Embrace the natural landscapes and seascapes as you journey the 115 miles of scenic coastline winding your way along the edge of Belfast Lough, on to the Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough.
Explore water’s edge beauty spots and heritage sites, savour our award-winning local food and drink, be inspired by our creative makers and experience exhilarating activities and events – it’s all waiting for you!
Time depth
Discover the stories, embrace the folklore and indulge in our rich heritage. Explore ruined castles, holy wells, abbeys and military forts where tales of Bronze Age communities, Vikings, our early Christian and
Ulster-Scots heritage and the role of this area in the Great Wars all come to life.
Local museums each have a unique story to tell. North Down Museum in Bangor, travels back to the Bronze Age through a series of rooms, each dedicated to a particular era. Uncover the magic of the National Trust’s Mount Stewart. Tour the 19th century stately home, stroll in world-class gardens or wind along idyllic woodland and farmland walking trails in this magnificent Irish demesne.
Water’s edge
This is the perfect base for water sport enthusiasts, with wonderful coastal waters and passionate providers to help as you give kite surfing, paddleboarding, canoeing or scuba diving a go.
Our scenic shoreline is yours to escape to and explore with a boat trip around the loughs, or a coastal walk or bike ride.
Creative spirit
A region brimming with creativity, with more makers per head than anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Awaken your creative spirit with a visit to our galleries, workshops and studios dotted across the landscape, where their unique skills are shared and crafts and artworks are showcased for sale.
Meet the makers, hear their stories, or why not take a class?
Food and drink
Savour the tastes of our region with the finest and freshest ingredients found at our traditional markets, artisan food shops and dishes across the region’s award-winning restaurants.
Ards and North Down is the ideal location to escape, relax and have fun.
