If you’ve jumped at the chance of a weekend away in Ards and North Down and have already followed our Saturday itinerary, then below is a suggested route for Sunday. Having explored the previous five seaside villages scattered along the Ards Peninsula, these final four have plenty more sights and scenic walks to offer. So, grab those walking boots and get going…
This is Rural Retreat Day Two, for Day One, go to Rural Retreat Day One.
Portaferry
If you love a good walk then Portaferry has some great routes to follow, with Nugent’s Wood rated one of the most scenic. Beginning at Lough Shore Road, the path runs alongside Strangford Lough, so you can enjoy this beautiful view of the waterway before entering the wood itself. Also dubbed ‘bluebell wood’ because of the abundance of flowers in the spring, this mixed woodland has oak and beech trees and is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
One mile north of the village is Corrog Wood, which you can either walk directly to from the ferry terminal, going along the coast road, or take the short drive. Here there are 14 acres to explore, with a wooden sculpture at the entrance – a dryad nicknamed the ‘Frump in the Stump’ – being another point of interest. Portaferry’s Windmill Hill is another good walking route, with views over the harbour and surrounding countryside – and, of course, the windmill itself.
The village also has lots of interesting architecture, including Portaferry Castle and Portico Arts and Heritage Centre, which dates from 1840 and houses exhibitions, as well as putting on shows throughout the year. Exploris Aquarium is another great place to visit, as you can get close to the local wildlife, including sharks, otters and seals.
Kircubbin
A little further along the coast, lies the picturesque village of Kircubbin, where you can stop off to savour the stunning views of Strangford Lough, set against the backdrop of the majestic Mourne Mountains, Killyleagh Castle and Scrabo Tower can also be seen over on the far shore. Before you reach the village, a scenic walk can be enjoyed at Castle Hill, Ardkeen, which is just five minutes (3.5 miles) away from Kircubbin centre. Here, you’ll find the remains of a Bronze Age double-ditch hill fort, along with the ruins of a church and graveyard and great views across Strangford Lough.
Just past Castle Hill, a couple of minutes further along the road, is the National Trust’s Horse Island, where you can enjoy a walk amongst the rich flora and fauna of this conservation site at low tide.
Lying to the east of Castle Hill – again, just a few minutes outside Kircubbin’s village centre, is Echlinville Distillery, renowned for its Dunville’s Irish Whiskey and the Echlinville and Jawbox gins. Having become Northern Ireland’s first licensed distillery in more than 125 years back in 2013, Echlinville offers tours of the distillery, while Echlinville Manor House serves up a tasty afternoon tea.
Greyabbey
After leaving Kircubbin, Greyabbey is the next village en route, where you can enjoy a tranquil walk around the 12th century ruins of the Grey Abbey from which the village takes its name. The gothic architecture of the abbey is an impressive sight, while there’s also a reconstructed medieval psychic (herb) garden and a visitor centre, if you’d like more information on the history of this impressive landmark.
There’s also a heritage trail to follow in Greyabbey itself, which is a former fishing village and contains a number of antique shops, always popular with those seeking out hidden treasures. Meanwhile, a variety of coffee shops provide ample places to relax with a hot brew and a tasty treat while taking in the ambience of village life.
With a range of unique accommodation options, Greyabbey is known locally as ‘the wedding village of the peninsula’ as many couples enjoy its natural beauty and wedding shop amenities ahead of and indeed, on, their big day. It will certainly charm you when you visit.
Carrowdore
Leaving Greyabbey and heading inland once again, towards the east, Carrowdore Road will take you on to Carrowdore village, with Greba Secret Gardens en route, if you fancy a pit-stop to this fairy-tale hideaway. A former quarry, Greba Gardens is now three acres transformed, with woodland, wildflowers, a pond and cobbled paths to wander. There are plenty of secluded spaces to sit and enjoy the views, along with a summer house, fruit garden and vegetable garden area.
Nearby is Eden Pottery, where you can enjoy some hands-on sponge-painting, while Carrowdore Castle is also in the area, although this is a private residence. Once famous for the Carrowdore 100 Motorcycle Race, the village continues to be popular with cyclists, who use the racecourse for their own competitions and for practice.
Carrowdore itself is a quiet village and the only landlocked one on the Ards Peninsula. It’s known for being the burial place of Northern Ireland’s famous poet and playwright, Louis MacNeice, whose grave is located at Carrowdore Church of Ireland.
Note - Greba Gardens can be viewed by appointment from March to November. Find out more about Greba Gardens.
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!
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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.
***Temporary Suspension of Normal Ferry Service **** Essential health and safety work will be carried out at slipways in Portaferry and Strangford, 14 October 2024 and last for 5 weeks. Alternative arrangements intended for passengers include a passenger only ferry operating a reduced timetable.
