- Visit Ards and North Down

Transcription

Your Guide to Ards and North Down
EXPERIENCES
AND EVENTS
Spring/Summer 2016
Experiences And Events Spring/Summer 2016
Out
AND About
...in Ards and North Down
With so many great attractions, activities
and events, be sure to pay a visit!
Ards Visitor Information Centre
31 Regent Street, Newtownards
County Down BT23 4AD
028 9182 6846
[email protected]
Bangor Visitor Information Centre
Tower House, 34 Quay Street
Bangor BT20 5ED
028 9127 0069
[email protected]
visitardsandnorthdown.com
Page 3
04/ Welcome
06/ Discover Ards and North Down
16/ Attractions
20/ Activities
24/ Arts and Crafts
26/ Your place at the table
28/ Events for 2016
66/ Exhibitions
68/ Tours
74/ For more information
75/ Emergency Information and Hospitals
75/ Transport
The information in this guide was correct at the time of going to print.
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy; however, we cannot
accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes which may
occur. This information can be made available in a range of alterative
format to meet a specific need. To request an alternative format please
contact 028 9127 0069 / 028 9182 6846.
Welcome to
Ards and North Down
Let this guide inspire you with ideas for
a day trip, short break or holiday in this
scenic, captivating region. With many gems
to discover, miles of coastline to explore
and fascinating history to absorb – it is time
to get out there!
Experience and enjoy some of the best
family days out, entertainment, outdoor
activities and leisure facilities County Down
has to offer. With many family attractions,
parks, beaches, events and festivals you will
be spoilt for choice. Why not stay a while
and check into some of the superb and
Our E-Newsletter!
Stay up to date with events
via our e-zine.
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quirky accommodation dotted throughout
the area? From hotel luxury to self-catering
cottages, B&Bs and even a converted
mill, there is something perfect for every
taste and budget. Then head out and
savour fabulous food in an award winning
restaurant or soak up the hospitality and
craic in one of the local pubs.
If culture inspires you, you will find yourself
steeped in built and natural heritage, with
9000 years of history awaiting you in the
form of holy wells, abbeys and Norman
castles.
Page 5
The area is a ‘foodie heaven’. Crops from
the fertile fields, including the renowned
Comber “Early” Potato, go straight from
field to fork, while pedigree herds fed on
rich grasslands are the source of luxury
beef, cheese, ice cream and yoghurt.
A wide variety of local eateries weave the
food of the region into their menus, or you
can buy it from delicatessens and artisan
stores as well as major food retailers. Look
out for local specialities on offer.
All only 20 minutes’ drive away from the
hustle and bustle of Belfast, Ards and
North Down awaits!
Discover Ards
and North Down
Take time to explore the Ards and North
Down area finding towns and villages
nestled along the way. Enjoy iconic
sights: Bangor Marina, Scrabo Tower,
Donaghadee Lighthouse, whilst
experiencing great shopping
and lively eateries
throughout the area.
Captivating Coastline
The Ards Peninsula and the shores of Belfast
and Strangford Lough combine to offer
over 100 miles of fascinating seascapes and
landscapes that make the area truly unique,
and much of the territory is a designated
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Irish Sea coast from Millisle to Cloughey
has long stretches of sandy beaches, ideal
for swimming and water sports. On the
Lough coast, strategically placed car parks
and lay-bys double up as ideal viewpoints
for visitors to study the wildlife of the Lough
and drink in its endlessly shifting views. The
coast road winds on through many towns
and villages featuring harbours, abbeys,
antique shops, friendly cafes and pubs; the
choice is yours.
Be thrilled by the beautiful North Down
Coastal path, a 16-mile stretch from
Holywood to Portavoe or breathe in the fresh
sea air at one of the areas many harbours,
marinas and sailing clubs which are dotted
throughout the borough.
To help you fully experience our captivating
coastline why not follow the Mourne Coastal
Route, leading you from Belfast down the
east coast to the Mourne Mountains.
Page 7
Family Fun
For wonderful adventures hop in the car and
within a short drive you could be taking in
the magnificent view of Strangford Lough
from Scrabo Hill, a great setting for fairy
spotting or Crawfordsburn Country Park
where the forest and shore meet, creating
the perfect location for hide and seek.
Be sure to visit one of the many family
attractions such as Pickie Fun Park, The Ark
Open Farm, North Down Museum or Aurora
Leisure Complex, all well worth a visit no
matter what your age.
With a fabulous coastline stretching from
Holywood to Portaferry and the shores
of Strangford Lough the opportunities for
sandcastle building, kite flying and picnics
are endless.
If the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor
activity we have a host of indoor leisure
facilities, child friendly soft play areas,
indoor karting facilities, cinemas,
museums and galleries. Or why
not visit Portaferry, the home
to The Northern Ireland
Aquarium and Seal
Sanctuary, opening
in summer
2016.
Natural Beauty
Make a date in your diary to visit Castle Espie
Wildfowl and Wetland Centre for a close
encounter with Ireland’s largest collection
of native and exotic water birds and migrant
birds, while taking in stunning estuary views
over Strangford Lough. Castle Espie is one of
the best vantage points to see thousands of
light-bellied Brent Geese.
Any visitor to this area can’t help but
notice the tower standing proud on the hill
just above Newtownards, surveying the
rolling drumlins, towns and Strangford
Lough below – this is Scrabo Tower,
the symbol of home to many
locals. The view from the hill is
spectacular and well worth
the hilly walk – not only
for the Tower but
for the pretty
Killynether
Wood just
below.
Also well worth a visit are the tranquil
trails in Bangor’s Ward Park, Castle
Park, and Bangor Castle Walled
Garden, all with their unique
story to tell. You may also
be lucky enough to
spot a squirrel!
Page 9
Be sure to take time to appreciate this
astoundingly beautiful area on board the
Strangford Ferry, which links the towns of
Portaferry and Strangford near the mouth
of the Lough. Enjoy a picnic on the shore,
surrounded by abundant wildlife, or relax
over a coffee at a fabulous eatery, chatting
to local people who can share stories of the
island-studded sea Lough.
Step back in time
Ards and North Down has been at the centre
of Ireland’s Christian Heritage dating back
as far as the 5th century and today’s visitor
will still find much of Early Christian interest
in the area. The area is renowned for its
links with Saint Patrick, Saint Comgall and
Saint Columbanus. Key sites include Grey
Abbey – a ruined Cistercian priory dating
from 1193, Bangor Abbey - founded by
Saint Comgall in 558 and one of
the greatest monastic schools
in Europe and Nendrum
Monastic Site - the finest
surviving example of
an early Christian
monastery.
Towns
Page 11
Step back in time with a visit to the Ulster
Folk and Transport Museum or the North
Down Museum, walking in the footsteps of
past centuries’ inhabitants of Ards and North
Down. More sombre but very absorbing is
the Somme Museum, Newtownards which
chronicles the history of the First and Second
World Wars, with guided tours.
In Groomsport, the beautifully restored
Cockle Row cottages depict the life of a
fisherman and his family at the turn of the
19th century and you may even meet him or
his wife!
A must see is Mount Stewart, a wonderful
National Trust Property. Explore the mansion
house at your leisure, enjoying the elegance
and charm of its rooms before wandering
round the magnificent formal gardens
and lake.
Get active
With so much on offer in Ards and North
Down there is no reason to stay indoors!
Get your heart racing with the varied
activities on offer from indoor carting to off
road driving or trial flights from Ards Airfield.
At a more tranquil pace, with eleven
golf courses throughout Ards
and North Down, all offering
a different challenge, you can follow in
Rory McIlory’s footsteps at his home club,
Holywood, or tee-off on a bracing links
course with spectacular views.
Hit the high seas with a sailing lesson
from one of the local yacht clubs; relax
on a scheduled boat trip from Bangor and
Portaferry or canoe at your leisure with a
local outdoor activity provider.
Page 13
Embrace creativity
With the beautiful landscape and scenery it
would be difficult not to be inspired in this
area. The region is home to the very popular
annual Creative Peninsula Open Studio
event with lots of opportunities to visit
Galleries, Crafts studios and to ‘have a go’
at a creative workshop. Visitor Information
Centres also showcase local creative talent,
as do many of the area’s local craft and gift
shops. So, why not pop in and purchase a
unique memory of your visit?
Ards Crafts, showcases a range of work
by local artists and makers, ideal if you are
looking for some special gift ideas. Ards Art
Centre, in the old Town Hall in the town’s
central Conway Square, delivers
a jam-packed programme of
exhibitions, classes and workshops, events
and festivals.
A unique way to access the arts is through a
visit to Project 24 in Bangor. This innovative
and impressive project which has captured
the public’s interest utilises 6 bespoke,
colourful art pods each split into two mini
artist studios where artists take residency
allowing you to talk to the artists and view
their exclusive pieces.
Page 15
Belfast Lough
28
Helen’s Bay
Seahill
17
Crawfordsburn
16 9
6
30
29
33
12
19
Copeland
18
Islands
10 11
3
25
Groomsport
5
21
Bangor
Donaghadee
Holywood
15
Conlig
22
North
Millisle
34 2
4
1
Newtownards
13
Carrowdore
Comber
31
8
Strangford
Lough
26
Greyabbey
Ballywalter
27
Ards
Peninsula
Ballyhalbert
Lisbane
Ballygowan
24
Whiterock
Balloo
14
Kircubbin
Killinchy
Portavogie
Cloughey
Bangor
Belfast
23
Newtownards
Lisburn
20
32
Portadown
Downpatrick
Newry
Portaferry
Strangford
NB. maps not to scale and for illustrative purposes only.
7
Page 17
Attractions
Attractions,
Activities,
Arts & Crafts
Whether you are
here for a week, a
weekend or just an
afternoon make the
most of your time
and get in touch
with one of the local
Visitor Information
Centres who will
guide you on the
best options for your
visit.
Here is a listing of
attractions, activities
and arts and crafts
assisting you to plan
your itinerary.
1 Ards Arts Centre
Newtownards
BT23 4NP
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
2 Avalon Guitar
Factory
Newtownards
BT23 4BX
028 9182 0542
avalonguitars.com
3 Balloo Nature
Reserve
Bangor BT19 7PG
028 9127 0069
ulsterwildlife.org
4Ballycopeland
Windmill
Millisle BT22 2BP
028 9082 3214
5 Ballyholme Beach
and Park
Bangor BT20 5EG
028 9127 0069
Strangford - Portaferry
departs on the hour and
half hour
Portaferry - Strangford
departs at quarter past
the hour and quarter to
the hour
12 Bangor Seafront
and Eisenhower
Pier
Bangor
028 9127 0069
13 Boys Brigade
Heritage Museum
Millisle BT22 2LZ
028 9186 1297
ganaway.co.uk
14 Burr Point
BT22 1DL
15 Cairn Wood
Holywood BT19 1UT
028 4377 2240
16 Castle Park
Bangor BT20 4BT
028 9127 0069
23 Frump in The Stump
Woodland Trust
028 9127 5787
24 Glastry Nature
Reserve
Ballyhalbert
BT22 1BL
028 4278 7769
25 Glen Lyon Park
Holywood BT18 9BX
028 9127 0069
26
Grey Abbey
Grey Abbey BT22 2NQ
028 9082 3214 /
028 9082 3103
27 Grey Abbey House
Grey Abbey BT22 2QA
028 4278 8666
greyabbeyhouse.
com
28 Grey Point Fort
Helen’s Bay BT19 1LE
028 9185 3621
greypointfort.
magix.net
17 Cockle Row
Cottages
Groomsport BT19 6JR
29 Holywood Maypole
028 9127 0069
Holywood BT18 9AB
028 9127 0069
18 Copeland Islands
7Ballyquintin
028 9182 6846
Portaferry BT22 1RG 30 Holywood Priory
028 4278 7769
Holywood BT18 9AB
nationaltrust.org.uk/ 19Crawfordsburn
028 9127 0069
Country Park
strangford-lough
Helen’s Bay BT19 1JT
31 Island Hill Nature
028 9185 3621
8 Ballywalter Park
Reserve
Ballywalter BT22 2PP
BT23 5JR
20 Derry Churches
028 4275 8264
BT22 1JX
ballywalterpark.com 32 Kearney Village
Portaferry BT22 1QP
21Donaghadee
9 Bangor Abbey
028 4278 8387
Harbour
Bangor BT20 4JE
Donaghadee
028 9145 1087
33 Kingsland Play and
BT21 0HE
Picnic Area
10 Bangor Castle
Bangor BT20 5HD
22Drumawhey
(Town Hall)
028 9127 5622
Junction Railway
Bangor BT20 4BT
Donaghadee BT21 0LZ
0300 013 3333
34 Kiltonga Nature
028 9145 3563
Reserve
bcdmrs.org.uk
BT23 4SG
6 Ballymenoch Park
Holywood BT18 0LP
028 9127 0069
Ferry Service
Sailing every 30 mins
11 Bangor Castle
Walled Garden
Bangor BT20 4BT
028 9127 0069
Belfast Lough
Helen’s Bay
Seahill
59
Groomsport
55
45
Copeland
Islands
43
60
Crawfordsburn
Bangor 44
50
48
37 Donaghadee
Holywood
Conlig
52
56
North
39
Millisle
47
49
41
Newtownards
Carrowdore
40
Comber
58
62
Strangford
Lough
54
Ballywalter
Greyabbey
Ards
Peninsula
Ballygowan
36
42
Lisbane
Ballyhalbert
51
Whiterock
Balloo
Kircubbin
Killinchy
35
Portavogie
Cloughey
57
46
61
Portaferry
Strangford
38
53
Page 19
Attractions
35 Kirkistown Motor
Racing Circuit
Kircubbin BT22 1AU
028 4277 1325
kirkistown.com
36 Mahee Castle
BT23 6EP
37 Manor Garden
Donaghadee
BT21 0BL
028 9188 9623
38 Millin Bay Cairn
BT22 1QB
39 Millisle Beach Park
BT22 2HS
40 Mount Stewart
House And Gardens
Newtownards
BT22 2AD
028 4278 8387
nationaltrust.org.uk
41 Movilla Abbey
Newtownards
BT23 8EZ
028 9082 3214 /
028 9082 3103
42Nendrum
Monastery
Mahee Island
BT23 6EP
028 9082 3214
43 North Down
Coastal Path
From Holywood to
Portavoe
028 9127 0069
Ferry Service
half hour
the hour
44 North Down
Museum
Bangor BT20 4BT
028 9127 1200
northdown
museum.com
45 Pickie Funpark
Bangor BT20 5AG
028 9145 0746
pickiefunpark.co.uk
[Continued]
46 Portaferry Castle
BT22 1NZ
47Priory
Newtownards
BT23 7NX
028 9082 3214
48Redburn
Country Park
Holywood BT16 1YP
028 9185 3621
49 Scrabo Country
Park, Tower and
Killynether Wood
Newtownards
BT23 4SJ
028 9082 3214
50 Seapark Recreation
Grounds
Holywood BT18 0LP
028 9127 0069
51 Sketrick Castle
BT23 6QH
028 9082 3214
52Somme
Heritage Centre
Newtownards
BT23 7PH
028 9182 3202
irishsoldier.org
53 St. Cooey’s Wells
BT22 1RF
54 Strangford Lough
Lookout
Newtownards
BT22 2AD
028 4278 8387
55 Strickland’s Glen
Bangor BT20 3SU
028 9127 0069
56 The Ark ‘Rare
Breeds’ Open Farm
Newtownards
BT23 7PH
028 9182 0445
thearkopenfarm.
co.uk
57 The Northern
Ireland Aquarium
(opening summer
2016)
Portaferry BT22 1NZ
028 9182 6846
58 Tullynakill Church
Tullynakill Road
south east of
Comber
028 9082 3214
59Ulster Folk and
Transport Museum
Cultra BT18 0EU
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
60Ward Park
Bangor BT20 4LG
028 9127 0069
61Windmill Hill
Viewpoint
BT22 1RH
62WWT Castle Espie
Wetland Centre
Comber BT23 6EA
028 9187 4146
wwt.org.uk/
castleespie
16
Belfast Lough
Helen’s Bay
Seahill
32
6
13
5
25
21
Bangor
22
Donaghadee
12
10
20
30
7
Crawfordsburn
8
Holywood
Copeland
Islands
Groomsport
4
15
9
Conlig
28
26
North
Millisle
11
3
31
Newtownards
27
33
Carrowdore
1
23
17
Comber
Strangford
Lough
18
Ballywalter
29
Greyabbey
Ards
Peninsula
Ballygowan
Ballyhalbert
Lisbane
14
Whiterock
Balloo
Kircubbin
Killinchy
Portavogie
24
Cloughey
2
Portaferry
19
Strangford
Page 21
Activities
1
Admiral Springs
Fishery
Carrowdore BT22
2ES 028 9186 1837 /
028 4278 8883
8 Bangor Sportsplex
Bangor BT19 1LU
028 9127 5622
northdown
leisure.com
2Ardminnan
Golf Course
Portaferry BT22 1QJ
028 4277 1321
9 Birr House
Riding Centre
Holywood BT16 1UA
028 9042 5858
birrhouse
ridingcentre.com
3 Ards Leisure Centre
Newtownards
BT23 4EJ
028 9181 2837
4Ballyholme
Yacht Club
Bangor BT20 5HT
028 9127 1467
ballyholme.com
5
Bangor Aurora
Aquatic & Leisure
Complex
Bangor BT20 4TH
028 9127 0271
bangoraurora.com
6 Bangor Boat
Bangor BT20 5ED
07510 006000
bangorboat.com
7
Bangor Golf Club
Bangor BT20 4RH
028 9127 0922
bangorgolfclubni.
co.uk
Ferry Service
half hour
the hour
10Blackwood
Golf Centre
Bangor BT19 1GB
028 9185 2706
blackwoodgolf
centre.com
11 Bradshaws Brae
Golf Centre
Newtownards
BT23 4TS
028 9181 3484
bradshawsbrae
drivingrange.co.uk
25 Eddie Irvine Sports
16 Cockle Island
Bangor BT19 7PG
Boat Club
028 9145 1457
Groomsport BT19 6JR eddieirvinesports.
028 9146 4431
com
cockleisland
boatclub.com
26 Field Of Dreams
Bangor BT19 7QE
17Comber
07872 837056
Leisure Centre
fieldofdreamsni.com
Comber BT23 5DY
028 9187 4350
27 Ganaway Activity
Centre
18 Crazy Farm Golf
Ballywalter BT22 2NY Millisle BT22 2LZ
028 9186 1297
028 4275 7301
ganaway.co.uk
fastrackfarm.com
19 Cuan Marine
Services Ltd
Portaferry BT22 1LA
028 4272 8297
cuanmarine
services.co.uk
20 Donaldson Lake
Holywood BT18 9RN
07921 159 846
donaldsonfishery.
co.uk
12 Bridgewater Fishery
Donaghadee
21Donaghadee
BT21 ONQ
Golf Club
028 9188 3900 /
Donaghadee
07891 220586
BT21 0PQ
028 9188 3624
13 Carnalea Golf Club
donaghadee
Carnalea BT19 1EZ
golfclub.com
028 9127 0368
carnaleagolfclub.
22Donaghadee
com
Sailing Club
Donaghadee
14Carrickmannon
BT21 0DG
Fishery
028 9188 4270
BT24 7EL
028 9751 0654
23 DV Diving
028 9186 1686
15Clandeboye
dvdiving.co.uk
Golf Club
Conlig BT23 7PN
24 Eddie Irvine’s Race
028 9127 1767
School Ireland
cgc-ni.com
Kircubbin BT22 1AU
028 9050 7010
raceschoolireland.
com
28 Gransha Equestrian
Centre
Bangor BT17 7QD
078 5546 2614
granshaequestrian.
co.uk
29 Greyabbey Estate
British Horse
Society Ireland Toll
Ride
078 0814 1079
bhsireland.com
30Groomsport
Golf Centre
Groomsport BT19 6LX
028 9147 3586
groomsport
golfcentre.co.uk
31 Happy Town
Newtownards
BT23 8NN
028 9181 5533
happytown.uk.com
32
Helen’s Bay
Golf Club
Helen’s Bay BT19 1TL
028 9185 2815
helensbaygc.com
33Heli-Power
Newtownards
BT23 8SG
028 9181 1971
helipower.com
Belfast Lough
58
39
Helen’s Bay
57
36 55
56
Seahill
Copeland
Islands
Groomsport
38
54
63
Crawfordsburn
Bangor
37
35
Donaghadee
Holywood
Conlig
North
47
Millisle
51
44
Newtownards
59
48
46 50
62
Carrowdore
49
Comber
Strangford
Lough
Ballywalter
Greyabbey
Ards
Peninsula
34
61
Ballygowan
Lisbane
43
40
Ballyhalbert
60
Whiterock
Balloo
Kircubbin
Killinchy
Portavogie
41
Cloughey
42
53
45
52
Strangford
Portaferry
Page 23
Activities
[Continued]
43 Mahee Island
34 Hollow Farm
Golf Club
Shooting Ground Ltd
Comber BT23 6EP
Comber BT23 5SA
028 9754 1234
028 9752 8381
maheegolf.com
35 Holywood Golf Club
Holywood BT18 9LE 44 Mike The Bike &
Kayak Hire
028 9042 3135
Newtownards
holywoodgolfclub.
BT23 7DX
co.uk
028 9181 1311
kayakshack.co.uk
36 Holywood Yacht
Club
45 John Murray (Jnr)
Holywood BT18 9JN
Boats
028 9042 3345
Portaferry BT22 1PE
hyc.org.uk
028 4272 8414 /
07986 625 162
37 Ireland Off-Road
Experience
46 Mobile Team
Bangor BT19 1RN
Adventure
028 9185 2111
Newtownards
ni-offroad.com
028 9064 6695
mobileteam
38 John Erskine
adventure.co.uk
Boat Charters
Bangor BT20 5ED
47 Movilla Trout
07801 571 830
Fishery
Newtownards
39 Kingsland Pitch
BT23 8RL
and Putt
07921 837984
Bangor BT20 4BN
028 9145 6946
48 Newtownards &
District Shooting
40Kircubbin
Club
Sailing Club
Carrowdore BT22 2JG
Kircubbin BT22 2RP 028 9186 1171
028 4273 8422
kircubbinsailingclub.
49Newtownards
co.uk
Sailing Club
Newtownards
41 Kirkistown Castle
BT22 2AJ
Golf Club
newtownardssailing
Cloughey BT22 1JA
club.co.uk
028 4277 1233
kirkistowncastle
50 Northern Ireland
golfclub.com
Microlight Flying
Newtownards,
42Lough Cowey
BT23 8SG
Fishery
028 9181 3327 /
Portaferry BT22 1PJ
07740 766443
0300 200 7860
nimicrolights.co.uk
nidirect.gov.uk/
angling
60 Strangford Lough
51 Polehill Coarse
Yacht Club
Fishery
Killinchy BT23 6QA
Newtownards,
028 9754 1883
BT23 8RW
slyc.co.uk
028 9145 4983
fishingtackle2u.co.uk
61 Swan Crest Fishery
Ballygowan
52Portaferry
BT23 5RU
Sailing Club
07799 444 257
Portaferry BT22 IJZ 028 4272 8770
62Ulster Flying Club
portaferrysailing
Newtownards
club.com
BT23 8SG
028 9181 3327
53 Portaferry Sports
Centre
Portaferry BT22 1ND 63Ward Park
Putting Green
028 4272 8833
Bangor BT20 4JZ
028 9145 8773
54 Portavoe Reservoir Donaghadee
BT21 0PJ
0300 200 7806
nidirect.gov.uk/
angling
55 Queens Leisure
Complex
Holywood BT18 9HL
028 9042 1234
northdownleisure.
com
56
Royal Belfast
Golf Club
Craigavad BT18 0BP
028 9042 8165
royalbelfast.com
57 Royal North of
Ireland Yacht Club
Holywood BT18 0BB
028 9042 8041
rniyc.org
58 Royal Ulster
Yacht Club
Bangor BT20 5HY
028 9127 0568
ruyc.co.uk
59 Scrabo Golf Club
Newtownards
BT23 4SL
028 9181 2355
scrabogolfclub.com
Bangor Marina
BT20 5ED
028 9145 3297
quaymarinas.com
Portaferry Marina
BT22 1PE
07703 209 780
portaferry
marina.co.uk
Belfast Lough
Helen’s Bay
Seahill
Groomsport
11
Copeland
Islands
15
Crawfordsburn
Bangor
Donaghadee
Holywood
Conlig
North
Millisle
14 1 2
8
Newtownards
4
13
Carrowdore
12
6
5
Comber
Strangford
Lough
Ballywalter
Greyabbey
Ards
Peninsula
Ballygowan
Ballyhalbert
Lisbane
Whiterock
Balloo
Kircubbin
Killinchy
Portavogie
Cloughey
16
9
7
3
10
Portaferry
Strangford
Page 25
Arts and Crafts
1
Ards Arts Centre &
Town Hall
Newtownards
BT23 4NP
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
2 Ards Crafts
Newtownards
BT23 4AD
028 9182 6846
visitardsandnorth
down.com
3 Arts and Crafts
at The Port
Portaferry BT22 1PB
028 4272 8364
(seasonal opening)
4 Battletown Gallery
Newtownards
BT23 8SL
028 9182 2626
thebattletown
gallery.com
5 Discovery Glass
Comber BT23 5AP
028 9187 0181
discoveryglass.
co.uk
6 Doghouse Gallery
Comber BT23 5EG
028 9187 1261
doghousegallery.
co.uk
Ferry Service
half hour
the hour
7 Donald Nelson
Portaferry BT22 1PL
028 4272 8888
8 Eden Pottery Millisle BT22 2DH
028 9186 2300
edenpotteryshop.
co.uk
9 Nora Watson
Jewellery
Portaferry BT22 1QJ
028 4277 1130
norawatson
jewellery.co.uk
10Portico
Portaferry BT22 1LE
028 4272 8808
11 Project 24
Bangor BT20 3BH
028 9127 0069
project24ni.com
12 Spring Cottage
Crafts at The
Potting Shed
Comber BT23 5JZ
028 9187 2320 /
07595 250 096
13 Studio E
Newtownards
BT23 4QJ
07791 574 691
studioeartist
studios.com
14 The Web Theatre
Newtownards
BT23 4DE
028 9182 8234
webtheatre.biz
15 The SPACE
SERC, Bangor
0345 600 7555
serc.ac.uk
16Welig Heritage
Crafts
Portaferry BT22 1NH
028 4277 1542
weligcrafts.co.uk
Your place
at the table
Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink 2016
will celebrate epic landscapes, traditions
and people that make our food heritage
so unique. With 366 days of foodie
experiences, there will be no better
time for visitors to enjoy a true
taste of Ards and North
Down.
Page 27
We breed: pedigree herds that are fed on the
rich fertile fields in the borough to produce
luxury beef, cheese, ice cream and yoghurt.
We enjoy: homemade meals with top quality
local produce purchased from our markets,
delis, pantries and farm shops.
We grow: Comber Earlies, one of only three
products of geographical indication (GI) in
Northern Ireland, as well as many vegetables
straight from field to fork.
We distil: and are brewing the first new
whiskey in Northern Ireland for generations,
as well as unique craft beers that are
growing in popularity and reputation.
We shine: boasting Michelin Bib Gourmand
restaurants, the best gastro pub in Ireland
and 16 Great Taste Award winners in 2015,
amongst other accolades.
We catch: Portavogie prawns and Strangford
oysters, renowned all over Northern Ireland
and featured on many local menus.
We export: produce from our fabulous
farms, fine foods from kitchens and dairy
products from processors to outlets around
the world.
See visitardsandnorthdown.com/food
for more information.
Events for 2016
Ards and North Down boasts a varied and packed events programme.
From festivals and galas to concerts and regattas, there is something
for everyone! Be sure to keep in touch with the latest programme
online at visitardsandnorthdown.com
And why not book one of our excellent Experience Ards
and North Down Tours, which give you a unique
perspective on some hidden gems. The extensive
range of bus, boat and walking tours are led by
knowledgeable local guides who bring real
colour to the stories of the region. Enjoy
a tranquil boat tour on Strangford
Lough, explore the homes of
local gentry or take part in
the Kids’ Nature Trails, and
much more.
Our E-Newsletter!
via our e-zine.
Sign up on:
Page 29
Page 31
Throughout 2016 Ards and North Down Borough
Council and its partners will commemorate the
Centenary of the Battle of the Somme through
a series of special events and tributes including:
17 May–31 July
Somme Exhibition
North Down Museum, Bangor
11 June
Somme Centenary Family Day and Parade
Somme Museum to Newtownards town centre (tbc)
June–July
Photographic Display
Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards
30 June–1 July
National Vigil
Conlig Lead Mines and Helen’s Tower (tbc)
2 July
Somme Commemoration Service and Poppy Tribute
Town Hall, Bangor
Veterans’ Parade
Bangor town centre
2–3 JulyWalking Tours
Somme Museum to Helen’s Tower
(Tickets £3, pre-booking essential)
3 July
Brass Band Performance
Ward Park, Bangor
July
Drama productions, film screenings
and musical performances
Throughout the borough
28–29 September Drama production ‘The Prodger’
Bangor and Portaferry
For more information and further event detail see:
Events in
March
Weekly Market:
Wednesday: Bangor
ASDA Car Park, BT20 4SD
Saturday: Newtownards
Conway Square, BT23 4NP
Until Sunday 20 March
Giant LEGO Brick Animal Trail
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber,
BT23 6EA
10am-5pm
028 9187 4146
wwt.org.uk/castleespie
Cost: WWT Members Free. Non-Members - Normal admission applies
Thursday 17 March
Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 March
LEGO Workshops
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre,
Comber, BT23 6EA
11am and 1pm
028 9187 4146
Cost: £8.50
Thursday 17 March
St Patrick’s Day
Ulster Folk & Transport Museum,
Cultra, BT18 0EU
10am-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Cost: Normal admission prices apply
Saturday 19 March
Anthony Toner
Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway
Square, BT23 4NP
8pm
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
Cost: £6
Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 March
Donaghadee’s Big Weekend
Donaghadee Town Centre and Harbour
Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 1pm-6pm
028 9182 6846
An action packed weekend of family fun.
Sunday 20 March
Rhododendron Ramble and Roast
Mount Stewart, Newtownards, BT22 2AD
11.30am
028 4278 8387
nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart
Cost: £15 (Ad), £8 (Ch)
Page 33
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Thursday 24 March-Sunday 3 April
Giant Easter Bunny Hunt
Comber, BT23 6EA
10am-5pm
028 9187 4146
Monday 21 March-Friday 1 April
Ards Easter Scheme
Ards Leisure Centre, BT23 4EJ
9.30am-4.30pm daily
028 9181 2837
ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/leisure
Friday 25 March
Adventures in Ards
Conway Square, Newtownards
12noon-6pm
028 9182 6846
Transforming the square into an exciting
outdoor pursuits arena
Monday 21 March-Friday 1 April
Comber Easter Scheme
Comber Leisure Centre, BT23 5DY
9.30am-4.30pm daily
028 9187 4350
Friday 25 March
Easter Bunny Hunt
The Ark Open Farm,
Newtownards, BT23 7PH
11am-5pm
028 9182 0445
thearkopenfarm.co.uk
Cost: £6 (Ad), £5.50 (Ch)
Thursday 24 March
Curiously Comber
Comber town centre
11am-4pm
028 9182 6846
Transforming the historical town of Comber
into a Wonderland for the day
Friday 25 March
Tenebrae Service
PORTICO, Steele Dickson Avenue,
Portaferry, BT22 1LE
7.30pm
028 4272 8808
porticoards.com
Events in
March
Friday 25-Monday 28 March
Tour of the North International Cycle Race
Various locations
tourofthenorth.net
Saturday 26 March
Easter Chocolate Adventure
Project 24, Queen’s Parade,
Bangor, BT20 3BH
12noon–4pm
project24ni.com
Friday 25-Monday 28 March
Easter Egg Trail
12noon-4pm
028 4278 8387
Cost: Members Free. Non-Members £8 (Ad),
£4 (Ch), £20 (Family Ticket)
Additional £1 charge per trail
Saturday 26 March
Spring Walk in Mount Stewart
10am–1pm
028 4278 8387
Booking essential
Sunday 27 March
Easter Fun at Cockle Row Cottages
Groomsport, BT19 6JR
2pm-4pm. Cottages open 11am-5pm
Easter entertainment for children and
adults alike; from face painting to animal
road shows, children’s crafts to science
shows and more! (Programme varies)
Sunday 27-Tuesday 29 March
Easter Celebrations
Cultra, BT18 0EU
10am–5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Page 35
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Sunday 27-Tuesday 29 March
Drumawhey Railway Easter Weekend
Drumawhey Junction Railway,
Four Road Ends, BT21 0LZ
1pm-5pm
bcdmrs.org.uk
Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch), £15 (Multi-ride)
Monday 28 March
Easter Trail
North Down Museum,
Bangor, BT20 4BT
11am–1pm
028 9127 1200
northdownmuseum.com
Cost: £1 per child
Monday 28 March
Easter Monday ‘Pirate Invasion’
Bangor, BT20 5ED
12noon–5pm
Enjoy a pirate invasion in Bangor this
Easter Monday. A fun filled day featuring
the annual Easter Parade (3pm),
Motorbike Trial action and lots of pirate
themed family fun throughout the day.
Monday 28 March
Family Entertainment at
Portaferry Visitor Information Centre
The Stables, Castle Street,
Portaferry BT22 1NZ
2pm–4pm
Children’s Easter entertainment to
celebrate the seasonal re-opening of
Portaferry Visitor Information Centre.
Tuesday 29 March
Hooray for Holywood
Holywood town centre
11am–4pm
028 9127 0069
Transforming Holywood into Tinsel Town
for the day
Thursday 31 March
Music in the Chamber: Beoga
Bangor Castle, Castle Park Avenue,
Bangor, BT20 4BT
8pm
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
Cost: £15 (Includes refreshments)
Thursday 31 March
Bird Watch Morning
BT23 6EA
10.30am–12.30pm
028 9187 4146
Events in
April
Weekly Market:
Wednesday: Bangor
ASDA Car Park BT20 4SD
Monthly Market:
Thursday 7 April
Comber Farmers’ Market
St Mary’s Parish Church Car Park
BT23 5DU
Until Sunday 3 April
Giant Easter Bunny Hunt
BT23 6EA
10am-5pm
028 9187 4146
Every Saturday and Sunday
Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages
Weekend entertainment for children and
adults alike, from face painting to animal
roadshows, children’s crafts to science
shows and much more! (Programme
varies)
Saturday 2 April
Mount Stewart Car Boot Sale
9am-12noon
028 4278 8387
Cost: £5 (Car), £10 (Van), £15 (Trailer)
Saturday 2 April
Spring Race Meeting
Kirkistown Racing Circuit,
Kirkubbin, BT22 1AU
10am-5.30pm
028 4277 1325
kirkistown.com
Cost: £15 (Ad), Free (Ch)
Page 37
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Saturday 2 April
Portrait Drawing Class with Lee Boyd
Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall,
10.30am-3.30pm
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
Cost: £15
Wednesday 6-Sunday 10 April
Ards International Guitar Festival
Ards Arts Centre, Queens Hall and Ivy Bar,
Newtownards
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
Cost: Prices vary
Sunday 3, 10 & 17 April
Wee Birdie Bird Watch
Comber, BT23 6EA
2pm-4pm
028 9187 4146
Monday 4 April
Easter Arts Scheme, 6yrs-12yrs
10am-4pm
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
Cost: £15
Friday 8 April
Circuit of Ireland
Newtownards Town Centre
Conway Square entertainment
programme 5.30pm-7.30pm
Ards TT Super Stage 7.30pm
Before the race gets under way join us in
Conway Square from 5.30pm for lots of
family fun! The square will be filled with
children’s craft activities, live music and
food stalls. You can also get behind the
wheel and experience the thrill of the
race for yourself in Eddie Irvine Sports
car simulators!
Events in
April
Saturday 9 & Saturday 16 April
Food Tours of Ards Peninsula
Ards, various locations
10am-4pm
077 1148 4850
nifoodtours.com
Cost: £65 (includes travel by coach and all
food and drink)
Saturday 9 April
Dawn Chorus
Comber, BT23 6EA
6.30am
028 9187 4146
Cost: £12.50 (Ad), £7.50 (Ch/Con)
Saturday 9 April
Short Circuit Karting
Kirkubbin, BT22 1AU
10am-4pm
028 4277 1325
kirkistown.com
Cost: Free to spectate
Saturday 16 April
Experimental Life Drawing with Jo Hatty
10.30am-3.30pm
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
Cost: £30
Saturday 16 April & Saturday 23 April
Reduction Wood Cut Print Making with
Clinton Kirkpatrick
10.30am-3.30pm
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
Cost: £80
Page 39
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Saturday 23 April
Vintage Bus Rally
Cultra, BT18 0EU
10am-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Saturday 16 April
The Béla Quartet
7.30pm
028 4272 8808
porticoards.com
Cost: £15
Sunday 17 April
Pet Nose Day
11am-5pm
028 4278 8387
Saturday 23 April
April Race Meeting
Kirkubbin, BT22 1AU
10am-5.30pm
028 4277 1325
kirkistown.com
Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 April
Model Railway Exhibition
Bangor Grammar School,
Gransha Road,
Bangor, BT19 7QU
ndmrs.co.uk
Cost: Prices vary
Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 April
Pond Dipping
Comber, BT23 6EA
12noon-4pm
028 9187 4146
Sunday 24 April
Sketch on a Sunday
Bangor, BT20 3BH
12noon-4pm
project24ni.com
Events in
April
Sunday 24 April
Jazz in the Gardens
2pm-4.30pm
028 4278 8387
Thursday 28 April
Bird Watch Morning
BT23 6EA
10.30am–12.30pm
028 9187 4146
Friday 29 April
Friday Night Live with Brendan
Popplestone and Silver Fish
8pm
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
Cost: £6
Page 41
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Saturday 30 April
Open Art
Bangor, BT20 3BH
12noon-4pm
project24ni.com
Saturday 30 April
Long Circuit Karting
Kirkubbin, BT22 1AU
10am-5.30pm
028 4277 1325
kirkistown.com
Saturday 30 April
Chapel Island Guided Walk
Greyabbey car park, Greyabbey
12.30pm-3.30pm
028 4278 8387
Cost: £4 (Ad), £1 (Ch) Booking essential
Saturday 30 April
Pet Win Prizes
The Ark Open Farm,
2pm
028 9182 0445
Cost: £6 (Ad), £5.50 (Ch)
Saturday 30 April-Monday 2 May
Giant Duck Hunt
Comber, BT23 6EA
11am-4pm
028 9187 4146
Events in
May
Weekly Market:
Wednesday: Bangor
Monthly Market:
Thursday 5 May
BT23 5DU
varies)
Sunday 1 May
Dawn Chorus Walk
Mount Stewart Look Out,
Newtownards, BT22 2AD
5am-8am
028 4278 8387
Cost: £8 (Ad), £5(Ch) Booking essential
Sunday 1, 8 & 15 May
Wee Birdie Bird Watch
BT23 6EA
2pm-4pm
028 9187 4146
Until 2 May & Saturday 28-Monday 30 May
Giant Duck Hunt
BT23 6EA
11am-4pm
028 9187 4146
Page 43
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Monday 2 May
May Day
Holywood Town Centre, BT18 9AE
10am-4pm
Traditional May Day Dancing by local
school children, a selection of market
stalls and fantastic family friendly
entertainment.
Monday 2 May
May Day Celebrations
Cultra, BT18 0EU
10am-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Thursday 5 May
Comber Food Tour
Tour departs Ards Visitor Information
Centre, BT23 4AD
10am-3pm
028 9182 6846
Cost: £30 (includes morning coffee
and lunch)
Friday 6 May
Music in the Chamber:
Dana Masters
Bangor Castle, Castle Park Avenue,
Bangor, BT20 4BT
8pm
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
Cost: £15 (Includes refreshments)
Saturday 7 May
9am-12noon
028 4278 8387
Sunday 8 May
Spring Guided Walk
11am 028 4278 8387
Cost: £10 (Ad), £5 (Ch)
Events in
May
Saturday 21 May
St Brendan’s Sea Safari
Portaferry
10.30am-1pm
028 4278 8387
Cost: £15 (Ad), £5(Ch) £35(Family, 2 Ad & 3
Ch) Booking essential
Saturday 14 May
North Down and Ards Pipe Band
Championship
Castle Park, Bangor
12noon-5pm
With over 40 bands and 50 Drum Major’s
competing, the event promises to be a
fantastic day out for all the family.
Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 May
Quackanory Story Time
BT23 6EA
1pm, 2pm and 3pm
028 9187 4146
Saturday 21 May
Horse Drawn Vehicle Day
Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra,
BT18 0EU
10am-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 May
Simply Science Busker
BT23 6EA
1pm, 2pm and 3pm
028 9187 4146
Sunday 22 May
Letstance Show and Shine
BT18 0EU
10am-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Thursday 26 May
Bird Watch Morning
BT23 6EA
10.30am-12.30pm
028 9187 4146
Page 45
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Friday 27 May
David Rees-Williams Jazz Trio
7.30pm
028 4272 8808
porticoards.com
Cost: £15
Friday 27 May
Late Night Jazz with Linley Hamilton
10.30pm
028 4272 8808
porticoards.com
Cost: £10
Friday 27-Monday 30 May
Puppet Festival
Various venues throughout Ards
and North Down
028 9181 0803
ardsarts.com
Friday 27-Monday 30 May
PORTICO Opening Festival
028 4272 8808
porticoards.com
Cost: Various
Saturday 28 May
American Motorcycle and Car Day
Cultra, BT18 0EU
10am-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Cost: Normal admission
prices apply
Events in
May
events
Saturday 28 May
May Race Meeting
Kirkubbin, BT22 1AU
10am-5.30pm
028 4277 1325
kirkistown.com
Saturday 28 May
Martin Baker at PORTICO
10.30am
028 4272 8808
porticoards.com
Cost: £10
Saturday 28 May
Craft in the Hub
Bangor, BT20 3BH
11am-5pm
project24ni.com
Saturday 28 May
Ailish Tynan at PORTICO
1pm
028 4272 8808
porticoards.com
Saturday 28 May
Grand Opening Gala Concert
8pm
028 4272 8808
porticoards.com
Cost: TBC
Saturday 28 May
Late Night Poetry with Alice McCullough
10.30pm
028 4272 8808
porticoards.com
Cost: £10
Page 47
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Sunday 29 May
Clandeboye Estate Open Day
Clandeboye Estate and Courtyard,
Bangor, BT19 1RN
1pm-5pm
028 9185 2966
clandeboye.co.uk
Cost: £5 (Ad), Children under 16 free
Sunday 29 May
Jazz in the Gardens
2pm-4.30pm
028 4278 8387
Monday 30 May
Finghin Collins at PORTICO
3pm
028 4272 8808
porticoards.com
Events in
June
Weekly Market:
Wednesday: Bangor
Monthly Market:
Thursday 2 June
BT23 5DU
varies)
Every Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday in June
Downey Duckling Tours
Comber, BT23 6EA
Wed 3.30pm, Sat & Sun 12noon, 2pm & 3pm
028 9187 4146
Saturday 4 June
9am-12noon
028 4278 8387
Saturday 4 June
Be a Farmer or a Milk Maid
The Ark Open Farm,
11am-3pm
028 9182 0445
Cost: £6 (Ad), £5.50 (Ch)
Page 49
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 June
Meso Man
Comber, BT23 6EA
2pm-4pm
028 9187 4146
Sea Bangor Festival
Bangor Seafront, Bangor, BT20 5ED
Starts 12noon
Bangor’s popular maritime event returns
for 2016 featuring a tented village, food
fayre, live entertainment and children’s
activities.
Events in
June
Saturday 4-Sunday 19 June
NI Festival of Cycling
Locations vary
Ards and North Down Borough Council
along with Ards Cycling Club and
North Down Cycling Club are hosting
various cycling related activity locally
during this period. For full details see
visitardsandnorthdown.com or contact your
local Visitor Information Centre.
Sunday 5 June
Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia: Strangford Route
The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia event returns
to the Borough with the Strangford Lough
route. Why not ‘go pink’ and cheer on the
participants, giving them an encouraging
boost as they whizz by in Ballygowan,
Killinchy, Whiterock and Comber!
granfondogiroditaliani.com
Sunday 5, 12 & 19 June
Wee Birdie Birdwatch
BT23 6EA
2pm-4pm
028 9187 4146
Friday 10 June & Saturday 11 June
Cultra Hillclimb
Cultra BT18 0EU
10am-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Cost: £10
Saturday 11 June
Northern Ireland and Ireland
Greenpower Festival
Kirkistown Motor Racing Circuit,
Kirkubbin, BT22 1AU
greenpower.co.uk
Monday 13 June
Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries
SERC Studio Theatre, Bangor, BT20 4TD
1pm Schools, 6.30pm Public
ardsarts.com
Cost: £3
Page 51
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Thursday 16-Sunday 19 June
Sails and Sounds Festival
Portaferry Town and Strangford Lough
028 4272 8770
portaferrysailingclub.com
Friday 17 June-Monday 4 July
150th Anniversary Celebration Sailing
Royal Ulster Yacht Club, Bangor, BT20 5HY
028 9127 0568
ruyc.co.uk
Culture Kids
Bangor, BT20 3BH
12noon-4pm
project24ni.com
Drumawhey 25th Anniversary Weekend
1pm-5pm
bcdmrs.org.uk
Sunday 19 June
Father’s Day
11am-5pm
028 4278 8387
Events in
June
Friday 24 June
Ards Half Marathon & Walk
Ards Leisure Centre,
Newtownards, BT23 4EJ
6.30pm
028 9182 0418
ardshalfmarathon.info
Cost: Entry fee from £15
Friday 24 June
Irish Strength Expo 2016
Bangor, various
irishstrongman.com
Saturday 25 June
Comber Earlies Food Festival
Comber, various
10am-5pm
Join us for a fun filled family day out
celebrating our very own Comber
Earlies and more. Start your day with a
unique dish from one of the many local
artisan food stalls at the festival. We
will also have potato themed children’s
workshops and crafts and a chance to
meet the growers. Live music, fun walk
about acts and competitions will ensure
there is lots to see and do to keep the
whole family entertained.
Page 53
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Saturday 25 June
Ferguson Heritage Tractor Day
Cultra, BT18 0EU
10am-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Saturday 25 June
Midsummer Race Meeting &
Kirkubbin, BT22 1AU
10am–5.30pm
028 4277 1325
kirkistown.com
Saturday 25 June
Ulster Siamese & All Breed Cat Club 36th
Championship Show
Bangor Aurora Complex, BT20 4TH
028 9185 2404/078 0193 2300
Cost: £1
Sunday 26 June
Jazz in the Gardens
2pm-4.30pm
028 4278 8387
Sunday 26 June
Bangor Sprint Triathlon
Ballyholme
peninsulatri.com
Thursday 30 June
Bird Watching Morning
BT23 6EA
10.30am-12.30pm
028 9187 4146
Cost: WWT Members Free. Non-Members – Normal admission applies
Events in
July
Weekly Market:
Wednesday: Bangor
Monthly Market:
Thursday 7 July
BT23 5DU
Every Saturday & Sunday
Weekend entertainment for children &
shows & much more! (Programme varies)
Every Saturday in July
Portaferry BT22 1NZ
2pm-4pm
Free entertainment for kids to enjoy
every weekend.
Page 55
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Friday 1 July
Rock Pool Extravaganza
Kearney Village, Portaferry BT22 1QP
1pm-2.30pm
028 4278 8387
Cost: £3(Ch), Adults free. Booking essential
Friday 1 July-Sunday 31 July
Nature Explorers
BT23 6EA
10am-5pm
028 9187 4146
Saturday 2 July
9am-12noon
028 4278 8387
Every Sunday in July
Live Music at the Bandstand
Ward Park, Bangor, BT20 4LG
3pm-5pm
Saturday 2 July
Saturday Night at the Movies
Bangor, BT20 3BH
Grease 7pm, Casablanca 9pm
project24ni.com
Monday 4 July-Friday 19 August
(Excluding w/c 11 July)
Ards Summer Scheme
028 9181 2837
Events in
July
Monday 4 July-Friday 19 August
(Excluding w/c 11 July)
Comber Summer Scheme
028 9187 4350
Friday 8-Friday 15 July
Open Bowls Tournament 2016
Ward Park & Pickie Bowling Greens,
Bangor
bangoropenbowls.blogspot.com
Cost: Free to spectators
Saturday 9 July
Butterfly Walk
Ballyquintin Farm, Portaferry, BT22 1RG
11am-1pm
028 4278 7769
Booking essential
Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 July
Downey Duckling Tours
BT23 6EA
12noon, 2pm & 3pm
028 9187 4146
Tuesday 12 July
Annual Twelfth of July Demonstration
Donaghadee and Comber
Tuesday 12 July
Living History and Culture Day
Donaghadee Town Centre
028 9127 0069
Friday 15 July
Teddy Bears Picnic
The Ark Open Farm,
2pm-4pm
028 9182 0445
Cost: £6 (Ad), £5.50 (Ch)
Page 57
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Saturday 16 July
Rewind in Time
Bangor, BT20 3BH
1pm-4pm
project24ni.com
Saturday 16-Friday 22 July
Portaferry Gala Week
Portaferry
028 4279 8181
portaferrygala.co.uk
Saturday 16-Sunday 24 July
Ulster Fleadh 2016
Bangor & Portaferry
ulsterfleadh.com
Cost: £5 (Ad), £3 (Ch), some events free
Sunday 17-Sunday 31 July
Sailings on the Tall Ship ‘Johanna Lucretia’
Tours around the Lough, departing from
Portaferry and Bangor (TBC)
Cost: £90 per person, includes all meals
throughout duration of sailing
028 9127 0069
(Tickets limited to 12 persons per sailing)
Tuesday 19 & Wednesday 20 July
Theatre in the Walled Garden: David
Walliams ‘Ratburger’
Bangor Castle Walled Garden, BT20 4UT
2pm and 6pm
Cost: £6
Wednesday 20-Wednesday 27 July
Topper World Championships 2016
Ballyholme Yacht Club, Bangor BT20 5HT
028 91 271467
ballyholme.com
Saturday 23 July
Summer Garden Walk
11am-1pm
028 4278 8387
Cost: £10 (Ad), £5 (Ch)
Sunday 24 July
Capri Car Club Day
Cultra, BT18 0EU
12noon-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Events in
July
Sunday 24 July-Saturday 30 July
Skiffie Worlds 2016 and Strangford
Lough Festival
Portaferry and Strangford
028 4272 9005
strangfordlough.org
Page 59
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Thursday 28 July
Birdwatch Morning
Comber, BT23 6EA
10.30am-12.30pm
028 9187 4146
Friday 29 July
Bat Night
Comber, BT23 6EA
8.30pm
028 9187 4146
Cost: £12.50 (Ad), £7.50 (Ch/Con)
Friday 29 & Saturday 30 July
July Race Meeting
Kirkubbin, BT22 1AU
Fri 4pm-7pm, Sat 9.30am-5.30pm
028 4277 1325
kirkistown.com
Saturday 30 July
Kirkubbin, BT22 1AU
10am-5.30pm
028 4277 1325
kirkistown.com
Saturday 30 July
Peninsula Food Showcase
Portaferry
028 9182 6846
Saturday 30 July
Strangford Lough Festival
Portaferry
028 4272 8886
strangfordlough.org
Sunday 31 July
Jazz in the Gardens
2pm-4.30pm
028 4278 8387
Events in
August
Weekly Market:
Wednesday: Bangor
Monthly Market:
Thursday 4 August
BT23 5DU
varies)
Every Saturday in August
Portaferry BT22 1NZ
2pm-4pm
Free entertainment for kids to enjoy
every weekend.
Page 61
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Every Sunday in August
Live Music at the Bandstand
Ward Park, Bangor, BT20 4LG
3pm-5pm
Throughout August
Open House Festival 2016
Bangor, various
028 9127 0069
openhousefestival.com
Cost: Various
Throughout August
Nature Explorers
Comber, BT23 6EA
10am-5pm
028 9187 4146
Until Friday 19 August
Ards Summer Scheme
028 9181 2837
Until Friday 19 August
Comber Summer Scheme
028 9187 4350
Friday 5 August-Sunday 14 August
The Creative Peninsula Open Studio Event
Venues across Ards and North Down
Borough
Cost: Prices vary
028 9182 6846
Events in
August
Wednesday 10-Friday 12 August
Ulster U16 Boys Open Golf
Donaghadee Golf Club, BT21 0PQ
028 9188 3624
donaghadeegolfclub.com
Wednesday 10-Saturday 20 August
Clandeboye Festival
Clandeboye Estate, Bangor BT19 1RN
028 9042 7600
camerata-ireland.com
Cost: Various
Saturday 6 August
9am-12noon
028 4278 8387
Saturday 6 August
Donkey Day
BT18 0EU
10am-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Saturday 6-Sunday 14 August
Donaghadee Festival
Donaghadee
028 9188 8667
visitdonaghadee.com
Friday 12 & Saturday 13 August
Working Vintage Festival
Rosemount Estate, Greyabbey, BT22 2QA
Fri 4pm-10pm, Sat 10am-5pm
028 9754 1334
countydowntractionengineclub.com
Cost: £10 (Ad)
Saturday 13 August
Peninsula Food Showcase
Portavogie
028 9182 6846
Page 63
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Saturday 13 August
Rock Pool Extravaganza
Kearney Village, Portaferry BT22 1QP
11am-1pm
028 4278 8387
Cost: £3(Ch), Adults free. Booking essential
Saturday 13 August
Craft in the Hub
Project 24, Queen’s Parade, Bangor, BT20 3BH
11am-5pm
project24ni.com
Monday 15-Sunday 21 August
26th Anniversary Family Fun Week
The Ark Open Farm,
11am-4pm
028 9182 0445
Cost: £6 (Ad), £5.50 (Ch)
Friday 19-Saturday 27 August
Bangor Worldwide Missionary Convention
Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church &
Hamilton Road Baptist Church, Bangor
worldwidemission.org
Saturday 20 August
Open Art
Bangor, BT20 3BH
12noon-4pm
project24ni.com
Saturday 20 August
Groomsport Music and Fireworks
6.30pm-10.30pm
Live music, a spectacular fireworks
display, family entertainment and food
stalls.
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 August
Native and Traditional Breeds Weekend
Cultra, BT18 0EU
10am-5pm
028 9042 8428
nmni.com/uftm
Cost: Normal admission
prices apply
Events in
August
Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 August
Drumawhey 25th Anniversary Weekend &
Children’s Safari
1pm-5pm
[email protected]
bcdmrs.org.uk
Sunday 21 August
North Down Grand Prix
Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee
northdowncc.com
Cost: £12
Sunday 21 August
Portaferry Triathlon
Shore Road, Portaferry BT22 1PE
narrowstc.co.uk
Friday 26 & Saturday 27 August
Outdoor Explorers
Skillen’s Wood, Greyabbey
Fri 11am-4pm, Sat 12noon-5pm
028 4278 8387
Cost: £30 (1 Ad & 1 Ch), £45 (1-2 Ad & 2 Ch).
Booking essential
Page 65
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
Saturday 27 August
August Race Meeting
Kirkubbin, BT22 1AU
9am-5.30pm
028 4277 1325
kirkistown.com
Sunday 28 August
Jazz in the Gardens
2pm-4.30pm
028 4278 8387
Cost: Members Free.
Non-Members £8 (Ad), £4 (Ch),
£20 (Family Ticket)
Exhibitions
Ards Crafts and
Visitor Information Centre
31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD
Mon–Sat 9.30am-5pm
028 9182 6846
The Space
Until Saturday 19 March
Meet the Maker: ‘Scapes - Space to Space’
A showcase by SERC students, Bangor
Saturday 2–Saturday 30 April
An Exhibition on ‘Drumawhey
Railway Junction’
A showcase of the work of the Belfast and
Co. Down Miniature Railway Society
Saturday 7–Saturday 28 May
Meet the Maker: ‘Ghosts, the secret
life of a tree’
An exhibition by artist Joy Gray
Saturday 4–Saturday 25 June
The Work of the Copeland Bird
Observatory
An exhibition on Northern Ireland’s only
working bird observatory
Friday 1–Saturday 30 July
‘Blair Mayne’
The life and times of Lieutenant Colonel
Robert Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne
Saturday 6–Saturday 27 August
Meet the Maker: ‘Papercrafted’
An exhibition by visual artist Emma Davison
Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Castle Park, Bangor, BT20 4UT
See visitardsandnorthdown.com for
seasonal opening hours
028 9127 1200
June 2016
ForM Sculpture Exhibition
An exhibition of sculptures inspired by the
garden
Page 67
Events Key:
Free
Visitor
Information
Centre
Northern
Ireland Year of
Food & Drink
North Down Museum
Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, BT20 4BT
See website for seasonal opening hours
028 9127 1200
northdownmuseum.com
Community Gallery
Until Sunday 1 May
‘We Are Sailing’
An exploration of local sailing clubs and
their history
Tuesday 12 April–Sunday 8 May
‘Percy French’ Exhibition
One of Ireland’s greatest songwriters and
entertainers
Portaferry Visitor
Information Centre
Portaferry, BT22 1NZ
Mon–Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
028 4272 9882
The Saddlery
Friday 25 March–Monday 2 May
Family History-Searching for Our Roots
An exhibition by North of Ireland Family
History Society
Wednesday 4–Tuesday 24 May
‘We Are Sailing’
An exploration of local sailing clubs and
their history presented by North Down
Museum
Saturday 28 May–Monday 27 June
Discover Strangford Lough and the Ards
Peninsula
National Trust
Saturday 2 July–Sunday 28 August
Community Coastal Rowing Exhibition
Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership
and Portaferry Rowing Club
The Loft Gallery
Friday 25 March–Sunday 1 May
Art in the Loft: ‘A Perfect Setting’
Alison Hanvey’s functional tableware as
well as decorative pieces from a selection of
local makers
Saturday 7 May–Sunday 29 May
Art in the Loft: ‘A Sense of Place’
A collective exhibition of work by Studio E
Saturday 4–Sunday 26 June
Art in the Loft: ‘In the Frame’
Gillian Downing presents a collection
inspired by her love of nature and wildlife
Saturday 2–Sunday 31 July
Art in the Loft: ‘MI-Ni’
An exhibition of Northern Ireland inspired
jewellery by designer Ruth McEwan-Lyon
Saturday 6–Sunday 28 August
Art in the Loft: ‘I Made This for You’
A collection of work inspired by old
postcard images of Bangor Town by Jessica
Hollywood
Tours
Our programme of guided tours provide the perfect
opportunity for you to explore Strangford Lough, the
Ards Peninsula and North Down. You are sure
to be impressed by the outstanding scenery,
rich heritage, history and culture. The
popular tour programme includes
walking, coach and boat tours
all escorted by experienced
guides, keen to share with
you the wonderful
history and
stories of this
magnificent
area.
Tours
intro
Page 69
Why not enjoy a boat trip on Strangford
Lough from Portaferry soaking up the breath
taking scenery and tranquillity or on Belfast
Lough from Bangor hearing of the
nautical past and the identifying
the significant landmarks
surrounding the coastline.
If you are a land lubber
why not experience
the historic sites
of Bangor,
Newtownards or Comber on one of our
regular walking tours. The coach tours
include visits to stately homes, a newly
opened distillery and fabulous gardens.
The programme also includes children’s
nature trails through woodlands or along the
shoreline introducing them to the mini-beasts
which live there.
Be sure to book early as these tours have
become very popular over the years – to
find out more contact Ards or Bangor Visitor
Information Centre.
Customer quote – First Class Tour!! I can’t
tell you how much we both enjoyed it. Made
fully welcome. Will definitely book again.
Tours
April
Tour
Start Time
Price (Ad/Ch)
Sat 23
Dawn Chorus, Castle Park, Bangor
5am
Free
Sat 23
Woodland & Whiskey, Mount Stewart &
Echlinville Distillery
10am
Sat 30
Dawn Chorus, Killynether Wood,
Newtownards
5am
Free
Tour
Start Time
Price (Ad/Ch)
Mon 2
Kid’s Mini-beasts, nature trail, Nugent’s
wood, Portaferry
2pm
Free
Sat 28
Tea with the Lord
1pm
£18/£9
Tour
Start Time
Price (Ad/Ch)
Wed 8
Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour
6.30pm
Free
Sat 11
Strangford Lough Boat Tour
2pm
£8/£4
Sun 12
Helen’s Bay in Two World Wars
2.30pm
£3
Sun 26
Comber Historical Walking Tour
2pm
£3
Sun 26
2pm
£8/£4
Mon 27
Step Back In Time, Bangor
2.30pm
£5
Tour
Start Time
Price (Ad/Ch)
Sat 2
Remembering the Somme
10am & 2pm
£3
Sat 2
Kid’s “Sea-Creatures”, Millisle Beach
2pm
Free
Sun 3
Remembering the Somme
10am & 2pm
£3
Tue 5
Nautical Past, Short Sea Cruise Belfast
Lough
7pm
£10
Wed 6
6.30pm
Free
Sat 9
2pm
£8/£4
May
June
July
Type
April-August 2016
Type
Type
Type
£25
(includes lunch)
Page 71
To book tickets go online to visitardsandnorthdown.com
July
Tour
Start Time
Price (Ad/Ch)
Sun 10
Kid’s ‘Mini-Beasts’, nature trail and bird
box making
10am
£5
Thur 14
Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour
7pm
£3
Sat 23
Kid’s Nature Trail, Castle Park,
Bangor
10.30am
Free
Sat 23
From an Abbey to a stately home
1pm
£18/£9
Sat 23
Nautical Past, Short Sea Cruise Belfast
Lough
2pm
£10
Sun 24
2pm
£8/£4
Thur 28
Newtownards Historical Walking Tour
7pm
£3
Sat 30
Crawfordsburn to Helens Bay Walk
10.30am
£3
Tour
Start Time
Price (Ad/Ch)
Mon 1
Step Back In Time
2.30pm
£5
Sat 6
Kid’s ‘Mini-Beasts’, Killynether Wood,
Newtownards
10.30am
Free
Sun 7
Historic Bangor
2.30pm
£3
Wed 10
Kid’s ‘sea-creatures’, Crawfordsburn
10.30am &
2.30pm
Free
Thur 11
Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour
7pm
£3
Sun 14
2pm
£8/£4
Wed 17
6.30pm
Free
Wed 17
Kid’s ‘Nature Trail’, Castle Park, Bangor
10.30am
Free
Sat 20
Nautical Past, Short Sea Cruise
2.00pm
£10
Tue 23
Bangor Christian Heritage Walk
2.30pm
£3
Sat 27
Strangford Lough Twilight
Boat tour
6.30pm
£8/£4
Aug
Type
Type
Tours
New for 2016
Woodland & Whiskey
Saturday 23 April
Mount Stewart and Echlinville Distillery
10am-3.30pm
Explore the unexplored, combining a guided
walk along emerging new trails in the estate
farmland at Mount Stewart with a fascinating
visit to the recently opened Echlinville
Distillery to see the fine art of whiskey
making and perhaps taste a golden drop!
Tickets £25 (includes lunch). Tour
Departs Ards Visitor Information Centre.
Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear is
recommended.
Remembering the Somme Walks
Saturday 2 July
10am-12.30pm & 2pm-4.30pm
Sunday 3 July
10am–12.30pm & 2pm-4.30pm
Step back 100 years to 1916 and the Battle of
the Somme. Learn of the gallant contribution
of the soldiers from the 36th Ulster Division
and follow in their footsteps as you walk
through their training camp to Helens Tower.
Tickets £3. Tour departs from The
Somme Centre, 233 Bangor Road,
Favourites
Returning
Tea with the Lord Saturday 28 May 1pm–5.30pm
Become a member of the gentry for the
afternoon as the affable Lord Dunleath
guides you around his remarkable home
and joins you for a chat over tea and
cake, in the historic conservatory of
Ballywalter House.
Tickets: Adult £18 (Children under 14
accompanied by adult £9). Tour departs
Ards Visitor Information Centre, BT23 4AD
Page 73
From an Abbey to a Stately Home
Saturday 23 July 1pm–4.30pm
View one of the finest Georgian country
houses in Ireland, the present Grey Abbey
House is the third house to be built on the
site. A resident will guide you around and
join you for tea and scones. You will visit the
Cistercian Abbey founded by Lady Affreca,
the wife of John DeCourcy.
Tickets: £18 (Children under 14
accompanied by adult £9). Tour departs
from Ards Visitor Information Centre,
31 Regent Street, BT23 4AD
Wednesday 8 June 6.30pm–8pm
Wednesday 6 July 6.30pm–8pm
Wednesday 17 August 6.30pm–8pm
This popular guided tour provides an insight
into the garden’s history, its restoration
and the vast array of plants, fruits and
vegetables which are grown there.
Tickets: Free (advanced bookings required)
Tour departs from the bandstand in the
Walled Garden, Bangor, BT20 4UT
Step Back In Time
Monday 27 June 2.30pm–4.30pm
Monday 1 August 2.30pm–4.30pm
Gain an insight into the history of the Ward
Family who built Bangor Castle in 1852 and
discover what life was like as a Victorian
servant. Take this rare opportunity to
tour Bangor Castle and the Walled Garden
followed by afternoon tea in Coffee Cure @
The Museum.
Tickets: £5. Tour departs from North Down
Museum, Bangor, BT20 4BT
To book tickets go online to
For more
information:
Seasonal
Year Round
Cockle Row Cottages
Main Street, Groomsport, BT19 6GH
Located beside the Harbour
028 9127 2269
31 Regent Street,
Newtownards, BT23 4AD
028 9182 684
[email protected]
Open:
Sun 27 March-Sun 29 May, Weekends 11am–5pm
Wed 1 June-Sun 4 September, Daily 11am-5pm
The Stables, Castle Street
Portaferry, BT22 1NZ
028 4272 9882
Open:
Fri 25 March - Fri 30 September
Mon-Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 1pm–5pm
Our Services Include
• Visitor and Event
Information
• Accommodation Booking
• Bureau de Change
• Ticket Sales
• Gift Shop
Our E-Newsletter!
via our e-zine.
Sign up on:
Open:
January-June & September-December
Mon-Fri 9.15am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-5pm, Sun Closed
July and August: Mon-Fri 9.15am–5.15pm,
Sat 9am–5.30pm, Sun Closed
Bangor BT20 5ED
028 9127 0069
[email protected]
Open:
January-April & September-December
Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 9.15am-5pm
Wed 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm, Sun Closed
May to August: Mon, Tues, Thurs and
Fri 9.15am–5pm Wed 10am–5pm,
Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 1pm–5pm
Good to Know:
All of our advisors
are WorldHost
Recognised
Page 75
Emergency Services
and Hospitals
Emergency Services:
call 999
Fire, Police, Ambulance
& Coastguard
–
Police Service
of Northern Ireland:
Ulster Hospital A&E
Upper Newtownards Road
Dundonald Co Down
BT16 1RH
T: 028 9056 4875
call 101
(non emergency)
Transport
Translink Public Transport:
P&O Ferries:
T: 028 9066 6630
www.translink.co.uk
–
Strangford Lough Ferry Service:
T: 08716 64 21 21
www.poferries.com
–
Stena Line Ferries:
T: 0300 200 7898
T: 0844 770 7070
www.stenaline.co.uk
TEXT: ‘Ferry’ to 66101 for updates
–
Belfast International Airport:
T: 028 9448 4848
www.belfastairport.com
–
George Best Belfast City Airport:
T: 028 9093 9093
www.belfastcityairport.com
31 Regent Street, Newtownards
County Down BT23 4AD
028 9182 6846
[email protected]
Bangor BT20 5ED
028 9127 0069
[email protected]

- Visit Ards and North Down

Transcription

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