Ards and North Down is a region of breathtaking natural beauty in Northern Ireland. With stunning coastal scenery and historic castles, there is plenty to discover. Home to a variety of restaurants and pubs, serving delicious food and drink, it's the perfect destination for a long weekend. We've made an itinerary that will help you get the most out of your getaway with the best recommendations for coffee, castles, coasts and culture in the area.
Thursday
- Check in at Clandeboye at 3pm and enjoy your complimentary dinner
- Head into Bangor for some drinks at Fealtys
Our journey begins on Thursday. Check yourself in to the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel (4*) and settle into one of their luxurious rooms. Make the most of the three nights for the price of two package by taking the opportunity to relax ahead of this busy itinerary! Grab your clubs and make your way to the prestigious Clandeboye Golf Club for a round of golf. Or if you're not a golf fan, going for walk around the sprawling grounds is equally as rewarding. Be immersed in the tranquillity of nature before enjoying a delicious complimentary 3 course dinner from the a-la-carte menu. Make sure to get your free bottle of wine! The Coq & Bull’s warm welcome and high quality dishes will be sure to satisfy. Afterwards, head into Bangor to enjoy some drinks at Fealty's Bar, a beloved traditional Irish pub. Enjoy the high spirited atmosphere and live music from locals with the creamiest pint of Guinness. It’s a great spot for watching the rugby too!
Friday
- Climb Scrabo and take in the views
- Lunch in Haptik
- Explore Island Hill Causeway and Nendrum Monastic Site
- Dinner in Daft Eddys
After an award winning night sleep in a luxury loft room (complimentary upgrade, subject to availability) and a hearty Irish breakfast (included each morning), you'll be ready to explore what Ards and North Down has to offer. Your first stop is Scrabo Tower, perched atop Scrabo Hill. Ascend the path to this majestic 19th-century tower and be rewarded with scenic views of Strangford Lough and the North Down countryside. If the tower is open, take the time to see the exhibition and short video detailing it's history before climbing to the top. Make a pit-stop in Newtownards for a coffee at Haptik, the self-titled 'Melbourne of the northern hemisphere' due to it's high quality cups of coffee. Or if you want something different try their 'Beetroot latte'. Explore Island Hill Causeway, a true County Down hidden gem. Accessible at low-tide, this walk around Rough Island provides magnificent views of Strangford Lough (make sure to check the tide times before crossing). Top tip: Look out for the totem pole in the car park, depicting the journey of the Brent Goose to the lough.
Once back on mainland, head to Nendrum Monastic Site, one of the best examples of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland. Here, you'll find the remains of a round tower, a church and a graveyard, just a short walk up the hill on a signposted trail from the car park. After a brief history lesson on Mahee Island, you'll be ready for some good grub. Taste the best of local produce for dinner in Daft Eddy's Bar and Restaurant. Choose from locally smoked Ballyhornan salmon, Hereford beef from Carnbrooke of Dromara and so much more before heading back to hotel to turn in for the night.
Saturday
- Explore Mount Stewart and Greyabbey
- Lunch in Coan
- 2pm Echlinville Distillery Tour
- Head to Portaferry for dinner at Portaferry Hotel and a stroll around the Marina
Start your day exploring the stunning historic house of Mount Stewart. This National Trust property has beautiful formal gardens, voted one of the top ten gardens in the world. With multiple walking trails through a landscape of woodlands and mixed farmland, there are miles to explore. Then, visit the charming Greyabbey, the picturesque remains of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey. This is a popular spot for photographers due to the beautiful Anglo-Norman architecture and we can see why! Enjoy a lunch in Coan, Kircubbin. This 'cute' coffee shop has stunning views of Strangford Lough and serves specialty coffee and baked sweet treats, the perfect place to relax and unwind before embarking on a tour of Echlinville Distillery. Learn about the whiskey-making process and sample some of their award-winning spirits. Don't forget to collect a stamp in your Distillery Passport before you leave. Finally, head to Portaferry for a hearty dinner at the Portaferry Hotel and a relaxing stroll along the marina(perhaps you'll see a yacht or two) before heading back to Bangor.
Sunday
- Walk in Donaghadee
- Explore Copeland Distillery’s visitor centre and grab an ice cream from The Cabin
- Home time!
Sundays are made for slowing down and chilling out. After your third and final breakfast in the hotel, a walk in Donaghadee is the perfect way to start the day. Take a stroll along the coast and breath in the fresh air and beautiful scenery. The iconic harbour, built way back in 1626, is a popular spot for a dander and some people watching. If it's a clear day, turn your eyes to Scotland, only 20 miles away by sea. Explore Copeland Distillery’s visitor centre (that's another stamp for the passport), where you can learn about the history of whiskey making in Ireland and even sample some of their delicious spirits. Did you know it was once a picture house dating back to 1915? Finish the day with an Ice cream from the Cabin. A local shop who've been making ice cream for this town for nearly 100 years.
This itinerary for Ards and North Down is just a suggestion, of course. Feel free to customise it to fit your interests and budget using the Plan Your Trip feature. Whatever you do, we hope you have a wonderful time. Remember to pack for all the weather types that Northern Ireland produces and enjoy your well-deserved break!
Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers
