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Event Highlights

Discover Ards and North Down through our lively events and experiences programme throughout the year.

Annual events are a highlight in our calendar here in Ards and North Down; flagship days out for locals and visitors who travel afar for our renowned programme, which offer free admission and can incur little to no cost.

Please note all events below are for 2024, and more details on each event can be found during the year as the individual event pages are updated.

United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch (RSPBANI) in conjunction with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is delighted to present the United Kingdom Pipe and Drum Major Championships.

The event will take place at Ward Arras area of Ward Park in Bangor, Northern Ireland, on Saturday 18 May 2024, commencing at 10 am and is supported by and Ards and North Down Borough Council. This free to attend event always makes for a fantastic day out.

The impressive showcase of sound and colour fills the air and is a delight to the eyes. Friendly competition creates a really enjoyable atmosphere for all.

Food and Drink Events

Here in Ards and North Down we can't help but love our food and drink! How can we not, with an abundance of quality local makers and producers who use ingredients from our rich tide and turf, and two local distilleries renowned worldwide for their brews and spirits.

Award winning restaurants and eateries showcase the best of our locally farmed ingredients on plates that tantalise the taste buds.Find out more.

We celebrate this offering with our two Taste Ards and North Down events, one in spring and the other autumn.

Taste Summer, Wednesday 19 – Saturday 30 June
Various events will take place across the borough
Featuring Comber Earlies Food Festival on Saturday 22 June

Taste Autumn, Thursday 5 – Sunday 15 September
Various events will take place across the borough
Featuring Tide and Turf, Portavogie on Saturday 7 September.

More info on both of these Taste events to come.

Keep checking back to our website, follow our facebook page or sign up to our ezine for updates.

Experience Ards and North Down

These events detailed are simply some of the highlights during the year however sprinkled in between is a wealth of independently run events, group tours and private tours of a variety of interests, family fun days and so on.

Every year we put together a programme of Experiences that bring together local businesses to create unique days out for you to enjoy in our place.Our coastline makes for a great adventure playground, treated respectfully of course with safety in mind; our countryside dotted with artists and makers, producers, and historic towns and villages, are a canvas of arts and heritage to be explored.

Highlights of this particular programme, which runs from April to January, can include tours and events held in locations not normally open to the public, on water fun such involving paddleboards and kayaks, opportunities to learn new skills in the way of arts and crafts, a chance to devour some scrumptious delights in our local eateries, serving our local ingredients in the finest way possible sure to have you wanting more.

Find out more about our Experience programme.

Calendar Events

April

Our AND Culture section present the Ards Guitar Festival. A programme of mini events and activities that celebrate guitar music locally and afar. Find out more

May

May Day starts off the events programme with the traditional Merry May Day celebrations in the wonderful boutique town of Holywood, our gateway into the borough from Belfast, Holywood District Community Council organise Merry May Day with support from Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The town centre closes its roads to make way for an on street market, food stalls, children's entertainment, live music and of course the dance performance around the May Pole, as well as the Bonny Baby compeitition and the crowning of the May Queen! Children are encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters which always makes for fantastic fun. Local school children, who practice intently in the run up, gather together to dance the traditional steps using ribbons that form a pattern on what is the islands only May Pole, accompanied by live traditional music.

June

The Sea Bangor Festival, held at the city of Bangor seafront over a weekend in June, celebrates our relationship with the sea and our maritime heritage.

Themed entertainment, children's crafts and play, on the water and off water activities, live music (normally accompanied by the chance to dance!),
displays by the RNLI and so much more make this popular event providing nothing but wholesome memories for all the family.

The location of the event serves the additional bonus of plentiful more activity close by in the centre including Pickie Funpark, just a short walk along the promenade around the marina.

Another highlight of June is the Comber Earlies Food Festival, part of our 'Taste Summer' programme. A weekend that celebrates the locally grown and worldwide famous Comber Early potato, whose claim to fame is the PGI status it holds, protected geographical indication (PGI) status, under European law. PGI status recognises the regional importance and distinctive characteristics of the Comber Early potato and means that only new season potatoes harvested from the fields of Comber and the surrounding area can be marketed as new season Comber earlies.

Celebrity chefs such as Jean-Christophe Noveli, Theo Randall and Paula McIntyre have previously joined us in our Demo Kitchen to share their recipes and tips on how to make the most of your Comber Earlies.

There is a surplus of family fun, from potatoe themed crafts, to chilren's fun fair rides, street theatre, live music, an artisan market that showcases our fabulous local makers and producers as well as tractor displays, and more!

Look out for associated events over the weekend including food tours, guided historical walking tours and more.

This festival forms part of our 'Taste summer' programme of events and markets.

August

Every August, the Open House Festival launches a month long programme of arts and culture events ranging from live music sessions, to book clubs, food tours, boat tours and Music in the Park on Sundays in local Ward Park.

In 2022, Open House opened The Court House Bangor, a venue for live music and the arts. Here you will find an all year programme, bringing people together for the best time! Find out more about Open House Festival.

Our own AND Culture produce a fantastic programme of events throughout the year too including workshops and classes, Friday Night Live sessions, theatre, children's crafts and so much more. Find out more about Culture - Ards and North Down.

September

'Taste Autumn' sees us through the end of summer and welcome in the autumn season at the end of August and into September. Tide and Turf Portavogie Food Festival serves as the flagship event to this programme of events and markets that showcase our fine food and drink. The location of this event, in Portavogie, celebrates the world class seafood that arrives to these docks, shipped over the island and afar, from the renowned 'Portavogie prawn' to fresh lobster, mussels and fish catch.

Christmas

In November, we welcome in the festive season to the borough with two council-run family fun events, in Bangor City and in Newtownards, with the Switch On events. These occur normally on the third and fourth Saturdays in the month. Join us for artisan markets, food, entertainment for the little ones and those young at heart, live music and more.

Throughout the borough, the remaining towns and villages choose to welcome in the season their own way. Look out for even more family fun dotted around Ards and North Down in November and December.

Craft workshops, Christmas markets and family shows put the additional sparkle into the festive season in our place.

Find out more about Christmas in Ards and North Down.

Tourism Grant Aided Events

We are also delighted to be supporting a number of local organisations through funding which has contributed to creating a programme of events for all in the community, visitors from inside the borough and outside.

Find out more about Grant-Aided Events.

And there's even more happening in between...

Find out what else the year has in store for you should you visit our part of the Isle, there is something for everyone!

What's on listings

Please note

This serves as a guide to a typical year of events highlights in Ards and North Down, however, details and events subject to change.

There will be a small charge for some activities at events.

Photography and videography may take place at some or all of the above events. Please be sure to inform a member of staff on site if you wish not to feature in stock imagery collected for the promotion of the borough and it's events.

Number of results: 864

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Beech Cottage

Newtownards

Address

Ballycastle House, 20 Mount Stewart Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT22 2AL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8357

mdeering@ballycastlehouse.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Tastfully restored cottage with 2 double rooms both ensuite. Downstairs bedroom and bathroom suitable for disabled. Livingroom with fire, kitchen/dinette and full central heating. Quiet rural setting.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Nevermore: Puppetry, Dance and Live Music

Newtownards

Address

The Web Theatre, 49 North Street, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4DF

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Descend into Darkness: A Poe-inspired Exploration of Madness and Memory. A hauntingly beautiful production inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" with the magic of puppetry, dance, live music, and visual storytelling.

Dates

From:
30 Oct 2024Open 20:00 - 21:00

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Big Summer Food Showcase Weekend, No. 14 at the Georgian House - Comber

Comber

Address

No. 14 at the Georgian House, 14 The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DT

Telephone
028 9131 1106

no14atthegeorgianhouse@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Chef Jim Mulholland is joined by guest chef friends from across Northern Ireland in a kitchen garden erected to provide live demos across a two-day event.

Dates

More Info
Balloo Nature Reserve

Bangor

Address

Close to Signal Business Growth Centre, Innotec Drive, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7PG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 4094

naturereserves@ulsterwildlife.org

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Accesible to all and perfect for a family stroll while looking at the local flora and fauna the area is maintained by Ulster Wildlife.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
NI Food Tours

Killinchy

Address

52 Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 3224

info@nifoodtours.com

Type

Type:

Food Tour

Tracey Jeffery of NI Food Tours will take you by coach along 115 miles of stunning coastline of Strangford Lough. You will visit award winning Producers, hear their stories, and sample many local food and drink products.

More Info
The Portaferry Hotel

Portaferry

Address

10 The Strand, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1PE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4272 8231

hello@theportni.com
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Hotel

The Portaferry Hotel, the ideal place to relax, the minute you walk through our doors you can feel the atmosphere, snuggle up to our open fires or enjoy the stunning scenery with walks along the shore. And not forgetting our outstanding food…
More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Rockhaven

Newtownards

Address

79 Mountain Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4UL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 3987

rockhaven79@live.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

Family run bed and breakfast in the heart of the country yet only 5 minutes drive to Newtownards centre and 15 minutes from the George Best City Airport. Spectacular views and peaceful surroundings.
Safe Parking.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Sugarcane Cafe Bistro

Comber

Address

The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 3388

info@sugarcanecafebistro.com

Type

Type:

Café

Freshly prepared and locally sourced is our ethos. We use quality local suppliers to bring you fresh, tasty ingredients and then we work our Sugarcane magic of cooking with LOVE to bring our range of dishes to the plate.

More Info
Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Bangor

Address

Valentine Road, Castle Park, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Garden

It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Varieties of flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables mix with sculptures and a unique fountain with a tongue twister! We are thrilled that the Walled Garden is now open all year round…

Dates

From:

1 Sept 2024to31 Oct 2024

From:

1 Nov 2024to31 Mar 2025

From:

1 Apr 2025to31 May 2025

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Barnwell Farm Cottages- Corn Cottage

Greyabbey

Address

8 Ballybryan Road, Greyabbey, Co Down, BT22 2RB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8488

info@barnwellfarmcottages.co.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Self-Catering

As the name suggests, Corn Cottage combines the rustic feel of the farmhouse with the comfort afforded by deluxe furnishings. Modern features such as digital satellite TV, video and mobile phone are available for those who want to keep in touch ...
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Comber Earlies Showcase Dinner, No. 14 at the Georgian House - Comber

Comber

Address

No. 14 at the Georgian House, 14 The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DT

Telephone
028 9131 1106

no14atthegeorgianhouse@gmail.com

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A midsummer gastronomic spectacular! Celebration of local suppliers dinner in the walled garden.
Jim Mulholland, head chef and owner of No 14 The Georgian House in the heart of historic Comber, invites you to a special midsummer evening…

Dates

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Music in the Chamber: The Maxwell Quartet

Bangor

Address

Bangor Castle (City Hall), Castle Park Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TF

Telephone
028 9127 1200

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Moving On Music presents the award winning, "brilliantly fresh, unexpected and exhilarating" Maxwell Quartet on tour of NI.

Dates

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Helen's Bay Beach

Helens Bay

Address

Crawfordsburn Country Park, Helens Bay, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities, all within twenty minutes drive of Belfast.

Price
Free

More Info
Newtownards Twelfth 2024

Newtownards

Address

Mary Street Orange Hall, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4DQ

Telephone
028 9070 1122

coleen@goli.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Festival

The 18 demonstrations on Friday, 12 July 2024, will be held in:
Newtownstewart, Benburb, Ballygawley, Newtownards, Ballynahinch, Annalong, Gilford, Ballymena, Broughshane, Carrickfergus, Cloughmills, Derriaghy, Ahoghill, Belfast, Killylea, City of…

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Clandeboye Lodge Hotel

Bangor

Address

10 Estate Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1UR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 2500

welcome@clandeboyelodge.co.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Hotel

A place apart. Clandeboye Lodge is the warm welcome of Northern Ireland. The comfortable and cosy corner you won’t want to leave. Charm and service from dawn until dusk.
Special Offers
- The Perfect Round (Clandeboye GC Championship Dufferin)
  From £290 for 2 guests
  Enjoy a golfing stay and play at Clandeboye Lodge. Situated on the grounds of Clandeboye Estate, Clandeboye Golf Club is perfect for more accomplished players. Play the Dufferin course, one of the highest rated championship courses in Ireland, before returning to the luxury of the hotel and the Coq & Bull brasserie to discuss the finer shots of the day! 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner & 1 round on 18 hole Dufferin course.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Play AND Stay Golfing Offers
- The Perfect Round (Blackwood GC Par 3)
  From £245 for 2 guests
  Enjoy a golfing stay and play at Clandeboye Lodge. With the stunning Blackwood Golf Centre only a decent 5-iron away, enjoy a hassle-free golfing break to suit you. Play the Par 3 course before returning to the luxury of the hotel and the Coq & Bull brasserie to discuss the finer shots of the day! 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner, 1 round on 18 hole Par 3 course & 250 balls on driving range.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Play AND Stay Golfing Offers
- Celebrate
  From £220 for 2 guests
  Whether it is a wedding anniversary, a big birthday or a special occasion for family or friends, you want to mark it in a way that is memorable. Enjoy a glass of prosecco and then a celebration dinner in the famed Coq & Bull brasserie. To keep the party going, we start you off the next day with a Bucks Fizz breakfast! Includes 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner, glass of prosecco & Bucks Fizz with breakfast.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Ultra-Luxe Suite
  From £350 for 2 guests
  Stay in the height of luxury in the Ultra-luxe Suite. Immerse yourself in tranquillity as you soak in the standalone copper bathtub, and lose yourself in your favourite Netflix shows from the super-sized, contemporary four-poster bed. Let the sumptuous surroundings transport you to a place of utter indulgence! Includes 1 night B&B, fresh fruit skewers & bottle of prosecco.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- A Date with Nature
  From £250 for 2 guests
  Refresh yourself through the power of the natural world and the simple pleasure of walking. Let the luxurious Clandeboye Lodge be your starting point as you venture out to explore the nearby woodland trails and coastal paths. Return to a warming afternoon Irish coffee and luxury shortbread. Then take a rest, dress for dinner and join us for the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the wonderful Coq & Bull brasserie. Well deserved. Includes 1 night B&B, late afternoon Irish Coffee with luxury shortbread, 3 course dinner & bottle of wine.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Deluxe Retreat
  From £245 for 2 guests
  Start with a gift box of deluxe treats that will make your stay that little bit more special. Take time to relax by the fire before getting ready for the Coq & Bull dining experience - the finest of local produce, beautifully cooked and presented. Retire to your stylish room for a blissful night’s sleep then why not finish off with breakfast in bed the next day? Includes 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner, glass of prosecco & a gift box of deluxe treats.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Time Together
  From £260 for 2 guests
  Experience a luxury romantic escape at the private and stylish Clandeboye Lodge. Indulge in life's luxuries as you take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, savour a romantic meal at the Coq & Bull brasserie, and relish precious moments together. Complete your evening with a luxury night cap of Espresso Martinis served with artisan salted caramel brownies. Exquisite. Includes 1 night B&B, bottle of prosecco, 3 course dinner & luxury night cap.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Tranquil Indulgence
  From £280 per room
  Pamper yourself with an in-room VOYA spa experience. This includes the incredible Lazy Days organic seaweed bath pack to detoxify and hydrate your skin, followed by the luxurious Mindful Dreams body oil, Original Scented candle and soothing Pillow Heaven sleep spray. Includes 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner & VOYA organic spa pack.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- A Taste of Freedom
  From £210 for 2 guests
  Your chance to simply escape to the countryside and enjoy the famed hospitality at the Clandeboye Lodge. Enjoy the finest local and seasonal produce at the renowned Coq & Bull brasserie, paired perfectly with an exceptional wine list. Finish off with a lie in and our awesome freshly cooked breakfast to complete the ultimate countryside getaway. Includes 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner & glass of prosecco.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Wild Escape
  From £242 for 2 guests
  Revitalise your senses with a wild sea dip along the North Down coast. Choose from the various swimming hot spots in the area and warm up with a decadent hot chocolate and homemade shortbread. Enhance the benefits of your cold water dip with a nourishing VOYA seaweed eye mask. Then when you’re ready, enjoy a meal at the Coq & Bull, where the finest local and seasonal ingredients come to life. Wake up the next day feeling thoroughly refreshed and energised! Includes 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner, hot chocolate with homemade shortbread & VOYA seaweed eye masks.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Titanic Retreat
  From £260 for 2 guests
  Uncover the story of RMS Titanic and her fateful journey through an immersive experience at Titanic Belfast, a must-see on any visit to Belfast. Then, retreat to the luxury of Clandeboye Lodge, just a short 20-minute drive away. Nestled in woodlands, it offers the perfect respite after a bustling day in the city. Enjoy locally sourced, seasonal dishes at the Coq & Bull brasserie, and awaken to a full Irish breakfast. An ideal escape to explore, relax, and indulge. Includes 1 night B&B, 3 course dinner & 2 tickets to Titanic Belfast
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- A Date With Nature at Clandeboye Lodge
  From £250 per room
  Embrace the beauty of autumn and explore the local woodland trails with Clandeboye Lodge as your base. Enjoy 1 night B&B with a late afternoon Irish Coffee and luxury shortbread, plus 3 course dinner and a bottle of wine in the evening. The perfect autumn escape.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
The Old Post Office Tea Rooms - Pantry - Gift Shop

Newtownards

Address

191 Killinchy Road, Comber, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 6AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 3335

info@opocafe.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Opened in 2004 The Old Post Office Tea Rooms are situated on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough in the village of Lisbane, County Down, between Comber and Downpatrick. This grade B listed thatched building dates back to the 1840s.

More Info
The Copeland Distillery Pub Quiz hosted by Ginger Pete - Donaghadee

Donaghadee

Address

The Copeland Distillery, Manor Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HF

Telephone
02891624000

info@copelanddistillery.com

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Come and join the team at the Copeland Distillery for a quiz night hosted by the amazing Ginger Pete!

Dates

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Bangor Castle (City Hall)

Bangor

Address

Castle Park Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TF

Telephone
+44 (0) 300 013 3333

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

This impressive building was built for the Hon Robert Edward Ward and his family in 1852. It is presently the headquarters of Ards and North Down Borough Council who use the mansions spectacular grand salon as the council chamber.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Portaferry Plein Air Festival 2024

Portaferry

Address

The Market House, The Square, Portaferry, Co Down, BT22 1LW

Telephone
07913 644 243

portaferryartsociety@gmail.com

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Festival

Three days of painting outdoors in the beautiful town of Portaferry. Based in the Market House initially, you can enjoy a demonstration by one of Irelands talented artists, then off to enjoy a days painting. Full details and prices are on our…

Dates

Price
Price £65.00 Per Ticket

More Info
5 Brandon Grove

Bangor

Address

5 Brandon Grove, Balloo, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 7SN

Telephone
+44 (0) 7828575156

accack@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

This spacious bungalow in a quiet neighborhood offers fully equipped kitchen, dining area, two sitting rooms, bathroom with walk-in shower, and two bedrooms. Gas heating, garage contains washing machine and lines. On-site parking, wifi, smart TV,…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi