Portaferry

Right at the tip of The Ards Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland, is Portaferry, a small town well known for its fishing, seafront, Triathlon, the annual Gala Week Float Parade and Arts and Entertainment venue, The Portico of Ards. Portaferry is full of character!

Getting to Portaferry

Located on the south coast of the Borough, accessed by stunning scenic routes via the shoreline of Strangford Lough or through idyllic countryscapes. 

Reach this pictureque village via the main road routes. If coming from the south, the village has a Ferry (Portaferry-Strangford Ferry) that operates daily between the villages of Portaferry and Strangford.

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 Surrounding Waters

The small marina is host to visiting boaters and fishermen alike, and there is a strong fishing tradition in the village and surrounding area. The commercial fishing of clams, prawns and in addition, the farming of Strangford lough oysters and mussels makes this a big local industry.

The Ferry (Portaferry-Strangford Ferry) was originally established by the Anglo Norman Savage family in 1188, making it the longest existing ferry service in the world. The powerful current which rushes through The Narrows carries 400 million gallons of water with every tide.  It is little wonder the Vikings named the Lough the ‘Strong Fiord’.

An active boating scene attracts many visitors to the town, especially during July when the annual sailing regatta takes place.

Portaferry Attractions

Portaferry Castle is a 16th century tower-house that was also built by the Savage family. It is prominently located on the slope overlooking Portaferry harbour within sight of Strangford and Audley's Castles across the water.

Another major tourist attraction in Portaferry is Exploris Aquarium. The aquarium gives a fascinating insight into the sea life and habitat of the lough shore. Exploris also operates the NIE Seal Sanctuary, where seals are brought into Exploris for rehabilitation. The seals are then released back into the wild when they make a full recovery.

An iconic site in Portaferry is Windmill Hill. Situated on the hill south east of the village, below the stump of Portaferry Windmill, a lay by and viewpoint have been provided. One can enjoy a breathtaking view of Strangford Lough from the mouth of the Lough to Greyabbey, with the woods of Castle Ward, Portaferry Demesnes and the picturesque village of Strangford in front of you.

Nearby, just 10 minutes drive away, you will come to the restored wells of St Cooey's Wells. No documentary evidence for St Cooey has been discovered, but he lends his name to a number of places in the local area, such as Lough Cowey. The church at St Cooey’s Wells is thought to date from the 7th century but only the foundation stones now remain.

A little further down the road is Ballyquintin, a picturesque spot perfect for a picnic, to stretch the legs, and somewhere to just take a moment to breathe, whilst taking in the view of the Irish Sea and, at times, over to the Isle of Man.

Scenic walks

Just a short stroll away from Exploris is Nugent's Wood. This picturesque woodland walk follows some of the shoreline from Portaferry village round toward the other side of Exploris Aquarium. Renowned for it's pretty bluebells, it's a lovely walk. Spot the boats on the Lough and of course the Strangford Ferry. Find out more about walks and tours in the area on the Strangford Lough & Ards Peninsula - National Trust facebook page.

Food and Drink

The village is home to a number of eateries such as the Bull & Claw Portaferry, the Portaferry Hotel and Captain Jack's.

Heritage

Portaferry is home to The Portico of Ards, a recently restored grade A listed building modelled on the Greek Temple of Nemesis. Portico is a multi-purpose venue that hosts cultural, educational and heritage events and exhibitions.  It also houses a permanent exhibition about the area’s fascinating archaeological heritage of Neolithic settlements, Norman forts and industrial architecture. This permanent exhibition includes a timeline marking local connections with every period in history starting with the Ice Ages and the formation of Strangford Lough.

For even more history on the town, why not stop into The Ropewalk Maritime Heritage Visitor Centre and view seasonal exhibitions or follow the Portaferry Heritage Trail.

Entertainment and Events

The Portico of Ards, as mentioned, is hub of Arts and Heritage, with a vibrant entertainment programme of all genres, from family events, to live music, comedy nights and more. Find out what's on at Portico.

Two highlights in the Portaferry calendar of events are Portaferry Gala [July] and Portaferry Sails and Sounds [August]. 

Golf

Ardminnan Golf Club is located between Kircubbin and Portaferry. Situated in a scenic spot overlooking the Irish Sea, this nine hole treat is perfect for starting a day’s touring with a quick round featuring water hazards, challenging holes and other parkland pleasures. 

Find out more about golf in Ards and North Down.

Ulster-Scots in Portaferry 

Explore the influence of the Ulster-Scots in the village. 

All in all, Portaferry hosts a compelling blend of natural history, recreation and scenery.

Portaferry Visitor Information

Find out more about the village and it's surrounds, pick up some local literature such as our Map and Visitor Guide, from the Local Visitor Information Office located in Exploris Aquarium.

Sat Nav details

Latitude: 54.3833 Longitude: -5.5500

Driving distances (approx, depending on route):
Belfast - Portaferry | 1 hour 15 minutes  (via Strangford Lough), or 1 hour and 30 minutes (via the east coast)
Bangor - Portaferry | 45 minutes (via Strangford Lough), or 60 minutes (via the east coast)
Comber - Portaferry | 40 minutes
Newtownards - Portaferry | 35 minutes via Strangford Lough