Men are notoriously hard to buy for but this Father’s Day, Sunday 16 June 2024, we have the ultimate gift guide! With unique experiences for all types of enthusiasts, eateries for all taste palettes and an array of local makers and shops, you won’t fall short of getting something your Dad is sure to thoroughly enjoy…
Upcoming Experiences
Give the gift of an experience
Find out coming up this year in our What's On section - a comedy show, a concert or a play... or try something new in our Things to Do section.
For the drinks connoisseur
Echlinville Distillery and Copeland Distillery each offer a variety of tours and events throughout the year.
The Experience AND 2024 Gardens and Gin Coach Tour coming up in July might hit the spot, visiting National Trust-Mount Stewart, located on the shores of Strangford Lough just outside of Newtownards and Echlinville Distillery, Kircubbin.
For the foodie
Perhaps something from the Taste Summer programme might appeal?
For the history buff
Check out the various historical walking tours on offer as part of the Experience AND programme or organise something bespoke with one of the many tour guides operating in the Borough. Find out more about Things to do in the Borough.
For the water enthusiast
Paddle and Pizza at Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen in Killinchy would make for the perfect gift for the Dad who loves to get out on the water and into nature. The serene surrounds of Ballydorn Bay offer a sublime canvas in which to escape the hustle and bustle. Tracey's hospitality is second to none, as she welcomes you like a friend into her farmhouse and outside kitchen, set on the shores of the water.
Find more on the water activities
For the wanna-be farmer
Check out what experiences Ballyboley Dexters have lined up this year, at their farms in Orlock, near Groomsport, and in Greyabbey.
Treat their tastebuds
Dine out in one of our award-winning restaurants, cosy cafes or why not create a hamper of goodies made up of some of our local producers of cheese, granola, meats and chutneys.
For those partial to a whiskey or gin, Copeland Distillery and Echlinville Distillery offer tours and events throughout the year, check them out!
Find out more about our breweries and distilleries
Walk in the footsteps of legends and rising stars
No matter if your Dad is a beginner or a well-practiced golfer we have a number of golf courses to suit all, some are renowned for hosting golf legends such as Rory McIlroy, and rising stars.
Find out more about Golf in our area
Visit our outstanding attractions
The Ulster Folk Museum and the Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra offer a fantastic day out for all the family, as does a day out in nature at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber. For those looking something a little more active to do with the family why not have a go at mini adventure golf at Pickie Funpark and take a ride on the giant swan pedalo boats! And, let's not forget Northern Ireland's only aquarium and seal sanctuary either, Exploris.
More things to do and places to see
Time together
Give your Father the gift of time, priceless by all accounts. Enjoy scenic walks in one of our stunning locations for free, pack a picnic and just relax. Enjoy the moment.
Boasting 115 miles (185km) of scenic shores, our coastlines, spectacular landscapes and seascapes and award-winning parks and open spaces are a natural tonic, and they are free!
Here are some ideas for local walks in the area…
Bangor
Castle Park, Bangor, a walk through this wooded wonderland is an exhilarating experience, stroll along the tree-lined avenue to explore the formal gardens of the City Hall (Bangor Castle).
Bangor Castle Walled Garden, a real jewel in Bangor's crown, is located on the edge of Castle park, and can be accessed via the park or from the car park at Bangor Aurora Aquatic Leisure Complex.
Crawfordsburn
Located on the southern shores of Belfast Lough, Crawfordsburn Country Park, near Bangor has two spectacular beaches, breath-taking scenery, tranquil walks through wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, providing a relaxing natural retreat.
Holywood
Set above Belfast Lough, Redburn Country Park, Holywood is the place to explore 7km of pathways with spectacular views for those energetic visitors who climb to the top!
Comber
Only three miles from Newtownards off the Comber Road, Island Hill overlooks Strangford Lough and is an excellent vantage point for bird watching. Follow the path along the edge of the lough to a causeway accessible only at low tide to explore the island.
Portaferry
Once part of the Nugent’s Estate, Nugent’s wood, Portaferry is now managed by the National Trust. Enjoy a gentle walk through this mature wood of mixed broadleaved trees with beautiful views across the Strangford Narrows, towards Audley’s Castle and Castle Ward.
Scrabo Tower and Country Park, Newtownards
At the top of Scrabo Hill, overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down, is Scrabo Tower. The tower, which was built in 1857, is one of Northern Ireland’s best known landmarks and the views from the top are spectacular.
Scrabo Country Park is centred at the top of Scrabo Hill near Newtownards and boasts incredible views over Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside. There are plenty of paths through the fine beech woodlands of Killynether Wood and around the disused quarries allowing visitors many opportunities to enjoy the quiet and peaceful countryside.
This is only a sample of the walks we have to offer in Ards and North Down, check out some more:
The North Down Coastal Path which stretches 16 miles, from Holywood to Portavoe, near Donaghadee, with access, in parts, by train for those wishing to make a day of it.
- Cairn Wood, Bangor
- Lisbane near Killinchy
- Whiterock Village, Killinchy
- Kiltonga Nature Reserve, Newtownards
Donaghadee - Perfect for Hope Street fans!
Visit the Real Port Devine of BBC Series Hope Street...The Stunning Coastal Town of Donaghadee!
BBC TV series 'Hope Street' first hit our screens in late 2021, and is coming to the end of the third season, filmed entirely in the 'Beacon on the Coast', Donaghadee, or ‘The Dee’ as it is known to locals! Fans of the hit police drama are flocking to the thriving town to see it's seaside beauty.
Take a stroll through the town and around the seafront you will instantly recognise key film locations from the series, from the Police Station to the Harbour and Lighthouse and Port Devine's The Commodore pub. Go a little further round the corner, taking in the rugged coastline and venture to The Commons where you can relax and enjoy the sea air. Read more.
Special offers
Be sure to check our Offers section for seasonal perks.
Gift wrapped presents
Our Visitor Information Centres in Bangor and Newtownards, stock a range of gifts to choose from, created by artists and makers from all over Northern Ireland.
If you are looking something unique to our area then this is the spot to visit!
However you spend Father's Day, enjoy it.
All events are subject to change | Booking fees may apply | Terms and conditions apply | Check with providers directly for opening hours and visiting charges
