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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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The Big Foodie Quiz at McBrides on the Square - Comber

Comber

Address

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

Telephone
028 91313969

hello@mcbridesonthesquare.co.uk

Price
Price £3.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Bring your appetite for knowledge and join McBrides on the Square for a night of fun, food trivia, and friendly competition.

Dates

Price
Price £3.00 Per Ticket

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
  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
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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
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Leisure Facilities
- Outdoor pool
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Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
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Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
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
Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary

Portaferry

Address

The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4272 8062

info@explorisni.com
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Zoo / Aquarium

Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An underwater Tunnel Experience, friendly sharks and a Dwarfcrocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.
More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
White Cottage

Holywood

Address

3 Marino Station Road, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 0AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7756649167

alanajune@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

White Cottage is a former railway cottage, just a stone's throw from the beach. Next to a railway halt with excellent train links to Belfast. It is a quiet line with little or no disturbance. It's an ideal location for both business & pleasure.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Portaferry Castle

Portaferry

Address

Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Portaferry Castle is a 16th Century tower-house, built by the Savage family. It is located on the slope overlooking Portaferry harbour.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
SOLD OUT - Demo and Dine with Rachel Allen

Portavogie

Address

Fish Market, Portavogie Harbour, Portavogie, County Down, BT22 1EA

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Part of the Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down Programme.
A unique dining experience with celebrity chef Rachel Allen at Portavogie Harbour - enjoy welcome drinks and canapes, interactive starters, and main course platters followed by dessert.

Dates

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Atrium Apartment

Bangor

Address

High Street, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 5BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7973 940 270

colummccloskey@googlemail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

The newly renovated, first-floor Atrium Apartment is situated in the heart of the popular seaside town of Bangor. It is within a two minute walk of the celebrated marina and beautiful coastal paths. A great location to explore Northern Ireland.

More Info
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Clandeboye Festival 2024

Bangor

Address

The Courtyard, Clandeboye Estate, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1RN

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9042 7600

office@camerata-ireland.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Concert

Clandeboye Festival takes place this year from 17-24th August in the historic surroundings of the Clandeboye Estate Co. Down. Join us for 8 days of incredible music making in the intimate settings of the Banqueting Hall and Chapel at Clandeboye with…

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Loft

Newtownards

Address

72 Ballydrain Road, Castle Espie, Comber, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 5ST

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 0778

jennymorrowhome@yahoo.co.uk

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Set within the grounds of Castle Espie House dating back to 1860, this cosy first floor apartment is located down a quiet laneway leading to the shores of Strangford Lough. It has one double bedroom, shower room, kitchen and sitting room.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Kearney Village

Portaferry

Address

Kearney Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8387

strangford@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Owned by the National Trust, it is a picturesque 18th century fishing village with scenic coastal walks. There is an abundance of wildlife to be seen. A small visitor centre is open from dawn to dusk, as are the public toilets and car park.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ulster Orchestra Summer Concert

Bangor

Address

Bangor Abbey, Newtownards Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4JF

Telephone
028 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Price £8.00 to £12.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Musicians from the Ulster Orchestra are delighted to perform at another delightful evening of music in Bangor Abbey.
Whether you're new to orchestral music or a regular concertgoer, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this programme, designed to…

Dates

Price
Price £8.00 to £12.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Lilac Tree Cottage

Newtownards

Address

8 Church Street, Grey Abbey, Greyabbey, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2NQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7980 690 250

janet.hamilton@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Lilac Tree Cottage is one of three cottages we rent in Greyabbey. This 2 bedroom cottage offers all modern conveniences. It is located opposite the beautiful Cistercian Abbey.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Rockport School

Holywood

Address

Rockport School, Craigavad, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 0DD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8372

schooloffice@rockportschool.com

Type

Type:

Campus

Local attractions nearby include Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and Titanic Belfast.
Good variety of restaurants nearby in Holywood, Bangor and Belfast, all easily accessible by car and train.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Columbanus Community Folk Festival 2024

Bangor

Address

DOWN, BANGOR, Bangor, County Down, BT204XL

Telephone
07955685745

mmc10@sky.com

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Cross Community festival celebrating all genres of music, song, dance and local culture.

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Down Cruising Club / Lightship

Killinchy

Address

52 Ballydorn Road (near Sketrick Island), Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1663

secretary@downcruisingclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Adventure Sports

Ballydorn is located upon the northeast coast of Ireland, upon Strangford Lough’s western shore and to the west of Rainey Island.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Big Hide Out

Comber

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 4146

info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk

Price
Price £9.70 to £25.60 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

Calling all budding birdwatchers! This half term, kids are taking over our bird hides. Borrow a pair of binoculars or get crafty and make your own. Discover the wild birds that live in our wetlands – and how to tell them apart. And let your…

Dates

Price
Price £9.70 to £25.60 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
Behind the Scenes: Library and Archives

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Rd, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+442890428428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £11.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Discover beautiful books, manuscripts, diaries and first-hand records in this special guided tour from our Library & Archives Manager.

Dates

From:
5 Oct 2024Open 11:00 - 12:30

Price
Price £11.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Strangford Lough Viking Festival - Jewellery Workshop, Sun 10am

Portaferry

Address

The Hub, Portaferry Sailing Club, 40 Shore Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1JZ

Telephone
028 9182 6846

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

In each workshop, artisan and craftsman Connor Sweeney of Valhallas Silver will take you through the ancient jewellery making techniques. At the end of the workshop, you will be the proud owner of a solid silver pendant or ring.

Dates

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Park Drive Terrace

Holywood

Address

14 Park Drive, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 9LW

Telephone
+44 (0)7748 466 512

peterrobinson750@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Holywood Town House in Town Centre

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)