive as this needs to be kept clear at all times.
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Ards Visitor Information Centre

Newtownards

Address

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Tourist Information Centre

Make us your first point of call for information on attractions, accommodation, activities and events during your visit to the beautiful Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough region. We can help with tailored advice on how best to spend your time here.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Daft Eddy's Bar & Restaurant

Killinchy

Address

Sketrick Island, Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1615

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Renowned for its fresh food and wonderful hospitality, Daft Eddy's offers fresh seafood and a host of other local produce.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
The Poacher’s Pocket

Lisbane

Address

181 Killinchy Road, Lisbane, County Down, BT23 5NE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1589

victoria@ballooinns.com

Type

Type:

Pub / Nightclub

Originally established in the 1800’s as an old coaching inn, The Poacher’s Pocket is situated in the heart of picturesque County Down.

More Info
Rose Cottage and Annex

Newtownards

Address

6 Church Street, Greyabbey, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2NQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7980690250

janet.hamilton@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Rose Cottage Annex is one of 3 “Quaint Cottages Greyabbey” available to rent. It has a spacious open plan kitchen, dining and living area with wonderful views on to a large, private garden with jungle gym. Suitable for couples, families, dog owners.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
The Cultra Inn

Cultra

Address

Cultra Inn, 111 Bangor Road, Cultra, County Down, BT18 0EX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 1066

Cultrainn@cull.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

We pride ourselves on our high standard of food and service. Using only the finest local produce our wholesome menu has been created by our Head Chef, Mark McMahon, to satisfy all your culinary needs.

More Info
Boleyhill Farm Cottages - The Milking Parlour

Greyabbey

Address

10 Cardy Road, Greyabbey, Co. Down, BT22 2LS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8737

judywatt@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Boleyhill Farm is situated at the top of a private lane between Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea. The three cottages retain their original character and charm and have been renovated to the highest standard.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Little Citizens Boutique

Holywood

Address

112A High Street, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 9HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8427

hello@littlecitizensboutique.com

Type

Type:

Arts & Crafts Shop

We bring new ideas in play to modern families. Discover toys and gifts that are designed with brilliance. Our goal is to bring more creativity into the world. We know that through open-ended play,

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Pickie Fun Park

Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9145 0746

info@pickiefunpark.com
Gradings
- 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.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi