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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

, currently showing 121 to 140.

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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.
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
Creative Gardens at Donaghadee Garden Centre

Donaghadee

Address

Stockbridge Road, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0PN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9188 3603

web@creativegardens.com

Type

Type:

Garden Centre/Nursery

This gem of a coffee shop proves that simple food, prepared well, can sometimes be the best food of all. Astonishing care and attention to detail has been applied to produce an amazing range of scones, pies, lunches cakes and desserts.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

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

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Clandeboye Golf Club

Conlig

Address

51 Tower Road, Conlig, County Down, BT23 7PN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 1767

office@cgc-ni.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

36 Holes. There are two courses in wooded undulating parkland/heathland with clusters of gorse bushes and copses ready to claim the wayward shots.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Made in AND: Pop-Up Christmas Shop

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

Address

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

Telephone
02891271200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Back by popular demand, a unique shopping experience in the lead up to Christmas at North Down Museum!

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2024to5 Jan 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Bay Tree Cafe & Restaurant

Holywood

Address

118 High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 1419

info@baytreeholywood.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

The restaurant is Bridgestone Guide recommended, serving quality food with fresh ingredients and an individual touch. We're open 7 days a week, as well as friday nights for dinner. We hold popular monthly wine/beer/whiskey tasting evenings too.

More Info
Apt 2 The Waterfront

Newtownards

Address

2 Cook Street, Portaferry, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 1GW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9188 4416

info@thewaterfrontportaferry.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

This modern comfortable apartment enjoys stunning views across the Narrows of Strangford Lough. Relax and watch the busy Narrows waterway from the warmth and comfort of the front living room or use the apartment as a base to explore the Ards ...

More Info
Canoe and Cake

Killinchy

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 7749 011 283

Type

Type:

Food Tour

A wellness experience and combines two experiences in one.

More Info
The Old Post Office Tea Rooms - Pantry - Gift Shop

Newtownards

Address

191 Killinchy Road, Comber, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 6AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 3335

info@opocafe.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Opened in 2004 The Old Post Office Tea Rooms are situated on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough in the village of Lisbane, County Down, between Comber and Downpatrick. This grade B listed thatched building dates back to the 1840s.

More Info
Lorne Estate

Holywood

Address

30 Station Road, Holywood, Co. Down, BT18 0BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 5212

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

Type:

Group Hostel

Lorne Estate a 21 acre estate overlooking Belfast Lough. Situated 8 miles from Belfast on easily accessible transport routes. Facilities nearby include Folk Museum, Country Park and Ulster Way.
More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
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
Windmill Hill

Portaferry

Address

Windmill Hill, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

Situated on the hill south east of the town below the stump of Portaferry Windmill, a lay by and a viewpoint has been provided. One can enjoy a breath-taking view of Strangford Lough from the mouth of the Lough to Greyabbey.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
The Echlinville Distillery

Kircubbin

Address

62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4273 8597

info@echlinville.com

Price
Price from: £23.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Distillery

Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their spirits, before settling down to relax and enjoy them in the bar.
Special Offers
- Tour & Tipple
  From £23 per person
  Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Ireland’s first farm distillery. Enjoy a stroll through the historic Echlinville Estate on our new visitor walkways. Sample our award winning premium Irish spirits, crafted at Echlinville with Excellence Instilled in every drop. Visit our distillery shop and browse our full range spirits, gifts and merchandise. Add coupon discoverechlinville to your order when booking onto a Tour & Tipple and receive an extra drinks voucher per booking on the day This entitles the customer to 2x extra drinks on the day of the tour.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Activities Offers
Price
Price from: £23.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Culloden Estate and Spa

Holywood

Address

142 Bangor Road, Holywood, Co Down, BT18 0EX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 1066

res@cull.hastingshotels.com
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Hotel

Standing high on the wooded slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the Co. Antrim coastline, is the magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa, one of the most prestigious 5 star hotels in Northern Ireland.
Special Offers
- Midweek Serenity & Dine Retreat - County Down
  From £495 per room per night based on 2 sharing
  Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a Midweek Spa & Dine Retreat at the prestigious Culloden Estate & Spa. Relax in an oasis of tranquility at the Spa with a luxurious treatment for two and, in the evening, stroll through the Culloden Estate gardens down the path to the Cultra Inn for a 3 course dinner.
  Book now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Signature Style
  From £295 per room
  Leave the everyday behind and whisk yourself away to the Culloden Estate & Spa for a stay brimming with style and timeless elegance. Enjoy a signature cocktail of your choice in the Lough Bar, where you can toast to a night away steeped in splendour and comfort. Settle into your room for some restful respite, and as morning beckons, awaken to a freshly prepared breakfast.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
- Gourmet Escape
  From £370 per room
  Escape to a world of refined elegance and culinary excellence at the Culloden Estate & Spa. Savour a two-course evening meal at Vespers restaurant, where every dish is expertly crafted with the finest ingredients, paired with a complimentary glass of wine. Retire to your beautifully appointed room and unwind in ultimate comfort, awakening to the promise of another delightful culinary experience with a freshly prepared breakfast.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Hotel Offers
More Info
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Gym On Premises
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Indoor pool
- Swimming Pool On Premises
Facilities

Room / Unit Features
- TV In Bedrooms
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Rose Cottage and Annex

Newtownards

Address

6 Church Street, Greyabbey, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2NQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7980690250

janet.hamilton@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

Rose Cottage Annex is one of 3 “Quaint Cottages Greyabbey” available to rent. It has a spacious open plan kitchen, dining and living area with wonderful views on to a large, private garden with jungle gym. Suitable for couples, families, dog owners.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
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
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)
Barnwell Farm Cottages- Clover 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. Clover Cottage is the perfect hideaway for up to 4 people. With 2 bedrooms (2 double beds) and a bathroom comprising bath and shower, it is quaint and comfortable.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Flora Cottage

Newtownards

Address

15 Quintin Bay Road, Portaferry, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 1QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 03538 7241 5844

karenerwin@erwin-mediation.ie

Type

Type:

Self-Catering

The perfect location for a quiet getaway only a stone's throw from the sea- with stunning scenery and wildlife, and with easy access to an abundance of historic sights, vibrant villages and local restaurants.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor International Choral Festival

Bangor

Address

Brunswick Road, Bangor, Bangor, Down, BT20 3DS

Telephone
+44 (0)7720 265 221

anne.poots@btinternet.com

Price
Price from: Free to £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Festival

Choral Festival

Dates

Price
Price from: Free to £6.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking