Blog (Things To Do) - Ards & North Down

Northern Ireland is home to many stories, myths, and legends, with Ards and North Down laying claim to a fair few of its own. Ruined castles, holy wells, abbeys and military forts where tales of Bronze Age communities, Vikings, early Christian and Ulster-Scots heritage, and the role of this area in the Great Wars, are here to be discovered.

The National Trust in Northern Ireland play a big part of the care of Strangford Lough, An Area of Designated Natural Beauty, managing over 5,000 hectares of coast and countryside in and around Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula. Find out more about the locations in their care that you can visit.

Restore your wellbeing and immerse yourself in our place; nestled amongst our beautiful scenery, enjoy a spa break in one of our specialised accommodation's waiting to welcome you.

Indulge in some Hallowe'en themed fun at one of the many events and experiences at popular attractions dotted throughout the borough - family fun for all, and some for the just the adults too!

Groomsport Beach is one of the five Inclusive Beaches in Northern Ireland, enabled so by the Mae Murray Foundation, which means that it has been carefully planned so that people of all ages and abilities can be included and can enjoy their surrounds to the fullest. Situated in the North Down area of our borough, this village location is an idyllic spot to spend a summer's day.

On the most easterly shores of Ulster, with easy sea travel, the Ards Peninsula has long been a place of human settlement.  The first inhabitants were Stone Age hunter-gatherers; later Scrabo Hill was occupied in the Bronze Age between 2000 and 300 BC.  Christianity took root in 545AD when St Finian founded a monastery named "Movilla" which was subsequently destroyed by the Vikings sometime after 824AD. 

To mark this moment in history, Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to announce that several celebratory and community events are planned to mark the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen in May 2023.

This Easter, make the most of your time, get out and about and enjoy time together.

Add to the memory album with these fun-tastic themed events!  

Spring in Ards and North Down is finally here… Visit Northern Ireland’s newest City of Bangor for a traditional seaside day out, take in the stunning views and enjoy a delicious bite to eat in picturesque Donaghadee. Relax as you enjoy the coffee culture in Holywood, a spot of shopping in bustling Newtownards, or visit Comber to pick up some local treats at the monthly Farmer’s Market before exploring nearby WWT Castle Espie.

The student community forms an integral part of Ards and North Down due to the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Campuses in Bangor and Newtownards. Both towns within the Ards and North Down borough are located within 10 miles of Belfast City.

BBC TV series 'Hope Street' first hit our screens in late 2021, and is 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 its seaside beauty.

Check out our recent e-zines and sign up to keep up to date with everything that is happening across the Borough.

Inspiration for things to do, offers, accommodation and lots of handy tips to plan your next relaxing short stay in Ards and North Down.