Within minutes of Belfast, discover beautiful countryside walks and spectacular water’s edge views this spring in Ards And North Down. From the breathtaking coastal paths to cosy pubs filled with charm, enjoy a host of exciting attractions, outdoor activities and awaken your spirit by exploring the 185 kms of scenic shorelines, including the picture perfect Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough, which was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Here are nine reasons to escape the everyday with a relaxing trip to Ards and North Down.
1. Easy to get to with short travel times from major cities
Located right on Belfast’s doorstep, and within two hours of Dublin by road, getting to Ards and North Down is a hassle-free adventure thanks to its great public transport links and road networks. Once here, why not hire a car and explore our diverse towns and villages, stunning landscapes, coastal walks and lough views?
2. Ours is a welcome warm and embracing
Ards and North Down makes the perfect spot for a relaxing short break. Enjoy the beauty of this place with accommodation ranging from distinctive self-catering options, cosy guest houses, glamping and caravanning/camping, to three-, four- and five-star hotel and spa facilities. Why not book a tour to connect with the locals, taste award winning food and drink or learn about our rich heritage?
3. Ours is a place to discover
It is easy to get lost in the beauty of this place, with breath-taking scenery, lush farmed fields and winding roads, Ards And North Down offers the opportunity to escape, reconnect and nourish your spirit. Picturesque towns and villages will surprise you with our rich heritage and embrace you with our warm welcome.
4. Travel from Belfast Lough to Bangor, where family fun is a shore thing
Follow the stunning 26 km North Down Coastal Path on foot or bike along the shore of Belfast Lough from Holywood via Crawfordsburn Country Park with its pristine beaches, to the seaside town of Bangor. Enjoy a seaside revival experience with an ice cream on the pier, admire the yachts at our world-class marina or entertain the family with an afternoon at Pickie Funpark. Continue along the coast to Donaghadee, where the lighthouse stands tall in the harbour and on a fine day the view to Scotland is clear and uninterrupted.
5. The breathtaking views from high and low
Visit Ards Peninsula and discover a host of charming villages and quaint fishing towns on your way to Ireland’s most easterly location, the picture perfect Burr Point. In the village of Portaferry, see marine life up close at Exploris, Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal sanctuary.
In Newtownards, climb up to historic Scrabo Tower to take in the panoramic lough views. Just 10 minutes drive away, you will discover the taste of Ards and North Down at artisan food shops and eateries and a weekly farmers’ market in Comber. For stunning estuary views visit nearby Castle Espie wetland centre or explore the surrounding villages of Lisbane and Killinchy.
6. Experience rich heritage and history
Visit The National Trust’s magical Mount Stewart. This fine example of an Irish demesne is steeped in history and includes the recently restored 19th-century stately home, world class gardens and extensive walking trails. Enjoy a unique day out to learn about the estate’s rich heritage and wander through the beautiful grounds (voted one of the top ten gardens in the world with UNESCO World Cultural Heritage). Just a short drive along the beautiful Ards Peninsula will bring you to Greyabbey village, where you can visit quaint tea rooms, award winning eateries and antique shops followed by a stroll around the historic Abbey.
7. Dive in to a trip on the water’s edge
Ours is a land of lush fertile fields and sweeping lough shores. Boost your wellbeing while enjoying the fantastic views at the water’s edge, by booking a paddleboard or kayaking tour to experience beautiful Strangford Lough from a whole new perspective.
8. It's the home of great taste
Enjoy our finest local foods in one of the many award-winning restaurants and artisan food shops or sample a ‘wee dram’ of local ale, gin or whiskey in our cosy pubs.
As a leading food region with a famed agricultural and nautical heritage, home to world class ingredients, innovative local producers and many award-winning restaurants, Ards and North Down is a foodie haven. Make it a flavourful day by booking a foodie tour to sample the best produce the North has to offer, like learning how to make artisan bread in Tracey’s kitchen (situated on the shores of scenic Strangford Lough), or experiencing spirits production at one of the many local distilleries.
Or why not begin your day in Comber? At the home of great taste, located at the northern end of Strangford Lough, you can enjoy the local crafts and artisan food scene, with many local shops selling unique, handmade goods. Then tantalise your taste buds with homegrown foods and locally brewed drinks; eat in one or our cosy cafes and buy something delicious to take home. If you are here on the first Thursday of the month, don’t forget to visit Comber Farmers’ Market, which is famous for its award-winning produce that includes fresh breads, delicious jams, chutneys and craft beers.
9. Make memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime
Step back 100 years in history at the Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra and visit Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre, Exploris in Portaferry. Get up close to Ireland's largest collection of native and migrant birds at Castle Espie Wetland Centre or spend the day at Bangor’s Pickie Funpark, with family favourites the ‘Pickie Puffer’, giant pedal swans and much more.
Stay a while and relax in the beauty of this place.