Drive AND Explore more in Ards and North Down

Visiting by car? This interactive online map will help you explore more of this region, highlighting the key sights along the way during your visit.

With 115 miles of coastline, rolling hills of green and bustling towns and villages along the way, there is plenty to discover by car. The shape of the region, with the Ards Peninsula, creates the perfect driving route with beauty spots, attractions, eateries and carparks along the way! Choose your route now and explore our place.

Holywood 

Discover the bustling town centre famed for its Maypole – the only one in Ireland - and a host of boutique shops, eateries and galleries.  You can follow in the footsteps of Normans invaders in the 12th century at the Motte and the old Priory, which is an Anglo-Norman Augustinian Abbey.

If you’re feeling energetic, the North Down Coastal path starts here – skirting the rugged coast of Belfast Lough over 14 miles to Orlock Point east of Groomsport. Why not venture along to Crawfordsburn and refuel before you return taking in the amazing views. 

A little further down the road, be transported back in time at the Ulster Folk Museum as you wander through a life gone by at Ballycultra or take in the wonderful old methods of travel at the Ulster Transport Museum.

City of Bangor 

The City of Bangor may take its name from the Gaelic Beannchor meaning “horned bay”, but the first settlements date back to Neolithic times. However, it was the founding of the monastery by St Comgall in AD558, and the establishment of a centre of learning, that laid the town’s foundations. Discover this and much more in North Down Museum. 

Since that time Bangor has been attacked by Vikings, settled by Scottish Planters, developed as a seaside town, recently becoming a City, and saw General Eisenhower address ships taking part in D-Day. 

Today the City is known for its award-winning marina and beautiful seafront with a coastal path stretching for miles. Pickie Funpark is a popular attraction with pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train and mini golf. 

Pop into Bangor’s Visitor Information Centre on Quay Street, to discover all there is to see and do in the town and nearby – from family fun, live music venues, experiences and tours. 

Groomsport

Explore this seaside village immersing yourself in some of its history, before discovering the ‘Seaside Award’ winning beach and rugged shoreline. You will see Cockle Row, a little row of whitewashed, thatched cottages that were traditional fisherman dwellings  from the 17th century now lovingly restored.

Do you know that the first emigrant ship to leave Ulster for America sailed from Groomsport? The Eagle Wing attempted the sailing in September 1636, carrying 140 passengers in search of a life free from persecution in the New World. Unfortunately, bad weather forced them to return home after two months at sea. 

Wildlife is plentiful at Ballymacormick Point. Designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest, follow the informal path and discover the birdlife while enjoying views across Belfast Lough to Carrickfergus and as far as the Mull of Galloway on a clear day. The National Trust also owns Cockle Island within the Harbour. This important seabird colony is home to three species of tern, including nationally important numbers of Sandwich and Arctic terns. 

Donaghadee, aka BBC One's Hope Street's 'Port Devine'

This is a thriving, colourful seaside town, where Hope Street TV series was filmed, so walking through you might spot some familiar buildings.  There is a wealth of history in this place form the harbour, to the Lighthouse protecting the ships from danger in the North Channel. If you look at the skyline of the shore front you will notice the gunpowder store on the motte above the town which houses a Camera Obscura.

Close by is also Samuel Kelly a famous lifeboat which is being restored and is housed in a transparent structure which resembles the shape of an old boatshed and can be visited on special open days. 

Close to the harbour are three uninhabited islands called the Copelands, which are a haven for wildlife. They can be accessed by organised boat trips during the summer. 

Pop into Pier 36 or “The Commodore” to Hope Street fans, and pick up some visitor information and a handy map of the region to help you explore.  

Millisle 

Stretch your legs on this ‘Seaside Award’ winning beach and enjoy your natural surroundings. Look out for Oystercatchers, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Redshank and Cormorants found on this rocky shoreline. There is also a population of grey seals which can often be seen lounging on the rocks. 

Millisle is known for Ballycopeland Windmill, on the outskirts of the village. Well worth a visit, this fully restored windmill, visitor centre and cafe, is the only fully functional windmill in Northern Ireland with its original mechanism still existing.

Close by is Eden Pottery, a delightful little gem on the Abbey Road where you can relax over handmade treats and coffee, paint your own pottery or buy a piece of their unique range from this charming studio. 

Ballywalter 

Take a walk down Ballywalter promenade towards the beach and view the impressive brick arches of the Lime Kilns whilst reading about their history. These date from the mid-1800s and ceased operating in the 1930s. 

Enjoy the fresh salty air on this expansive ‘Seaside Award’ winning beach and let the children burn off some energy on the pirate play ship near the harbour before perhaps treating them to chips or an ice cream.

Ballyhalbert

Did you know the most easterly point on the island is close by Ballyhalbert – Burr Point?  Marked by the Burr Point Sculpture created by Artist Ned Jackson Smyth.
The little harbour here was built at the end of the 19th century when herring fishing was in its heyday and is still used by small boats for both leisure and fishing.  

During the First World War four vessels were captured and sunk by U-boats in Ballyhalbert Bay. Throughout the Second World War, the village played an important role in defending Belfast and the eastern part of Northern Ireland when an RAF airfield was established to the north of the village.  It is now the site of a holiday park where the remains of the runways and a control tower are still visible.  

Glastry Nature Reserve is close by, on Victoria Road and is managed by the National Trust. The series of ponds are what is left of old pits where clay was extracted to supply Glastry Brickworks. Although the Brickworks closed in 1872, clay continued to be dug from here and transported to other brickworks in Belfast.

Portavogie

On a clear day, from Portavogie you can see the coast of Scotland and to the southeast the Isle of Man. Scottish settlers arrived in the area in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. They favoured Portavogie for its sheltered shore where they could beach their boats. 

Take a walk along the prom to the harbour – the heart of the village. An important commercial hub of the fishing industry, with shellfish the main catch particularly prawns and scallops. The village’s name is well-known on the food scene within NI as the home of the famous Portavogie prawns.  

Be sure to sample some local fish, fresh off the boats, perhaps with chips piping hot out of the paper and crisping up in the seaside air! 

Portaferry

Right at the tip of the Ards Peninsula is Portaferry, a small town well known for its marina, seafront, and the annual festivals. Portaferry is full of character!

The town has a Ferry that operates daily between the villages of Portaferry and Strangford. The Anglo-Norman Savage family, established the original ferry in 1188, making it the longest existing ferry service in the world. The powerful current which rushes through The Narrows carries 400 million gallons of water with every tide.  It is little wonder the Vikings named the Lough the ‘Strong Fjord’.

Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary is tucked in behind Portaferry Castle.  Exploris Aquarium is home to exhibitions highlighting the wonders of Strangford Lough, the Irish Sea and the tropical ocean.  
There are many historic buildings here, follow the Portaferry Heritage Trail to find out their stories. 

Exploris houses a Tourist Information Point, filled with literature and ideas to inspire you on what there is to see and do locally – pick up a trail here! 

Kircubbin

This little town lies midway between Newtownards and Portaferry on the shore of Strangford Lough. In the very early days, it consisted of a few cottages dotting the shore. The village as it appears today was only established in 1769. 

Be sure to take a moment and enjoy the uninterrupted views across Strangford Lough to Killyleagh on the far shore, the Mourne Mountains in the distance and the waders on the foreshore. 

Close by is Echlinville Distillery, producing award winning whiskey and gin from the finest local produce with the grain grown on the surrounding fields.  The Distiller’s Rest coffee cabin offers tasty treats for those who have explored the trail in the estate grounds. 

Greyabbey

This village that derives its name from a Cistercian foundation dating from 1193. The Abbey is located in the grounds of the 18th century mansion, Rosemount House, home of the Montgomery family. Hugh Montgomery (1560 – 1636) was the Ayrshire Scot who made the crossing from Portpatrick to Donaghadee in 1606, bringing with him the first wave of Scots settlers. 

Greyabbey is often associated with the antiques trade and there are several specialist antiques shops in the village, as well as some interesting Georgian and Victorian buildings, and a traditional coaching inn. As you walk around the town you will notice the street and road names are displayed in both English and Ulster-Scots. In Ulster-Scots, the town is known as ‘Greba’. Find out more about Ulster-Scots in Ards and North Down.

Newtownards

Considered the gateway to the Ards Peninsula at the top of Strangford Lough, Newtownards town has bustling streets and square, with unique shops from delis to boutiques and well known homeware to treat yourself or recharge with a bite to eat in the many eateries.

In the Square, you will see Ards Art Centre, located in the old Town Hall. The Centre is open to the public and displays artwork by local artists and crafters from across the Borough.

Standing tall overlooking the town is Scrabo Tower, the famous landmark associated with this area. The tower was built in 1857 on the site of an Iron Age fort in the architectural style of the Scottish watch towers. 

Pop into Ards Visitor Information Centre on Regent Street, just beside the bus station, to discover all there is to see and do in the town and nearby, from the Ark Open Farm for the children to the Somme Museum highlighting the area’s links to the war. 

Whiterock

This is a place to relax and soak up an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an Area of Special Scientific Interest - one of the most richly bio-diverse regions in Europe. The mild winter climate and sheltered shores of Strangford Lough make the perfect overwintering location for 75% of the entire population of Light Bellied Brent Geese that make the journey from Arctic Canada. Find out more about Whiterock.

Close by is WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre where you can wander through the trails and enjoy the wildlife that makes the Lough its home. Hides and nature walks allow you to get close to the wild birds and a collection of endangered birds from around the world. Refuel in the Café, selling delicious home baked treats. 

Step back in time and wander through the ruins of Nendrum Monastery, following in the footsteps of monks. Thought to have been established by St Machaoi in the 5th century and with links to St Patrick, the monastery consists of 3 round dry stone walled enclosures, one within the other. It is thought to be the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland.

Map 

This link takes you to an interactive map of the route and plots the many places of interest along the way. 

Our Visitor Information Centres are also well worth a visit if passing by Ards, Bangor and Portaferry.  

Note – Please check with inidividual attractions for opening hours before travelling.

Let our Visitor Information Centre team help plan your visit. Contact them for expert advise!