Who: Scenery seekers
Where: Newtownards, Millisle, Tara Bay, Portaferry, Kircubbin and Bangor.
Duration: Full Day
For those who enjoy stunning scenery and locations this full day excursion could be complimented with an overnight stay in one of the local accommodations. Explore the stunning Ards Peninsula and some of the jewels it has to offer, discovering truly unique spots, which are picture perfect!
Scrabo Country Park, Tower and Killynether Wood, Newtownards, BT23 4SJ
Start your day with a bracing walk at Scrabo Country Park which 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.
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.
Ballycopeland Windmill, Millisle, BT22 2DS
18 mins from previous
Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining windmill in Northern Ireland with its original mechanism still existing. It was built in the late 18th century and was worked until 1915. It was given to the state in 1937 and has seen several periods of conservation since.
The Millers Cottage, the kiln and drying floor remain in their original positions at the site. It is also unique as the last remaining windmill in the world that retains the patented Hooper Roller Reefing gear, the system for operating the blinds on the sails on calmer days.
Eden Pottery. Millisle, BT22 2DH
4 mins from previous
Set in a former schoolhouse, Eden Pottery gives you the opportunity to be creative and make your own souvenir of your trip! It is a fun immersive experience - making colourful sponge printed pottery by hand. It is also the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and scone or a tasty lunch.
St Cooey’s Wells, Tara Bay, BT22 1RF
37 mins from previous
South of Portaferry and towards Ballyquintin Point (signposted), stand the Holy Wells. The Wells were founded in the 7th century by St. Cooey and reopened in 1977. According to tradition, it was here that St. Cooey performed his penitential exercises in the late 7th and early 8th centuries.
The foundations of a Church, modern altar and three Holy Wells may be found. A drinking well, washing well and eye well are still visited by pilgrims and are reputed to have healing powers. On the shore a short distance from the Church a flat rock can be found with deep indentations which, according to popular belief, mark where St. Cooey placed his hands and feet whilst in prayer.
Portaferry, BT22 1PE
10 mins from previous
After all that fresh air and exercise, it is time to relax and kick back! Check into the charming Port Hotel (previously the Portaferry Hotel), which is overlooking the scenic Strangford Lough. Enjoy dinner whilst watching the Strangford Lough Ferry negotiate the strong currents! After dinner, head to Fiddler’s Green to have a few drinks and check out the “Game of Thrones” door. Enjoy a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast!
Echlinville Distillery, Kircubbin BT22 1AJ
12 mins from previous
The Echlinville Distillery became the first newly licensed distillery in Northern Ireland for over 125 years when it began production in 2013. It has since established itself at the forefront of Ireland’s spirits renaissance and is home to some of Northern Ireland’s best-known spirits including Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, Jawbox Gin, Echlinville Gin and
Bán Poitín.
Echlinville’s state-of-the-art Stillhouse stands proudly alongside the 19th century Echlinville Manor House, former seat of the Echlins who were once among the most influential families in Ireland.
Believed to be Ireland’s only ‘field to glass’ distillery, Echlinville’s new-make spirits are distilled from barley grown and harvested from their own fields and floor-malted by hand the way the whiskey forefathers would have done.
Their story is one of provenance, pride in their roots in the Ards Peninsula and devotion to the ancient art of distilling. Why not pick up a bottle or two to take home?
Bangor Abbey, Bell Trail and North Down Museum, BT20 4JE
30 mins from previous
St Comgall founded the monastery at Bangor about 558 A.D. and it is regarded as one of the most important of the early Northern Irish monastic sites.
Follow the Bell trail from the Abbey to North Down Museum with a series of replica bells which mark St Columbanus’s journey spreading Christianity. The original bell has been housed in North Down Museum, Bangor, since 1984 and was reputedly found by gravediggers at Bangor Abbey around 1780, and it is speculated that it had been hidden at the time of the Viking attacks on Irish monasteries. It was in private hands for some 150 years, and then housed in the Ulster Museum before coming to Bangor Borough Council in the 1950s. It shows the flowering of Irish Christian civilisation which was set back by the pagan Viking attacks. The bell would have been used to call the monks to prayer.
Note – Please check with individual attractions for opening hours before travelling.
Let our Visitor Information Centre team help plan your visit. Contact them for expert advise!
