Ballygowan is a busy commuter bypass close to Northern Ireland's capital.
Getting to Ballygowan
Situated on the western side of Strangford Lough in the Borough, inland by approximately 5 miles, it is nearby to the villages of Lisbane, Balloo and Killinchy, and Whiterock, and the town of Comber.
Best accessed by road and by using Translink public transport (bus only).
See Sat Nav details and Distance Guide at the bottom of the page.
Plan your trip
The Olivet Home
It is a village and townland in the borough within County Down that is known for the Olivet home. This imposing and austere building has dominated the village since 1886 and is the village's main feature.
The building was originally erected as an orphanage by Alexander Orr Reid as a memorial to his only son who was killed in a shooting accident. It was then purchased by Ballygowan Presbyterian Church in 1918. Until the 1980s, when the new Alexander Dickson School was built, it was used as the village primary school. Since then it is used exclusively as church halls.
The remains of The Baron Bannside (better known as The Rev. Ian Paisley) are buried in the graveyard attached to Ballygowan Free Presbyterian Church. Lord Bannside was a former First Minister of Northern Ireland.
Nearby attractions
Nearby attractions include WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Nendrum Monastic site, Mahee Castle nearer to Comber, and Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Whiterock and Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen in Killinchy; with renowned award-winning eateries close by too in the surrounding villages.
The area is an exquisite quiet rural retreat in which to truly immerse yourself in, a stunning part of the country.
Ulster-Scots in Killinchy and surrounds
Explore the influence of Ulster-Scots in Killinchy and it's nearby surrounds.
Sat Nav details
Latitude 54°30'2"N and longitude 5°47'42"W
Driving distances (approx, depending on route):
Belfast - Ballygowan | 30 minutes
Bangor - Ballygowan | 30 minutes
Comber - Ballygowan | 10 minutes
Portaferry - Ballygowan | 65 minutes via Strangford Lough
