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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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Cunningburn Cottages

Newtownards

Address

12a Cunningburn Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2AN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 2828

jim@cunningburncottages.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Approached by an avenue of overhanging limes, Cunningburn Cottages are situated in an elegant 18th century courtyard overlooking our own orchards and parkland with distant views to the lough and mountains.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Echlinville Distillery

Kircubbin

Address

62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4273 8597

info@echlinville.com

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Distillery

Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their spirits, before settling down to relax and enjoy them in the bar.
Special Offers
- Tour & Tipple
  From £23 per person
  Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Ireland’s first farm distillery. Enjoy a stroll through the historic Echlinville Estate on our new visitor walkways. Sample our award winning premium Irish spirits, crafted at Echlinville with Excellence Instilled in every drop. Visit our distillery shop and browse our full range spirits, gifts and merchandise. Add coupon discoverechlinville to your order when booking onto a Tour & Tipple and receive an extra drinks voucher per booking on the day This entitles the customer to 2x extra drinks on the day of the tour.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Activities Offers
Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Arts Night at the Museum

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
028 9127 1200

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Explore your creative side when North Down Museum opens its doors for the evening for this special arts event.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ardmore B&B and Cafe Ardmore

Ballywalter

Address

35 Main Street, Ballywalter, Co. Down, BT22 2PQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4275 8262

evespence1@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

A real home from home for all the family. Located in the centre of a quiet coastal village. All rooms ensuite with most rooms enjoying panoramic views of the Irish Sea. Perfect choice for a relaxing weekend break or family stay all year round.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Comber Courtyard Apartment

Newtownards

Address

5B High Street, Comber, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 5HJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7767 393 322

info@combercourtyard.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Bright, attractive, sympathetically renovated, first floor apartment within an early Victorian street house, just off the central square in Comber. Accessed through a stonewall archway and small open courtyard.

More Info
The Big Draw

Conway Square, Newtownards

Address

Ards Arts Centre, Frances Street/High Street, Conway Square, Newtownards, County Down, BT20 4TF

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Join in The Big Draw at Ards Arts Centre and be part of the world's biggest community of drawing enthusiasts!

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Bangor Abbey

Bangor

Address

Newtownards Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Founded in 558AD the main body of the building dates from 1830's, the tower from 15th century and steeple dates around 1693. Interesting gravestones include a memorial to the assistant surgeon of the Titanic, local man John Edward Simpson.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ennislare House

Bangor

Address

7/9 Princetown Road, Bangor, Co. Down, BT20 3TA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 91270858

info@ennislarehouse.com

Type

Type:

Guest Accommodation

19th century Victorian residence with secure private parking. Magnificent views of the Marina and surrounding area from several of the bedrooms. The harbour, marina, sea front, shops, churches and restaurants are all within walking distance.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Café Essence

Bangor

Address

17 Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4LF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9145 4470

lizattheport@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Fine cuisine - Prime Beef, Chicken, Irish Lamb and fresh local Seafood.
Vegetarian dishes also available.
Bring Your Own Wine or Beer (BY0).
A La Carte and Bistro menu's available.
Private parties catered for.

More Info
The Wayfarers' Rest

Kircubbin

Address

2a Church Grove, Kircubbin, Co Down, BT22 2SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4273 8175

info@thewayfarersrest.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

The Wayfarers' Rest has all the comforts of home and is ideally suited to provide the person who travels with a space to relax, take it easy and have a break. A warm and friendly welcome always awaits you at The Wayfarers' Rest!

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ballyholme Beach

Bangor

Address

Bank's Lane, Groomsport Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Courtyard Cottage

Bangor

Address

212B Crawfordsburn Road, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, Co. Down, BT19 1HY

info@courtyardcottage.ie

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

Nestled near the centre of the quaint and historic County Down village of Crawfordsburn, Courtyard Cottage offers comfortable en-suite accommodation in a beautifully extended cottage, fashioned from the original Crawford Estate buildings from ...

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Little Wing Pizzeria, Bangor

Bangor

Address

37-39 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9147 2777

info@littlewingpizzeria.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

At Little Wing our passion for pizza shines through! We tirelessly search for the finest fresh ingredients which we cook using time honoured methods in our traditional Wood Stone oven, all served in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

More Info
One Shore St.

Donaghadee

Address

1 Shore Street, Donaghadee, Down, BT21 0DQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7979 807 970

hello@oneshorestreet.com
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Guest Accommodation

More than just a bed and breakfast. Donaghadee is a seaside town located on the East Coast of Northern Ireland. With great restaurants and bars within walking distance, One Shore Street is the ideal place for a coastal getaway.
More Info
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
The Old Inn

Bangor

Address

15-25 Main Street, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 1JH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3255

reception@theoldinn.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Hotel

The Old Inn is like home away from home, with personable service and an easy-going atmosphere. Guests can kick off their shoes and get comfortable in a guestroom that suits their mood, or amp up the luxury with suites that come with their own…
Special Offers
- Sunday Sleepover
  From £290 per room per night
  Immerse yourself in a delightful Sunday lunch experience at The Old Inn, complemented by an overnight stay. Enjoy a 2-course meal, access to the tranquil Treetop Spa, and wake up to a hearty full Irish breakfast. Explore the picturesque Crawfordsburn Country Park and nearby Helen's Bay, where scenic trails await your discovery amidst Autumnal foliage. Includes: Overnight stay, 2 course Sunday Lunch, Access to the Treetop Spa, Full Irish breakfast the following morning. Available on Sundays only
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
  From £330 per room per night
  Guests at The Old Inn can indulge in a luxurious Autumn stay with a package including a 3-course dinner, bed and breakfast, and access to the Treetop Spa. Enjoy gourmet dining, deluxe accommodations, and a rejuvenating spa experience for a memorable getaway. Includes: Overnight stay, 3 course evening meal, Access to the Treetop Spa, Full Irish breakfast the following morning.
  Book now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Bed & Breakfast with Afternoon Tea
  From £225 per room per night
  Immerse yourself in charming Autumnal bliss at The Old Inn with a bed and breakfast package featuring traditional afternoon tea and access to the Treetop Spa. Enjoy a cosy stay, savour a full Irish breakfast, then unwind in the spa overlooking Crawfordsburn Country Park. This package promises a serene retreat, blending relaxation, culinary delights, and rustic charm for a memorable escape. Includes: Overnight stay, Traditional afternoon tea, Access to the Treetop Spa, Full Irish breakfast the following morning.
  
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Autumn Escape
  From £275 per room per night
  Experience The Old Inn's luxurious Autumn gourmet retreat with a 3-course evening meal featuring locally sourced ingredients, a bottle of house wine, grandeur guestrooms for an overnight stay, and a delicious full Irish breakfast. Enjoy the Treetop Spa’s ultimate relaxation, creating an unforgettable blend of fine dining, luxury, and Autumn tranquility. Includes: Overnight stay, 3-course evening meal with a bottle of house wine, Access to the Treetop Spa, Full Irish breakfast the following morning.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Autumn Bed & Breakfast
  From £175 per room per night
  Our bed and breakfast package at The Old Inn includes access to the Treetop Spa, where guests can unwind and rejuvenate amidst the serene beauty of nature. Combined with grandeur accommodations and a hearty full Irish breakfast the following morning, it offers an indulgent retreat, perfect for relaxation and renewal. Includes: Overnight stay, Access to the Treetop Spa, Full Irish breakfast the following morning.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Autumn Escape
  From £275 per room
  Experience The Old Inn's luxurious Autumn gourmet retreat with a 3-course evening meal featuring locally sourced ingredients, a bottle of house wine, grandeur guestrooms for an overnight stay, and a delicious full Irish breakfast. Enjoy the Treetop Spa’s ultimate relaxation, creating an unforgettable blend of fine dining, luxury, and Autumn tranquillity.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Outdoor pool
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Bangor International Choral Festival

Bangor

Address

Brunswick Road, Bangor, Bangor, Down, BT20 3DS

Telephone
+44 (0)7720 265 221

anne.poots@btinternet.com

Price
Price Free to £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Festival

Choral Festival

Dates

Price
Price Free to £6.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

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
Helen's Tower

Bangor

Address

Clandeboye Estate, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 1RN

Telephone
+353 16704733

bookings@irishlandmark.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Helen’s Tower, perched above the rolling hills of County Down, is an enchanting three storey, stone tower nestled deep in the woods of the Clandeboye Estate, standing on top of the world with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Adults only

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ava Restaurant & Vin Café

Bangor

Address

132 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 5490

info@theava.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Situated in Bangor's town centre directly opposite the bus and train stations. Cosmopolitan in style the Ava Restaurant & Vin Café offers a tapas menu along with a traditional grill menu and fantastic choice of wine.

More Info