Timmy Mallet's Journey of Discovery of Ards and North Down

In April 2024, British children's TV presenter and artist, Timmy Mallett made a pedal-powered pilgrimage around Northern Ireland's hidden gems as part of his UK and Ireland cycle tour, raising funds in memory of his late brother Martin who had Down's Syndrome. 

Timmy posted video diaries of his time along the way, which you can view on his Facebook profile here, giving a little insight into each location he goes.

In a BBC article, Timmy Mallett: TV presenter cycles around NI's 'hidden gems' - BBC News (2 April 2024), journalist Jake Wood details Timmy’s journey:
“Mallett set off from Paddington Station in London last year, making his way around the coast of Britain.
Over five thousand miles later, he made it to Northern Ireland for the latest leg of his pedal-powered pilgrimage.
For his circumnavigation of Northern Ireland, Mallett began in Belfast and made his way clockwise down the Ards Peninsula, across Strangford Lough and towards Armagh where he met the archbishop, The Most Reverend Francis John McDowell.
While the weather has not been too kind, Mallett said the people he has met have been.”

Follow us, as we retrace Timmy's journey, and discover just some of our hidden gems, nestled in and around our shores.

Holywood

First on his route from bustling Belfast, was Holywood, gateway to Ards and North Down. This enigmatic town, sprinkled with boutique clothing stores, gift shops, coffee shops and renowned eateries, is a must for socialites and shoppers, with an intriguing history to match.

Timmy stopped at The Bay Tree, notorious for its cinnamon scones, before making his way along the coast to quiet and serene Helen’s Bay. 

Find out more about Holywood

Helen's Bay

The village of Helen’s Bay proved a rewarding stop. There, on the beach side, overlooking the sparkling waters of Belfast Lough, he took a breath and, inspired by the picture-perfect surrounds, he created one of his watercolour pieces.

Find out more about Helen’s Bay

Coastal Route

From there, Timmy picked up the (rather rugged at times) coastal path, taking him past Crawfordsburn Country Park, home of the island's oldest Inn, The Old Inn which is also famed for its links with author and 20th Century Literary icon C.S. Lewis cycling onwards to the City of Bangor, where he stayed the night.

Though he didn’t stay to explore Bangor long, we can certainly recommend a few nights in Northern Ireland’s newest city – centred around the marina, with a myriad of award-winning restaurants, coffee spots and things to do.

Find out more about Bangor

Groomsport

The next morning, he set off towards the Ards Peninsula along the coastal road via idyllic Groomsport village. An award-winning sandy beach, which is also one of Northern Ireland's few fully accessible beaches for all ages and abilities, and a piece of history on the other, Cockle Row Cottages. These 16th century fisherman’s cottages are now home to a seasonal Visitor Information Point, a souvenir shop and a small display providing a glimpse of life in the past, living in the cottages. Walking tours of this small village with a big history are available from Discover Groomsport.

Find out more about Groomsport

Donaghadee

Following the road towards the Ards Peninsula, parallel to the continuation of the North Down Coastal Path from Holywood, Timmy would take in the beautiful shoreline views past Orlock (which provides a great view point over Belfast Lough, by the way), to Donaghadee (pronounced Don-a-ga-dee).

This bustling town is easily recognisable these days due to the fame it has acquired as Port Devine in BBC One police crime drama series Hope Street, which has reached screens across the water. But Donaghadee is certainly not shy to fame. Its position as Northern Ireland’s busiest fishing harbours, up until the development of Belfast, and its close proximately to Scotland, has always had it on the map. The iconic lighthouse proudly beams, warning boats of impending land and high above the town, the Moat stands overseeing the activity, where it has stood since circa 1821.

Donaghadee is also known as birthplace to adventurer, writer and television presenter Bear Grylls, Tom Blower, Second World War veteran and long-distance swimmer, as well as members from the band, Two Door Cinema Club.

Watch Timmy's Donaghadee video diary

Find out more about Donaghadee

Ards Peninsula

From Donaghadee, Timmy carries on his journey, now into an area called the Ards Peninsula; a vast collection of villages, country landscapes nestled between two stretches of water, Strangford Lough, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Irish Sea, with views on the east coast over the edges of the Scottish shores, and the Isle of Man. Next stop…

Millisle

A popular spot for beachgoers, busy Millisle village is full of hidden gems, from Maxemoo Café to Eden Pottery, and Ballycopeland Windmill, which is where Timmy went to next. Find out what he has to say about East Down’s only remaining working windmill.

Watch Timmy's Ballycopeland Windmill video diary 

Find out more about Millisle

Next stop, Ireland’s most Easterly point…

Burr Point, Ballyhalbert

This unassuming spot, sparse and quiet in domain, marked by a bronze sculpture of an E for east, by local artist Ned Jackson-Smyth, creates a viewpoint over the Irish Sea towards Scotland and the Isle of Man, unhindered by distraction.

Watch Timmy's Burr Point video diary 

Find out more about Burr Point

Portavogie

Timmy’s journey, following the seashore, would take him through villages such as Ballywalter, and onwards to the fishing port of Portavogie, famous for its Portavogie prawns and renowned eatery, The Quays.

Here, you can explore the seashell beach and enjoy watching as the seals play in the harbour amongst the vessels, waiting for their next fishy nibble. They didn’t disappoint the day Timmy visited.

Watch Timmy's Portavogie video diary 

Find out more about Portavogie

Portaferry

The route along the shore continues, and it has a way of putting you at ease, delighting the eyes with beautiful scenery, taking you past Kearney Village, Quintin Bay, St Cooey’s Wells, on to the large town of Portaferry, gateway from Strangford Lough into Ards and North Down Borough.

The weather was not quite on Timmy’s side for the duration of his journey in Northern Ireland, and many days proved typical as he witnessed four seasons in one day, adding to the fun! But, the sun shone for him the day he visited Portaferry, where he stood at the top of Windmill Hill, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Lough, and all its gorgeous glory, with a breathtaking 360 degree view, of the mouth of the Lough from the Irish Sea, Strangford, the village townscape and surrounding green fields.
It was on these shores that St Patrick first arrived over 1500 years ago. Listen to Timmy’s tale of this pivotal moment in our Christian heritage in Northern Ireland.

Watch Timmy's Portaferry video diary 

Portaferry is home to many hidden gems in itself – from one of the Game of Throne doors at Fiddlers Green, to Northern Ireland’s only aquarium, Exploris, which is also a seal rehabilitation centre. Take in the village’s rich maritime history at The Ropewalk Maritime Heritage Visitor Centre and relax with a bite from one of the bars or restaurants that line the harbour front.

Find out more about Portaferry

Timmy’s exploration of our place finished as he crossed the short stretch of water between Portaferry and Strangford village, on the Strangford Ferry, carrying him onwards on his journey through Northern Ireland, to discover even more hidden gems.

Watch Timmy's Strangford Ferry video diary

If you are interested in retracing Timmy’s cycling journey, whether it’s by car or on two wheels, our Visitor Information Centres can help you create a bespoke itinerary to include accommodation, offering advice as to where to spend the most time, and how to make the most of it.

We are thrilled Timmy chose to extend his pilgrimage to Northern Ireland and especially delighted in his visit to Ards and North Down. We might be biased, but it’s a true gem in itself.