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: 782

, currently showing 121 to 140.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

1 Ardmore Terrace

Holywood

Address

Flat 1, 1 Ardmore Terrace, Ballykeel, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 9BH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7979 371 404

drjkeenan07@googlemail.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Self-Catering apartment situated conveniently on the ground floor. Guests have access to the entire apartment including a beautiful private enclosed courtyard.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Bangor

Address

Valentine Road, Castle Park, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Garden

It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Varieties of flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables mix with sculptures and a unique fountain with a tongue twister! We are thrilled that the Walled Garden is now open all year round…

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Friday Night Supper Club Comber Earlies Special - Lisbane

Lisbane

Address

The Old Post Office, 191 Killinchy Road, Lisbane, County Down, BT23 6AA

Telephone
028 9754 3335

stuart@opocafe.co.uk

Price
Price £24.95 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Fully Licenced the Friday Night Supper Club at The Old Post Office Lisbane has a vibrant atmosphere exceptional food and a great Wine list

Dates

From:
28 June 2024Open 18:30 - 23:30

Price
Price £24.95 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ards Arts Centre

Newtownards

Address

Town Hall Arts Centre, Conway Square, Frances Street/High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

Located in Newtownards’ beautifully restored Georgian Town Hall in the centre of town, the Ards Arts Centres a welcoming space which supports a wide range of community arts activities alongside our own initiatives.

More Info
Ards Artisans

Newtownards

Address

Ards Shopping Centre, 22 Circular Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4EU

Telephone
+44 (0)7546 771 269

marketfreshbangor19@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Markets

Featuring the work of local makers and bakers, organic veg, presses and preserves, local honey, sourdough breads, freshly baked goods, fresh flowers and plants, recycled and upcycled goods, fine crafts, textiles, jewellery and ceramics.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
The Big Draw

Conway Square, Newtownards

Address

Ards Arts Centre, Frances Street/High Street, Conway Square, Newtownards, County Down, BT20 4TF

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Join in The Big Draw at Ards Arts Centre and be part of the world's biggest community of drawing enthusiasts!

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Vespers Restaurant

Holywood

Address

Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EX

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9042 1066

res@cull.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Vespers is one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland. It serves modern Irish Cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Open 08:00 - 10:30

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Yard Gallery

Holywood

Address

102-104 High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 7210

info@yardgallery.com

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Yard Gallery is a contemporary, purpose-built art space housing two galleries. We aim to make innovative, original and high quality artwork affordable, available and accessible to everyone.

More Info
Strangford Lough Lookout

Newtownards

Address

Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842787769

strangford@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

The Lookout is a wildlife interpretative centre, showcasing the wildlife around the Strangford Lough area. Telescopes and remotely controlled camers allow close up views of basking seals and breeding seabird colonies.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Bangor

Address

38 Prospect Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0766

enquiries@robinsongoldsmiths.com

Type

Type:

Jewellery

At Robinson Goldsmith Family jewellers we design, manufacture and repair jewellery. Specialising in custom made jewellery and fitted wedding rings. We also stock unique jewellery from other jewellery designers from the UK, Ireland and Europe.

More Info
Barr Hall Barns - Cottage

Portaferry

Address

31 Barr Hall Road, Portaferry, Co Down, BT22 1RQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 4272 1218

hello@dynesresidential.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Barr Hall Barns consists of three 18th Century period cottages in an outstanding tranquil location with panoramic views across Strangford Lough to the Mourne Mountains.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

Cloughey

Address

142 Main Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1JA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4277 1233

office@kirkistowncastlegolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Links Golf Course

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club is situated in the sleepy little village of Cloughey on the eastern seaboard of the Ards Peninsula in County Down, N.Ireland. It is the nearest links golf course to the city of Belfast (about 45 minutes by road)

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Ward Park

Bangor

Address

Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

A perfect park in the centre of Bangor. An ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife and feed the ducks.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
St Patrick's Hall Apartment No. 2

Newtownards

Address

Apt 2 St Patrick's Hall, 50A Shore Road, Portaferry, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 1JZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7720 407 496

themehargs@talktalk.net

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

St Patrick's Hall lies in the heart of main street Portaferry. The Victorian church hall has been sympathetically converted into three luxury apartments.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
McBrides on the Square

Comber

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 1744

irissmcbride@aol.com

Type

Type:

Bar

For over 35 years McBride’s have been providing quality traditional meals using fresh produce sourced from local suppliers, especially shellfish and seafood from Portavogie.

More Info
Ulster Transport Museum

Holywood

Address

153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £11.50 Activity

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Celebrate the history of invention and innovation through engineering, design, and technology at Ulster Transport Museum. Check out the famous Delorean, a Ferguson tractor and a model replica of the Titanic!

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2024to30 Sept 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Price £11.50 Activity

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
The Battletown Gallery

Newtownards

Address

90 Bowtown Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SL

Telephone
+447816 576102

alison@battletowngallery.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

The gallery seeks to promote quality Irish art in a relaxed atmosphere and displays a varied range of work. With emphasis on quality and innovative work, the gallery showcases both contemporary and semi-traditional styles.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Clandeboye Lodge Hotel

Bangor

Address

10 Estate Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1UR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 2500

welcome@clandeboyelodge.co.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Hotel

A place apart. Clandeboye Lodge is the warm welcome of Northern Ireland. The comfortable and cosy corner you won’t want to leave. Charm and service from dawn until dusk.
Special Offers
- The Perfect Round (Clandeboye GC Championship Dufferin) - County Down
  From £290 for 2 guests
  Enjoy a golfing stay and play at Clandeboye Lodge. Situated on the grounds of Clandeboye Estate, Clandeboye Golf Club is perfect for more accomplished players. Play the Dufferin course, one of the highest rated championship courses in Ireland, before returning to the luxury of the hotel and the Coq & Bull brasserie to discuss the finer shots of the day! 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner & 1 round on 18 hole Dufferin course.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Play AND Stay Golfing Offers
- The Perfect Round (Blackwood GC Par 3) - County Down
  From £245 for 2 guests
  Enjoy a golfing stay and play at Clandeboye Lodge. With the stunning Blackwood Golf Centre only a decent 5-iron away, enjoy a hassle-free golfing break to suit you. Play the Par 3 course before returning to the luxury of the hotel and the Coq & Bull brasserie to discuss the finer shots of the day! 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner, 1 round on 18 hole Par 3 course & 250 balls on driving range.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Play AND Stay Golfing Offers
- Celebrate - County Down
  From £220 for 2 guests
  Whether it is a wedding anniversary, a big birthday or a special occasion for family or friends, you want to mark it in a way that is memorable. Enjoy a glass of prosecco and then a celebration dinner in the famed Coq & Bull brasserie. To keep the party going, we start you off the next day with a Bucks Fizz breakfast! Includes 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner, glass of prosecco & Bucks Fizz with breakfast.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Ultra-Luxe Suite - County Down
  From £350 for 2 guests
  Stay in the height of luxury in the Ultra-luxe Suite. Immerse yourself in tranquillity as you soak in the standalone copper bathtub, and lose yourself in your favourite Netflix shows from the super-sized, contemporary four-poster bed. Let the sumptuous surroundings transport you to a place of utter indulgence! Includes 1 night B&B, fresh fruit skewers & bottle of prosecco.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- A Date with Nature - County Down
  From £250 for 2 guests
  Refresh yourself through the power of the natural world and the simple pleasure of walking. Let the luxurious Clandeboye Lodge be your starting point as you venture out to explore the nearby woodland trails and coastal paths. Return to a warming afternoon Irish coffee and luxury shortbread. Then take a rest, dress for dinner and join us for the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the wonderful Coq & Bull brasserie. Well deserved. Includes 1 night B&B, late afternoon Irish Coffee with luxury shortbread, 3 course dinner & bottle of wine.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Deluxe Retreat - County Down
  From £245 for 2 guests
  Start with a gift box of deluxe treats that will make your stay that little bit more special. Take time to relax by the fire before getting ready for the Coq & Bull dining experience - the finest of local produce, beautifully cooked and presented. Retire to your stylish room for a blissful night’s sleep then why not finish off with breakfast in bed the next day? Includes 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner, glass of prosecco & a gift box of deluxe treats.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Time Together - County Down
  From £254 for 2 guests
  Experience a luxury romantic escape at the private and stylish Clandeboye Lodge. Indulge in life's luxuries as you take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, savour a romantic meal at the Coq & Bull brasserie, and relish precious moments together. Complete your evening with a luxury night cap of Espresso Martinis served with artisan salted caramel brownies. Exquisite. Includes 1 night B&B, bottle of prosecco, 3 course dinner & luxury night cap.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Tranquil Indulgence - County Down
  From £280 for 2 guests
  Pamper yourself with an in-room VOYA spa experience. This includes the incredible Lazy Days organic seaweed bath pack to detoxify and hydrate your skin, followed by the luxurious Mindful Dreams body oil, Original Scented candle and soothing Pillow Heaven sleep spray. Includes 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner & VOYA organic spa pack.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- A Taste of Freedom - County Down
  From £210 for 2 guests
  Your chance to simply escape to the countryside and enjoy the famed hospitality at the Clandeboye Lodge. Enjoy the finest local and seasonal produce at the renowned Coq & Bull brasserie, paired perfectly with an exceptional wine list. Finish off with a lie in and our awesome freshly cooked breakfast to complete the ultimate countryside getaway. Includes 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner & glass of prosecco.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
The Hideaway

Newtownards

Address

3 Ballyrusley Road, Portaferry, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 1JR

Telephone
+44 (0) 7725690868

jill@justlivealittle.co

Type

Type:

Guest Accommodation

Luxury hideaway for 2 in Portaferry. Only 30 miles from Belfast but a world away. Uninterrupted countryside views overlooking Ireland's only mini tea plantation. Within walking of the picturesque town of Portaferry.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Neil Delamere

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Meetinghouse Street, Portaferry, Co Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Comedy

"One lean, mean, comedy, killing machine' ***** The Herald
From the man who brought you his Liminal tour last year... (and Subliminal the year before - well, of course you don't remember!)... Here is the Post-liminal event!
This event is part of…

Dates

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking