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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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North Down Museum

Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 1200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

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 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Blackwood Golf Centre

Bangor

Address

150 Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 2706

info@theblackwoodgc.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Premier pay and play golf facility with open Stableford every Friday. Visitors are always most welcome to come along and play the course..

More Info
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
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- 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
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- 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
Bayview House

Newtownards

Address

40 Bayview Road, Killinchy, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 6TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1690

killinchy@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

Originally three labourers thatched cottages dating back to 1912 Bayview House was sympathetically modernised in 2000 and overlooks Ballymorran Bay.
Set just one mile from the village of Killinchy there are two pub restaurants, Balloo House & ...

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
The Bradley Gallery

Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9147 3508

info@terrybradley.com

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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Not So Scary Halloween: Craft Workshop

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
028 9127 1200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Halloween

Join Kelsey from Squiggles and Giggles for our creeeepy craft workshop!

Dates

From:
31 Oct 2024Open 10:00 - 11:00
From:
31 Oct 2024Open 11:30 - 12:30
From:
31 Oct 2024Open 13:30 - 14:30
From:
31 Oct 2024Open 15:00 - 16:00

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Rosevale Farm Cottages - Davy's

Bangor

Address

76 Cootehall Road, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, Co. Down, BT19 1UW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 2880

welcome@coastalandcountry.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Home comforts in traditional Irish cottages. Two fully refurbished cottages with their origins in the 18th century. One newly-built cottage designed in the vernacular style. Secluded country views. Rare breeds farm. Turf-burning stove. Free Wi-Fi

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Mews Cottage

Bangor

Address

8B Killaire Avenue, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 1EW

Telephone
07732627200

mewscottage@live.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Looking for somewhere totally different? Why stay in boring when you can stay in a converted boutique accommodation with stunning views over the Irish Sea to Scotland. Bespoke kitchen with granite worktops, dishwasher, washer/dryer, microwave, ...

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
The Kingfisher Kitchen @ WWT Castle Espie

Comber

Address

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 4146

alan.watson@wwt.org.uk

Type

Type:

Café

The Kingfisher Kitchen offers delicious homemade food, speciality Fairtrade coffees, teas and soft drinks. The tasty menu includes homemade dishes with vegetarian and children’s options available.

More Info
Kingsland Pitch And Putt

Bangor

Address

Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 5622

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

One nine hole pitch and putt course. Two 18 hole putting greens. 4 Tennis courts.
There is also putting and pitch and putt equipment for hire.
For booking information, please contact Bangor Sportsplex.

More Info
The Echlinville Distillery Tour & Tipple - Kircubbin

Kircubbin

Address

The Echlinville Distillery, 62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AJ

Telephone
028 4273 8597

info@echlinville.com

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Experience Excellence with a tour and tasting at The Echlinville Distillery, home of some of Ireland's best known whiskeys, gins and poitín.

Dates

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ballymacashen Cottage

Newtownards

Address

26b Raffrey Road, Killinchy, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 6SF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7713 113 264

sallystewartmoore@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Traditional 19th century cottage in a rural setting in the heart of County Down, 13 miles from Belfast. Offers a range of outdoor activities (walking, cycling, sailing & scuba diving), local pubs, MICHELIN rated restaurants and a cosy place to relax!

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Royal Belfast Golf Club

Holywood

Address

Station Rd, Craigavad, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8165

admin@royalbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Founded in 1881, Royal Belfast Golf Club lays claim to the title of the oldest golf course in Ireland. Visitors are assured of a very warm welcome and a wonderful golfing experience.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Weave a Colourful Wallhanging with Kiri Cottage - Kircubbin

6 Loughdoo Road, Ardkeen

Address

Kiri Cottage Crafts, Ardkeen, 6 Loughdoo Road, Ardkeen, County Down, BT22 1HJ

Telephone
07968342928

kiricottagecrafts@aol.com

Price
Price £30.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

This workshop involves the process of using peg looms and simple weaving frames, together with a variety of coloured fibres, yarns and fabrics to create unique pieces of wall art. Just bring yourself and your enthusiasm!

Dates

Price
Price £30.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tour & Tipple at The Echlinville Distillery - Kircubbin

62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin

Address

The Echlinville Distillery, 62 Gransha Road, 62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AJ

Telephone
028 4273 8597

info@echlinville.com

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Experience Excellence with a tour and tasting at The Echlinville Distillery, home of some of Ireland's best known whiskeys, gins and poitín.

Dates

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Clandeboye Estate Afternoon Tea Experience - Bangor

Bangor

Address

Clandeboye Estate, Belfast Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 1RN

Telephone
07739 447 957

karen@clandeboye.co.uk

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

You can enjoy a luxury afternoon tea in the glorious Banqueting Hall, filled with fine paintings, fabulous beams and a rich sense of history, followed by a visit to the Armory in the Mansion House.

Dates

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Easter Trail

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
028 9127 1200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £1.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Calling all young explorers to North Down Museum this Easter Monday! Come along and enjoy our Easter Trail!
Find the clues placed around the museum's galleries to win a prize. Fun for all the family!

Dates

Price
Price £1.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Doggy Fayre in The Walled Garden, 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:

Markets / Fairs

Shadowing the main event, the Comber Earlies Food Festival in the Comber Leisure Centre Carpark, Jim and Joanne Mulholland have a select range of quality cuisine for dogs along with dog related craft, toys and recreational items for every type of…

Dates

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Ardkeen House

Newtownards

Address

2 Loughdoo Road, Ardkeen, Portaferry, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 1HJ

Telephone
07546002159

jennifer@ardkeenhouse.com

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

Ardkeen House Bed & Breakfast is situated on the main Portaferry to Newtownards road in County Down, Northern Ireland. Located on an elevated site enjoying breath-taking views over Strangford Lough.
Jennifer and Phil welcome you to this relaxed ...

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Art and Soul

Holywood

Address

Culloden Estate and Spa, 142 Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 1066

events@cull.hastingshotels.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Art and Soul, the International Art & Sculpture Fair returns to the Culloden Estate & Spa. Over 250 artworks will be on show by some of the biggest names in international and Irish art throughout the immaculately maintained estate gardens and…

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking