The official website of Visit Ards and North Down
En

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Plan your trip
  • Stay
  • What's On
  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Shopping
Accommodation Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
I'm interested in...
Things to Do Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
What's On Search
Dates
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
Food & Drink Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:
Shopping Search
Type:
Area:
Or type a Location:
Keyword:

Refine By

Refine Your Search Further:

Type
Attraction
Activity
Location

Number of results: 46

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Photo of birds eye view of Kirkistown Castle surrounded by grassland

    Cloughey

    Address

    Main Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1JB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Traditionally believed to have been built by Roland Savage of Ballygalget in 1622, possibly reusing an earlier site.

    Price

    Free
  2. Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum
    Horses at work ploughing a field
    Children enjoying the autumn leaves in the museum grounds
    A little girl enjoying one of the working displays
    Children sitting on a wall within the village of the Museum
    A spinner at work
    A weaver at work
    Ballycultra Village within the museum
    One of the museum characters at work
    Ballycultra Village replica homes
    Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk Museum
    Horses at work ploughing a field
    Children enjoying the autumn leaves in the museum grounds
    A little girl enjoying one of the working displays
    Children sitting on a wall within the village of the Museum
    A spinner at work
    A weaver at work
    Ballycultra Village within the museum
    One of the museum characters at work
    Ballycultra Village replica homes

    Holywood

    Address

    153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9042 8428

    Price

    Price from: £11.50 Per Ticket

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to1 Mar 2025Various Opening Times
    From:
    1 Jan 2025to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    1 Mar 2025to30 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

    Price

    Price from: £11.50 Per Ticket

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  3. Photo of the Rollo Gillespie Monument standing tall in the centre of Comber Square
    Photo of the Comber Andrews-Titanic Trail information board that sits in Comber Square
    Photo of a more close up view of the Rollo Gillespie monument
    Photo of the Rollo Gillespie Monument standing tall in the centre of Comber Square
    Photo of the Comber Andrews-Titanic Trail information board that sits in Comber Square
    Photo of a more close up view of the Rollo Gillespie monument

    Comber

    Address

    Comber Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Historial figure

    Situated in The Square in Comber, it was erected in 1845 to commemorate the bravery of Major General Robert 'Rollo' Gillespie born in the town in 1766. A list of his battles can be found on the sides of the pillar.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  4. Photo of the inside of the gallery showing seating area and paintings on display for sale
    Close up image of one of Terry Bradley's paintings showing a woman downcaste with red lips, flower in hair. Very colourful
    Photo of artist Terry Bradley seated on couch in front of three of his paintings hanging on display
    Close up photo of Terry Bradley art, a group pf men in hats
    Close up image of one of artist Terry Bradley's stunning  paintings, this one is of a woman's face in black and white
    Close up of a image of one of artist Terry Bradleys paintings of a woman's face, with rouged lips and a rose of the same colour in her hair
    Close up photo of one of artist Terry Bradleys paintings. This one is of a woman holding a drink, with two men in the background
    Photo of the inside of the gallery showing seating area and paintings on display for sale
    Close up image of one of Terry Bradley's paintings showing a woman downcaste with red lips, flower in hair. Very colourful
    Photo of artist Terry Bradley seated on couch in front of three of his paintings hanging on display
    Close up photo of Terry Bradley art, a group pf men in hats
    Close up image of one of artist Terry Bradley's stunning  paintings, this one is of a woman's face in black and white
    Close up of a image of one of artist Terry Bradleys paintings of a woman's face, with rouged lips and a rose of the same colour in her hair
    Close up photo of one of artist Terry Bradleys paintings. This one is of a woman holding a drink, with two men in the background

    Bangor

    Address

    105-107 High Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5BD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9147 3508

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Art Gallery

    Destination spot for Terry Bradley collectors and art enthusiasts from across the globe. Whether you are passing through or spending the day on the beautiful Peninsula, be sure to pop in and experience all that Bradley Art has to offer.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs accepted by arrangement

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Leisure Facilities

    • Wifi
  5. Image of Donaghadee lighthouse and boats tied in the harbour
    A photograph of Donaghadee lifeboat orange in colour moored in the water in front of donaghadee lighthouse
    Image of Donaghadee lighthouse and boats tied in the harbour
    A photograph of Donaghadee lifeboat orange in colour moored in the water in front of donaghadee lighthouse

    Donaghadee

    Address

    The Harbour, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Type

    Type:

    Lighthouse

    Donaghadee lies on the Irish Sea coast and as such is popular with water enthusiasts, anglers and those who simply like to be beside the seaside.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  6. a photograph of the exterior of the church

    Comber

    Address

    The Manse, 15 Windmill Hill, Comber, County Down, BT23 5EQ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9187 2265

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church was built on a site donated by James Andrews and the stained glass windows in the church depict family members. Members of the Andrews family are also buried in the graveyard.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  7. Newtownards Priory from street view

    Newtownards

    Address

    Court Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7NY

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Abbey / Priory

    At the south east edge of Newtownards these substantial remains of a Dominican (Black) Friary founded in 1244 may be viewed. They are the only ones of their type in Northern Ireland.

    Price

    Free
  8. Cockle Row Cottages
    A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of some museum articles on display. Items from the 1910's era commonly used by the fisherman and his family who lived in Cockle Row Cottages.
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay
    Cockle Row Cottages
    A close up photo of Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport with a sense of location beside the harbour
    A photo of some museum articles on display. Items from the 1910's era commonly used by the fisherman and his family who lived in Cockle Row Cottages.
    A photo of a boat sculpture set within a garden display located on grassland beside the seafront area
    An image of the Groomsport Information sign
    A photo of the view of Groomsport Harbour which featured a number of boats moored in the bay

    Groomsport

    Address

    The Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 2269

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Take a step back in time with a visit to the lovingly restored Cockle Row Cottages located beside the harbour, Groomsport.

    Dates

    From:
    1 June 2025to15 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  9. A photo of the alter at St Cooey's wells
    A photo of the word drink which forms part of the Washing, Eye and Drinking wells situated in this peaceful, wooded dell, which are reputed to have he
    A photo of the alter at St Cooey's wells
    A photo of the word drink which forms part of the Washing, Eye and Drinking wells situated in this peaceful, wooded dell, which are reputed to have he

    Portaferry

    Address

    Ballyquintin Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RF

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    The church at St Cooey’s Wells is thought to date from the 7th century but only the foundation stones now remain. The Washing, Eye and Drinking wells in this peaceful, wooded dell are reputed to have healing powers.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  10. a photograph of a graveyard
    A photo of the side of Holywood Priory on a sunny day
    a photograph of a graveyard
    A photo of the side of Holywood Priory on a sunny day

    Holywood

    Address

    High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    Holywood Priory is an intersting and historic site close to the bustling town of Holywood.

    Price

    Free
  11. External building of museum with adjoining Town Hall building in background
    External building main entrance to Museum
    Visitors enjoying the cafe
    Stained glass window
    Sign displaying the words The Raven Maps
    The replica Monks cell
    Model bygone village
    Viking Helmet and shield
    Photo of the Viking gallery display within North Down Museum
    Cinema room display
    External building of museum with adjoining Town Hall building in background
    External building main entrance to Museum
    Visitors enjoying the cafe
    Stained glass window
    Sign displaying the words The Raven Maps
    The replica Monks cell
    Model bygone village
    Viking Helmet and shield
    Photo of the Viking gallery display within North Down Museum
    Cinema room display

    Bangor

    Address

    Bangor City Hall, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BT

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9127 1200

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Visitor Centres & Museums

    Visit North Down Museum to explore the fascinating saga of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day. The Museum takes you on a journey through Early Christian heritage and the Vikings to Scottish Settlers and the Victorians.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking

    Facilities

    Leisure Facilities

    • Wifi
  12. Black and white photo of from the alter of the church showing the Bible and lit candlesticks overlooking the pews
    Photo of the Church from the car park, showing the entrance gates and arch way leading to the front doors of the church
    Image of the Clock tower of the church
    A close up photo of one of the stone entrance pillars to the church with the names Thomas Andrews and Ja Lemont, eighteenth century churchwardens,
    Black and white photo of from the alter of the church showing the Bible and lit candlesticks overlooking the pews
    Photo of the Church from the car park, showing the entrance gates and arch way leading to the front doors of the church
    Image of the Clock tower of the church
    A close up photo of one of the stone entrance pillars to the church with the names Thomas Andrews and Ja Lemont, eighteenth century churchwardens,

    Comber

    Address

    St Mary's Parish Church, The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DU

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9187 3963

    Type

    Type:

    Churches & Sacred Sites

    St Mary’s Parish Church stands on the site of a Cistercian Abbey built in 1199. It was of similar size and architecture to the one in Greyabbey and survived until 1543 when it was closed by order of Henry VIII. The present church dates from 1840.

  13. Image of the ruins at sunset with the light of the sun shining onto the remnants of the building
    Photo of beautiful Cloughey beach and boardwalk
    Image of the ruins at sunset with the light of the sun shining onto the remnants of the building
    Photo of beautiful Cloughey beach and boardwalk

    Cloughey

    Address

    Ardminnan Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1QJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

    On the coast, two thirds of a mile south east of Cloughey village. This house appears to have been built about 1634 by Roland Savage, a cadet of the Ardkeen family.

  14. Different styles of crosses made by Brigid Watson
    Participants making a Saint Brigid Cross
    Gift card
    Views over Strangford Lough
    The Strangford ferry
    christianity; saul;saint patrick
    Saint Patrick's Well on the coastal camino in Lecale County Down
    Kearney National Trust village on the Ards Peninsula
     Portico in Portaferry
    Ancient hill-top graveyard near the Irish Sea coastline
    Different styles of crosses made by Brigid Watson
    Participants making a Saint Brigid Cross
    Gift card
    Views over Strangford Lough
    The Strangford ferry
    christianity; saul;saint patrick
    Saint Patrick's Well on the coastal camino in Lecale County Down
    Kearney National Trust village on the Ards Peninsula
     Portico in Portaferry
    Ancient hill-top graveyard near the Irish Sea coastline

    Portaferry

    Address

    Slanes Point, 38 Ardminnan Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QJ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 7763 898 074

    Type

    Type:

    Sightseeing

    Slow down, connect with nature, Irish culture and local people on a guided, coastal walk or coach tour with local, specialist tour guide, Brigid Watson.
    You will journey to areas off the beaten track to places which most tourists never see and…

  15. A lady at work on a weaving sculpture resembling a person
    A basket maker at work
    A finished willow weaved sculpture of a person sitting alongside a weaved hare
    Close up image of a basket
    An image showing various pieces of work hanging on a wall and sitting on a table
    A lady at work on a weaving sculpture resembling a person
    A basket maker at work
    A finished willow weaved sculpture of a person sitting alongside a weaved hare
    Close up image of a basket
    An image showing various pieces of work hanging on a wall and sitting on a table

    Newtownards

    Address

    63 Cloughey Road, Nunsbridge, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 1NH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4277 1542

    Type

    Type:

    Craft Workshops and courses

    Welig Heritage Crafts produce traditional willow basketry, bespoke baskets and sculptural pieces; gardenware, living willow installations and rustic furniture. we also undertake other traditional countryside skills like chair seating and drystone.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  16. Photo of professionally painted ceramic pieces or sale with a sunflower pattern
    Photo of the external building and car park area
    Photo of paint pots of all colours lined up ready for use
    Photo of professionally painted ceramic pieces or sale with a sunflower pattern
    Photo of the external building and car park area
    Photo of paint pots of all colours lined up ready for use

    Millise

    Address

    218 Abbey Road, Millise, Down, BT22 2DH

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9186 2300

    Type

    Type:

    Craft Workshops and courses

    Eden Pottery's studio, shop and café are set in the countryside of Ards Peninsula, surrounded by fields, with Strangford Lough on one side and beaches and the seaside on the other. You can come along and create your own masterpiece in the studio.

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  17. Portaferry Castle, view from the road

    Portaferry

    Address

    Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NY

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Portaferry Castle is a 16th Century tower-house, built by the Savage family. It is located on the slope overlooking Portaferry harbour.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Free (parking charges may apply)
  18. Grey Abbey ruins and graveyard from a birds eye view
    Grey Abbey ruins in the sunshine
    Grey Abbey ruins
    Grey Abbey ruins
    Grey Abbey ruins
    Grey Abbey ruins and graveyard from a birds eye view
    Grey Abbey ruins in the sunshine
    Grey Abbey ruins
    Grey Abbey ruins
    Grey Abbey ruins

    Greyabbey

    Address

    Main Street, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2NQ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Abbey / Priory

    Grey Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey church and its living quarters were founded in 1193 by Affreca wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster.

    Price

    Free

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • On site parking
  19. Mount Stewart House
    Mount Stewart House and gardens
    Mount Stewart house and patio, sunlight filtering through greenery
    Mount Stewart House and Gardens, pond
    Mount Stewart house and gardens, sunken garden area
    Mount Stewart lake
    Photo of Mount Stewart trees with beautiful autumn foliage with hues of greens, oranges and browns
    A photograph of the Mount Stewart formal gardens to back of Estate house in bloom
    Photo of the bronze statue that commemorates the birth of Lady Mairi in 1921, surrounded by bells and cockle shells based on the nursery rhyme, set wi
    Image of the formal dining room inside of the Mount Stewart Estate House
    Mount Stewart House
    Mount Stewart House and gardens
    Mount Stewart house and patio, sunlight filtering through greenery
    Mount Stewart House and Gardens, pond
    Mount Stewart house and gardens, sunken garden area
    Mount Stewart lake
    Photo of Mount Stewart trees with beautiful autumn foliage with hues of greens, oranges and browns
    A photograph of the Mount Stewart formal gardens to back of Estate house in bloom
    Photo of the bronze statue that commemorates the birth of Lady Mairi in 1921, surrounded by bells and cockle shells based on the nursery rhyme, set wi
    Image of the formal dining room inside of the Mount Stewart Estate House

    Newtownards

    Address

    Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 4278 8387

    Gradings

    • Four Star Quality Assurance
    Four Star Quality Assurance

    Type

    Type:

    The National Trust

    Mount Stewart is a stunning estate in the beautiful scenic area of Strangford Lough. The Formal Gardens are ranked as one of the top ten in the world and the within the house there are collections of national and international significance.

    Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • Dogs Welcome Inside

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Licensed

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car parking
    • On site parking
    • Parking (free)

    Facilities

    Catering

    • Restaurant on Premises

    Facilities

    Leisure Facilities

    • Wifi

    Establishment Features

    • Wi-fi available
  20. Photograph of the Movilla Abbey, grave stones and ruins

    Newtownards

    Address

    Movilla Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8EZ

    Telephone

    +44 (0) 28 9082 3207

    Price

    Free

    Type

    Type:

    Abbey / Priory

    Movilla Abbey, Methodist and Church of Ireland.

    As important as Bangor, Movilla was associated with Saint Finian of the 6th-century. As with many early monasteries, it was refounded as an Augustinian abbey in the Norman 12th century.

    Price

    Free
View Maps and Visitor Guides
View of what Ards and North Down has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Ards and North Down newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss