Helen's Bay

A small picturesque village located four miles west of the City of Bangor, between Holywood and the city, and situated before the leafy village of Crawfordsburn, known for it's beautiful sandy beach.

Getting to Helen's Bay

Just minutes from Belfast, through Holywood, the village can be accessed by public transport, rail and bus, via the main road and rail routes from Belfast to Bangor (train stop, Helen's Bay).

For public transport information (rail and bus), see Translink.

See Sat Nav details and Distance Guide at the bottom of the page.

Plan your trip

Founded by the Dufferin's

It is named after Helen, Lady Dufferin (née Sheridan), mother of Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, first Marquess of Dufferin and Ava, and owner of the Clandeboye Estate in Bangor.

Helen’s Bay is a planned village which derived from the building of the Belfast and County Down Railway (BCDR) in the mid 19th century. The local landlord, the Marquess of Dufferin and Ava, had aspirations to develop the area as a luxury holiday resort.

The picturesque village is renowned for its nine-hole golf course and the two lovely beaches flanking Crawfordsburn Country Park, which forms part of the North Down Coastal Path. 

The sandy beaches are exceptionally popular and well used. They boast spectacular scenery and views across Belfast Lough. Helen's Bay Beach is part of Belfast Lough ASSI and SAC which was established for the populations on wading birds that spend the winter at the beach. In the summer time visitors may spot Eider Ducks and terns. In the summer they may see Porpoises and seals.

Visitors can also enjoy scenic walks along the North Down Coastal path, accessed from Helens’ Bay.  

Grey Point Fort

Also located in Helen’s Bay is Grey Point Fort, the old coastal defence at Grey Point. Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.

Grey Point Fort houses a most unusual hands-on military museum. Visitors can see the original observation post and three searchlight positions as well as an array of military memorabilia, including medals, uniforms, photographs and weaponry from the First and Second World Wars. There is also a unique collection of radio equipment, together with a section devoted to the Titanic. The Fort is managed by the Department for Communities NI and it is currently closed to visitors.

The Walled Garden, Helen's Bay

Located just outside the village centre, The Walled Garden, Helen's Bay was built in 1886 by Belfast cotton and muslin manufacturer,Thomas Workman, to supply fresh fruit and vegetables for his household in nearby, Lanyon designed, Craigdarragh House. This beautiful spot was bought over and currently under continued restoration. It opens to the public for special ocassions and a programme of unique experiences events centred around craft, as well as food and drink. Find out more

Homegrown talent

Chef Michael Deane previously owned a restaurant in the village; Deane won his first Michelin star at Deane's on the Square, Belfast restaurant.  Olympic swimmer Andrew Bree is also from Helen's Bay. 

North Down Coastal Path

The coastal path at Helen's Bay forms part of the North Down Coastal Path - a 16 mile route along one of the finest shoreline’s on the island.  It is popular with walkers and runners alike. 

Please be aware that sections of the North Down Coastal Path follow private roads. Please respect the Highway Code when walking, cycling or running along these sections where residential traffic will have right of way. Northern Ireland has very few public rights of way and therefore in many areas walkers can only enjoy countryside walks because of the goodwill and tolerance of local landowners.  In the interests of your own safety please be respectful when using the area for recreational purposes.

Sat Nav details

Latitude: 54°39'00"N. Longitude: 5°43'59"W

Driving distances (approx, depending on route):
Belfast  - Helen's Bay | 10 minutes
Helen's Bay - Bangor | 15 minutes, via Crawfordsburn
Portaferry - Helen's Bay | 50 minutes (via Strangford Lough), or 1 hour and 10 minutes (via the east coast)