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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: 622

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Doghouse Gallery

Comber

Address

97-99 Mill Street, Comber, County Down, BT23 5EG

Telephone
028 9187 3655

info@doghousegallery.co.uk

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Doghouse is a stylish and intimate gallery space stocking a large range of crafts from all over the world. One of the best places in Ireland to see and buy quality craft and applied art.

More Info
Ash Cottage

Newtownards

Address

36A New Road, Carrowdore, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2HB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9186 1355

info@ashcottageni.co.uk

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

This charming 2 bedroom cottage is situated in the Ards Peninsula on a working dairy and pedigree sheep farm. Just a mile from Carrowdore village, close to many attractions yet situated in beautiful countryside. The cottage has an enclosed ...

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Shearwater

Bangor

Address

22 Albert Street, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 5EF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9147 0322

gajones755@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Shearwater is a quiet four bed roomed Victorian town house within a minutes walking distance of the coast and the centre of town, with its restaurants, pubs and attractions. The accommodation is furnished and equipped to a high standard.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Goldilocks and the Three Bears

West Street, Newtownards

Address

Queen's Hall, Bangor, West Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4EN

Telephone
02891810803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price from: £8.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Goldilocks! She's off to seek her fortune but soon finds that it is not as easy as she thought.
Meanwhile The Three Bears are hiding a very special honey hive, making honey that helps Santa have a very special breakfast before he sets out for…

Dates

From:
7 Dec 2024Open 14:00 - 15:00

Price
Price from: £8.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Ivy Cottage

Bangor

Address

63 Main Street, Greyabbey, Bangor, Co Down, BT22 2NF

Telephone
+44 (0793358576

Lawpaul7788@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Sleeping four in a double and two singles, as well as having the option of a single sofa bed erected in the main bedroom - Ivy Cottage can accommodate five people in total. We also have one bathroom, with a large bath/shower.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Princetown Guesthouse

Bangor

Address

51 Princetown Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 3TA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9122 9017

princetownguesthouse@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Guest House

Princetown Guesthouse is full of Victorian charm, yet modern and very comfortable. All rooms ensuite. Delicious breakfast available with healthy options and great choice. Ample free off-street parking. Sea views from some rooms.

More Info
Facilities

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

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Pickie Fun Park

Bangor

Address

1 Marine Gardens, Queens Parade, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9145 0746

info@pickiefunpark.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Adventure Park / Playground

Enjoy a fun day out at Pickie Fun Park. Try out the 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train, children's play area, children's electric car track and more.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Welig Heritage Crafts - Willow Sculpture

Newtownards

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4277 1542

clivelyttle@btinternet.com

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.

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
Pier 36 Restaurant

Donaghadee

Address

36 Parade, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9188 4466

info@pier36.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Pub On The Pier at Donaghadee, serving tasty bar snacks all day with fresh fish, delicious local beef, pork, lamb and game for lunch and dinner.

More Info
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
Made in AND: Pop-Up Christmas Shop

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
02891271200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Back by popular demand, a unique shopping experience in the lead up to Christmas at North Down Museum!

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2024to5 Jan 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Annex by Coach Road Cottages

Newtownards

Address

45 Coach Road, Comber, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 5QX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7899 967 127

info@coachroadcottages.co.uk

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Welcome to the Coach Road Cottages, boutique self-catering accommodation surrounded by rural countryside but only a short distance to Belfast by car. You can have privacy or an adventure at some of the local haunts.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

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

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
To the Trees with Dylan Freeburn

Newtownards

Address

Cairn Wood car park, 21 Craigantlet Rd, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TE

Telephone
0300 013 3333 40451

rachael.ludlow-williams@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Sport

We're going on a trail hunt: Autumn series of guided walks in the woods

Dates

From:
26 Nov 2024Open 10:00 - 12:00

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

Cloughey

Address

142 Main Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1JA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4277 1233

office@kirkistowncastlegolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Links Golf Course

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club is situated in the sleepy little village of Cloughey on the eastern seaboard of the Ards Peninsula in County Down, N.Ireland. It is the nearest links golf course to the city of Belfast (about 45 minutes by road)

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Loaf Pottery and Coffee Shop

Bangor

Address

24 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1JE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3340

pottery@loafcatering.com

Type

Type:

Café

Our arts centre features a working pottery with an in house potter, pottery for sale, arts classes and activities for children. While our Café offers delicious artisan wood fired pizza, sharing deli boards and a range of sweet treats.

More Info
Orchard Cottage

Bangor

Address

29 C Kerrs Road, Gransha, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 7QD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7970 570 450

granshacottages@gmail.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Relaxing and tranquil escape to the country in a unique barn conversion. A romantic retreat for couples in the beautiful countryside yet only 10 minutes from Bangor, Donaghadee & Newtownards & 30 minutes from Belfast City airport & Titanic quarter.
More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Hargreaves House

Bangor

Address

78 Seacliff Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 5EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 4071

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

Winner of Hospitality and Tourism (2010) - family run Bed and Breakfast right on Bangor's seafront with front garden overlooking Belfast Lough towards Whitehead and the Mull of Kintyre in the distance. Three minute walk to town centre.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Somme Museum

Newtownards

Address

233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 3202

claire@sommeassociation.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Museum examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
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