Hop aboard with Translink to explore Ards and North Down this Easter

8th April 2025

As the Easter holidays draw near, Translink is inviting the public to embrace Spring by discovering the wealth of attractions and scenic destinations across Ards and North Down Borough Council.

From family adventures and fun-filled outings with friends to peaceful solo escapes, public transport provides a stress-free, affordable, and convenient way to make the most of the season.

Translink’s ‘Days Out’ webpage provides trip inspiration and all the information you’ll need to explore Northern Ireland’s breath-taking scenery and lively culture. The Family and Friends ticket is available for just £24 and provides unlimited day travel on all Translink services throughout Northern Ireland for up to two adults and four children.

Individual travellers can enjoy the flexibility of the Bus Rambler ticket for just £10, allowing unlimited day travel on all Ulsterbus, Goldliner and Metro services within Northern Ireland after 09:15am. This ticket is usually reserved for Sunday’s only but is available every day from 12th April – 27th April. For those planning a day out by rail, they can enjoy 25% off day returns after 9.30 every day on NI Railways.  Meanwhile for more extensive journeys, the iLink Travel Card offers unlimited bus and train day travel across the region, with 50% discounts available for children and yLink card holders.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said: "From scenic strolls along the North Down Coastal Path to exploring the beauty of Strangford Lough, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Ards and North Down this Easter. Grab a coffee in Holywood or hop on the Strangford Ferry for a proper day out with a view; families can enjoy the fun at Pickie Funpark or meet the seals at Exploris, while foodies can treat themselves to local cuisine. Public transport is a great way to get around and soak it all in without the stress of driving. This Easter, hop on board a Translink service and discover something new!"

Arthur Hamilton, Area Manager at Translink, added: “With our great value fares, easy contactless payment options and extensive services, we want to make ‘Easter Days Out’ both affordable and accessible for everyone. This Easter, ‘hop’ on board one of our services for a cost-effective, convenient, and more environmentally friendly way to travel over the Easter break.”

Easter explorers are also encouraged to consider park-and-ride facilities, with over 10,000 spaces available, across 60 locations, making excursions even more convenient, eliminating the hassle and cost of taking the car.

Passengers are reminded that some rail line closures will be in place on Easter Saturday, 19th April, and Easter Sunday, 20th April, so check Translink's Journey Planner app for the latest travel updates before setting off.

For more information about fare offers, timetables, special routes, and fun day trip ideas, visit www.translink.co.uk/daysout or download the Translink Journey Planner app to plan your Easter adventure.