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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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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
Kirkistown Motor Racing Circuit

Newtownards

Address

130 Rubane Road, Kircubbin, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 1AU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4277 1325

info@kirkistown.com

Type

Type:

Motor Sports and Karting

Kirkistown Motor Racing Circuit offers the opportunity of a lifetime, to have a driving experience in a Formula Ford Single Seater Racing Car.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ards Visitor Information Centre

Newtownards

Address

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Tourist Information Centre

Make us your first point of call for information on attractions, accommodation, activities and events during your visit to the beautiful Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough region. We can help with tailored advice on how best to spend your time here.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk
Gradings
- 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.
More Info
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
Cockle Row Cottages & Groomsport Harbour

Groomsport

Address

Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JP

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Groomsport village is a delightful spot, with quaint village shops, cafes and popular eateries, including historic Cockle Row Cottages, a restored turn of the century fisherman's cottages.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

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

Greyabbey

Address

Main Street, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2NQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Music in the Chamber: Niall McCabe

Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

The Music in The Chamber series of concerts return to Bangor Castle this Autumn and first up to take the stage in the beautiful Chamber room on Thursday 19 October, is one of Ireland's finest singer songwriters, Niall McCabe.

Dates

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

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
Nendrum Monastic Site

Comber

Address

Mahee Island, Ringneill Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Nendrum is thought to have been set up by St Machaoi in the 5th Century and also has links to St Patrick in later sources. The monastery consists of 3 round dry stone walled enclosures, one within the other.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

Comber

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 4146

info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday, reconnect with nature, and experience the wonder of wetlands on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough.
Visit Castle Espie all year round and discover new…
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
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
Merok Mill House

Bangor

Address

10 Kerrs Road, Gransha, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 7QD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7713 636 703

millhouse@merok.co.uk

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Merok Mill House, a self-contained, open-plan, split-level, 2 bedroom apartment, which sleeps 4-6 people, is particularly suitable for families. Set in beautiful countryside, with Bangor & North Down, and Belfast (Titanic Experience).

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
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
Holywood Priory Church

Holywood

Address

High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

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

Price
Free

More Info
Feel Good Festival: D.O.M.E.

Portaferry

Address

The Portico of Ards, Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
028 4272 8808

Verity@porticoards.com

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

D.O.M.E. (Dynamic Organ Multi-sensory Experience). Ready to experience Portico in a new way? Experimental musicians Son Zept and Xenia Pestova Bennett transform Portico's church into an immersive multi-sensory dome, blurring past, present and future…

Dates

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Sold Out - Stargazing at Burr Point

Ballyhalbert

Address

Burr Point near Ballyhalbert, Ballyhalbert, County Down, BT22 1DL

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

Part of the Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down Programme. Experience the incredible starry skies above Burr Point, the most easterly point on the island. Astronomers from the Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society will be on hand with their…

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
The Copeland Distillery Tour

Donaghadee

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9162 4000

tours@copelanddistillery.com

Price
Price £22.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Brewery/Distillery Tour

Truly immerse yourself at The Copeland Distillery, where you’ll hear tales of secret smugglers, savage battles and remarkable voyages, all while soaking up our coastal spirits of whiskey, gin, and rum.

Price
Price £22.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Cairn Bay Lodge

Bangor

Address

278 Seacliff Road, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 5HS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 7636

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

Type:

Guest Accommodation

The Lodge has been watching the sunrise and gazing over beautiful Ballyholme Bay, the Irish Sea and beyond for over 100 years. Starfish Cafe buzzes with locals and visitors alike enjoying amazing local produce.Voya and Guinot treatments available.
More Info
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Portaferry Marina

Newtownards

Address

Lifeboat Station, The Strand, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 1PF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7703 209 780

info@portaferrymarina.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sailing

Portaferry Marina is situated on the east shore of The Narrows, the gateway to Strangford Lough, a marine nature reserve of unparalleled beauty, it is a good starting point on which to explore the Lough, and on-shore activities.

More Info