Strangford Lough

Take to the great outdoors of Strangford Lough. Explore and treat your eyes to stunning Strangford Lough.

Situated only 30 minutes’ drive away from the hustle and bustle of Belfast, the tranquil shores await, offering visitors a 365 days a year destination where a friendly welcome awaits, whatever the weather!

For inspiration planning your visit to Strangford Lough, take a look at this handy route from Tourism Ireland

On the Lough

Experience sailing, kayaking, diving, canoeing, bird watching, fishing, kite surfing, windsurfing, boating, and when the weather is right, paddling and swimming! A simple ferry journey is also a must do; let the wind blow the cobwebs away! For current ferry crossings times check the Strangford Ferry timetable. For more information and for booking of boat trips contact Ards Visitor Information Centre on 028 9182 6846.

Around the Lough

A wealth of family friendly attractions await for kids of all ages to explore! Feed the ducks, hold a starfish, hand paint a piece of pottery, hop on a steam train or simply build a sandcastle. Our land based activities range from challenging golf, adrenalin fuelled motor racing, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, or energy burning cycling and walking. For peace, beauty, tranquillity and family fun, visit Delamont Country Park, situated on the shores of Strangford Lough. Enjoy woodland and countryside walks, open areas for family picnics, BBQ area and games, an outdoor adventure playground, miniature railway and summer events. Stunning views include the Windmill Hill Viewpoint, offering spectacular 360 degree views of Peninsula shores, Drumlins, Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea as well as the Ballyquintin Viewpoint - the closest viewpoint to the bar mouth of the lough. Climb to the top of Slieve Patrick, taking in the Stations of the Cross as you go, or visit The Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, following the footsteps of Ireland’s patron saint while in St Patrick’s Country. Find hidden gems at the National Trust properties, eccentric contrasting architectural styles at Castle Ward, climb a tree at Rowallane Garden, discover an 18th century village at Kearney, or experience the breath taking views of the Lough, from the family burial ground Tír na nÓg at Mount Stewart. If you are a keen walker, why not browse Walk NI, the National Trust site for ideas or download the National Trust 'Little Book of Great Walks Near You: Northern Ireland' (pdf) which details walks within Mount Stewart and Strangford Lough, specifically Nugent's Wood Walk, as well as other walks within the Ards and North Down Borough.

Above the Lough

Why not take to the air? Helicopter, microlight and plane tours all offer magnificent views of the Lough and landscape. Have your camera at the ready!

Creativity round the Lough

Make the most of your visit to Strangford Lough by taking home a special handcrafted memory… Strangford Lough and the surrounding area inspires local artists, which is why it is home to numerous craft workshops and studios. Ceramics, woodturning, jewellery making, and textile crafts are just some of the wonderful creations made in the region.

Plan your trip to the beautiful Strangford Lough with the help of one of our suggested itineraries, our Family Time - 3 Day Itinerary or Follow the Tide - 3 Day Itinerary.

Find out more

Visit the National Trust website for more information on Things to do at Strangford Lough. Here, find out tips on great walking spots, where to go for a picnic, how to discover our rare wildlife, the towns and villages steeped in history on the shores of the lough, and more.

Please remember: Please check individual attractions for opening and pricing information, to ensure that you have the most up to date information before your visit.

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Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

With over 100 miles of coastline, many Areas of Special Scientific Interest and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we want to protect this special place and the impact we have on our natural surroundings.
Strangford Lough - Family Time, 3 Day Itinerary

When it comes to eating, drinking, travelling and experiencing, here, in Ards and North Down, we embrace a slower pace. Away from the crowds, carve your path back to nature and create your family's staycation stories in this unique part of the world.
Strangford Lough - Follow the Tide, 3 Day Itinerary

Engage your senses, emotions and feelings the natural way - follow the tide around Strangford Lough in Ards and North Down. Try new things. Visit new places. This three day itinerary will help you squeeze as much as possible into your short break.
Strangford Lough - Treasure Time around Strangford Lough, 2 Day Itinerary

Salute the end of summer with a short break to the stunning shores of Strangford Lough in Ards and North Down. Embrace a different pace as you slow down and enjoy sensing every new flavour, every new step into this unusual, unique part of the world.
Cities, Towns and Villages

Ards and North Down is made up of the City of Bangor, four lively individually defined towns, all surrounded by an abundance of unique villages, big and small, each with something special to offer.
The Ards Peninsula Way - Part of Ards and North Down

Discover the Ards Peninsula with its unspoilt villages, tranquil abbey, castles and welcoming locals, all with a story to share. Located on the east coastline of Northern Ireland, only half an hour from Belfast, the area is surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough, boasting miles of coastline.