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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.

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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
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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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
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- 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
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
McBrides on the Square

Comber

Address

1-3 The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 1744

irissmcbride@aol.com

Type

Type:

Bar

For over 35 years McBride’s have been providing quality traditional meals using fresh produce sourced from local suppliers, especially shellfish and seafood from Portavogie.

More Info
Crawfordsburn Cottages

Bangor

Address

20 Main Street, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, Down, BT19 1JE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7882 980 554

info@davidglovergroup.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Crawfordsburn Cottages are right in the centre of Crawfordsburn village exactly opposite The Old Inn. We have 2 bedrooms one with a king bed and the other with 2 single beds. A fully fitted kitchen with all appliances and everything you would need…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Little Wing Pizzeria, Holywood

Holywood

Address

74 High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 2700

info@littlewingpizzeria.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Why Little Wing pizza?…
…Because our passion for pizza shines through! Just taste one of our yummy, traditionally made Naples style pizzas and you’ll know what we’re talking about.

More Info
Crawfordsburn Country Park

Helen's Bay

Address

Bridge Road South, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1JT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3621

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

With tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing natural retreat.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Car Parking is available at the Main Car Park, exit road lay by, Fort Road Car Park, Grey Point Fort and Sea Park, Coastguard Avenue.
Barnwell Farm Cottages- Flax 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, Flax cottage combines the rustic feel of the farmhouse with the comfort afforded by deluxe furnishings. As well as our 5 farm trails,we have a Bird hide, Badger hide and a panoramic viewing platform. The view takes in…
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
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
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
Made in AND Pop-Up Christmas Shop

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

Address

North Down Museum, Bangor, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TF

Telephone
028 9127 1200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Come and visit a unique shopping experience this Christmas at North Down Museum. Browse the museum's galleries, which are filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers. The perfect place to get that special gift and support…

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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
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
The Esplanade

Bangor

Address

12 Ballyholme Esplanade, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0954

info@esplanadebangor.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Picturesque setting with bar, restaurant and off licence.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Bayview

Bangor

Address

140 Seacliff Road, Bangor, Co. Down, BT20 5EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 4545

bayview.bangor@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Bed & Breakfast

Attractive, comfortable, clean accommodation situated on Bangor’s Seafront (Coastal Road) close to all amenities, including golf, sailing, fishing and the new Auroracentre. The house is centrally heated and all rooms have hot and cold water, ...

More Info
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
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 £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 £8.00 Per Ticket

More Info
The Rabbit Rooms

Bangor

Address

30-32 Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 7699

Info@therabbitrooms.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Everything is locally sourced our wonderful meat, fish, vegetables, our staff (apart from our Moroccan
yak herder) all of it is good old home grown Northern Ireland stuff.

More Info
Ards Puppet Festival

Conway Square, Newtownards

Address

Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Festival

Looking for something different to do over the Halloween holidays? This year's Ards Puppet Festival is happening on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 October!

Dates

From:

27 Oct 2024to28 Oct 2024Open 11:00 - 16:00

Price
Free

More Info
Plantsman's Garden Tours

Bangor

Address

12 Meadow Way, Crawfordsburn, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1JJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3081

trevor@trevoredwardsgardens.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

'Plantsman's Garden Tours' offer incredible access to the gardens of historic stately homes and the privately owned masterpieces of Co. Down and Northern Ireland together with those of the Republic of Ireland.

More Info