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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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Beachside

Bangor

Address

2 The Briggs, Groomsport, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 6HY

Telephone
+44 (0) 7818 036 228

beachside.apt@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Beachside – a modern coastal ground floor apartment centrally located in Groomsport, boasting pleasant sea views. Beach theme styled accommodation offers guests a spacious open plan lounge/dining area, two bedrooms.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
St Patrick's Hall Apartment No. 2

Newtownards

Address

Apt 2 St Patrick's Hall, 50A Shore Road, Portaferry, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 1JZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7720 407 496

themehargs@talktalk.net

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

St Patrick's Hall lies in the heart of main street Portaferry. The Victorian church hall has been sympathetically converted into three luxury apartments.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Beech Cottage

Newtownards

Address

Ballycastle House, 20 Mount Stewart Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT22 2AL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8357

mdeering@ballycastlehouse.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Tastfully restored cottage with 2 double rooms both ensuite. Downstairs bedroom and bathroom suitable for disabled. Livingroom with fire, kitchen/dinette and full central heating. Quiet rural setting.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Canoe and Cake Experience

Killinchy

Address

52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 3224

info@traceysfarmhousekitchen.com

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

Enjoy the beauty of Strangford Lough from your own canoe and relax in the serenity of your surroundings before tucking into tasty treats in an 18th century thatched cottage in an area of outstanding natural beauty just 40 minutes from Belfast.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Seaside Revival Vintage Festival

Bangor

Address

McKee Clock Arena, 4A Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
028 9148 2053

info@openhousefestival.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Concert

Free one day festival events celebrating all things vintage, local and seaside inspired

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Coat Makers Cafe

Comber

Address

Winnie Magee Studios, 17 High Street, Comber, County Down, BT23 5HJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 1778

info@winniemagee.com

Type

Type:

Café

Where we continue our coat making tradition and our linen heritage with the linen rain collection by Winnie Magee. made and showcased here on the premises alongside Dubarry of Ireland as well as the appropriately named coatmakers cafe.

More Info
Sandend Cottage

Ballywalter

Address

24 Springvale Road, Ballywalter, Co Down, BT22 2RW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7763 046 741

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

Type:

Self-Catering

Situated on a sandbank above a beautiful sandy beach, this unique cottage has an uninterrupted view over the Irish Sea. From the garden there is a flight of steps, leading to the unspoiled beach.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Barnwell Farm Cottages- Whin 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

1 of a group of 7 cottages that can accommodate parties of up to 34 people.
Whin Cottage was developed in single storey format. Whin is bright, cheery and welcoming, a reminder of the atmosphere in the original Brooks farm kitchen which forms part…
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Whitethorn Cottage

Newtownards

Address

70 Tullynagardy Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 4TB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 3710

inquiry@whitethorncottages.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Idyllic location 10 miles from Belfast City, views of Strangford Lough & Scarbo Tower. Close to the city centre & also close to the coastal paths of Bangor & Ards ,ideal for sailing, fishing, walking, cycling and 14 golf clubs within 10 miles radius.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
One Shore St.

Donaghadee

Address

1 Shore Street, Donaghadee, Down, BT21 0DQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7979 807 970

hello@oneshorestreet.com
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Guest Accommodation

More than just a bed and breakfast. Donaghadee is a seaside town located on the East Coast of Northern Ireland. With great restaurants and bars within walking distance, One Shore Street is the ideal place for a coastal getaway.
More Info
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Le Winters Bistro

Newtownards

Address

92 Church Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 4141

info@strangfordhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Located at the tip of Strangford Lough and the heart of Co.Down, LeWinters has an established reputation throughout Northern Ireland as a popular eatery with an extensive menu of freshly prepared local, traditional and modern cuisine. 5* FSA rating.

More Info
Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen

Killinchy

Address

52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 3224

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

Type:

Cookery School

Tracey's cottage is located only 30 minutes from Belfast in a Marine Nature Reserve on Strangford Lough. Join her to make Soda and Wheaten Breads and to enjoy a feast of homemade treats around the Farmhouse Kitchen table. A hands on experience.
Special Offers
- Paddle & Pizza
  From £60 per person
  Step out onto the calm, still waters of Ballymorran Bay in Killinchy just half an hour from Belfast on your Paddleboard with Joe the Instructor. You don’t need to be able to paddleboard to do this! Joe will guide you. You’ll paddle around the little Islands on the Lough and you’ll be up close with unusual wildlife. Afterwards back at Tracey’s for some delicious Pizza, a big mug of Tea / Coffee and Ice cream for dessert. Bring an appetite! You’ll take home one of Joe’s Pizzas for free as part of this offer.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Activities Offers
- Bread Making - 3 Guests and the 4th is Free!
  From £60 per person
  Join Tracey in her home for a traditional Northern Irish bread making experience. You’ll make Soda, Wheaten and Potato breads which you’ll take home with you. This experience is all about enjoying homemade cooking so bring an appetite! Three people book and the fourth person goes free!
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Activities Offers
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024
More Info
Ava Restaurant & Vin Café

Bangor

Address

132 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 5490

info@theava.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Situated in Bangor's town centre directly opposite the bus and train stations. Cosmopolitan in style the Ava Restaurant & Vin Café offers a tapas menu along with a traditional grill menu and fantastic choice of wine.

More Info
Ballycopeland Windmill

Millisle

Address

Windmill Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2DS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Windmill

Late 18th-century tower mill in use until 1915 and still in working order. Take a virtual tour and discover this unique building.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
38 Main Street

Newtownards

Address

38 Main Street, Greyabbey, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2NG

Telephone
+44 (0) 7738323813

boyd@greyabbey.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Family-run fully renovated and modernised mid-terrace house, originally built in the early 1800s and is typical of an Irish '2up 2down' of the period. Situated in a historic village in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the property has been ...

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Carnalea Golf Club

Bangor

Address

Station Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0368

frances@carnaleagolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

There has been a course at Carnalea for over 100 years. Indeed Carnalea became Ireland’s first municipal golf club in 1927. Its beautiful seaside setting has superb views over Belfast Lough and the Antrim hills beyond. Long on history and ...

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Scrabo Tower

Newtownards

Address

203A Scrabo Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4SJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Tower

At the top of Scrabo Hill, overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down, is Scrabo Tower. The tower, which was built in 1857, is one of Northern Ireland’s best known landmarks and the views from the top are spectacular.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Oscars at the Marina

Bangor

Address

58 Queen's Parade, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 3BH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7514 244 268

oscarsatthemarina@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

With stunning views directly over Bangor Marina, and minutes from all local attractions, Oscar's is a 3 storey property which sleeps 10. Very spacious, offering home from home comforts. We aim to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
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…
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
Drumawhey Junction Railway

Donaghadee

Address

60 Upper Gransha Road, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9446 1272

trains@drumawhey.com

Type

Type:

Miniature Railway

This 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway has about 2km of track with a variety of routes including bridges, cuttings, embankments, gradients and a twin-track tunnel. There is a station, picnic tables and the ticket office includes a small shop.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking