EscapE aND kick back

Ards and North Down Three Day itinerary

sTOp 1 Start your day in the busy town of Newtownards, home to our Visitor Information Centre (VIC) and an array of independent and high street stores and cafes. Our expert information advisors are on hand in the VIC to tell you all that you need to know about the area. With Ards Crafts on site, you can also purchase range of local, unique handcrafted gifts.

sTOp 2 Then head to scrabo Tower, located just minutes outside the town centre in Scrabo Country Park. The NIEA property is the perfect vantage point for a picturesque view across Strangford Lough. The tower was built in 1857 and the scenes from the top are well worth the 10-minute climb to the site.

sTOp 4 Next venture further along the peninsula to Greyabbey, perhaps stopping at one of the local eateries on route for a mid-morning coffee and scone. Or explore the village itself, which is renowned for its tea rooms and quaint antique shops. Before taking time to explore Grey abbey: the best example of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster. Download the heritage trail straight to your phone; at the touch of a button, you can listen to the story of Greyabbey’s origins: of Viking invaders on Strangford Lough, of Scottish settlers who rebuilt the Abbey and developed the village, and of the places of worship that are still thriving today.

sTOp 5 For gin and whiskey lovers, the next stop is a must: Echlinville Distillery. The distillery is on the grounds of Echlinville Estate, founded by the Echlin family in 1730. Today, visitors can not only bask in the estate and its beautiful grounds but also take part in a series of tours and tastings run on site. Be sure to book your tour in advance at echlinville.com.

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sTOp 3 From here drive along the Ards Peninsula to Mount stewart, a wonderful 19th-century stately house with manicured gardens and various parkland trails. The National Trust runs the estate, making it possible for members of the public to enjoy throughout the year.

sTOp 6 A little whiskey having whet your appetite, finish your day in Donaghadee. here you will find charming cafes, much loved pubs and award-wining restaurants that are receiving rave reviews for their tasty and inventive dishes. Sample some of our famous local seafood or sit down to a more traditional dinner built around our staple spuds. Finish the day with a night-time stroll to view Donaghadee Lighthouse, one of the few remaining in Ireland.

sTOp 7 Ards and North Down offers first class places to stay when visiting the area. From, homely B&Bs to self-catered accommodation, there is a something for every type of traveller. Including a five-star estate and spa and AA hotel of the year NI 2017-2018! So you’ll be well rested for the next day’s adventures…

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Day 2

sTOp 1 Begin today in comber - the home of great taste - where you can enjoy the local crafts and artisan food scene, with many local shops selling unique, handmade goods. Ards and North Down is home to the greatest concentration of professional artists and craftspeople in Northern Ireland, so you are bound to find something ’arty’ that inspires you. Then tantalise your taste buds with homegrown foods and locally brewed drinks; eat in one of our cosy cafes and buy something delicious to take home. If you are here on the first Thursday of the month, don’t forget to visit Comber Farmers’ Market, which is famous for its award-winning produce that includes fresh breads, delicious jams, chutneys and craft beers.

sTOp 5 From here venture to killinchy. Continue today’s crafty theme and take time to visit Killinchy Clocks, a family run wood working company based in the village that makes pendulum clocks and all their parts entirely from wood. Then stop in The Crafty Fox, a local shop that stocks beautiful handmade gifts.

sTOp 2 From Comber travel to castle Espie, a wetland reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. The reserve has incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and a fascinating visitor centre that you’ll not want to miss. With the centre providing an early wintering site for almost the entire Nearctic population of Brent geese making it the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Ireland; you’ll want to bring your camera!

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sTOp 6 home to balloo house and the poacher’s pocket, Killinchy is a foodie haven for tonight’s dinner. If you fancy slightly more casual cuisine, Balloo house is an award-winning restaurant and beautiful country pub with a rich history. It was originally a coaching house bought by the McConnell family in 1893. refurbished, it now boasts stunning stone floors and a working Aga, creating a cosy feel. Alternatively, the hugely successful Poacher’s Pocket oozes modern country charm. This Michelin recommended restaurant provides great tasting food and even better portions.

sTOp 7 Enjoy a night cap before heading back to your room to rest up for a third day of adventures…

sTOp 3 Next head to Lisbane, a small village between Balloo and Comber that is home to The Old Post Office tea rooms. The building dates back to the 1840s and was restored to create a charming eatery that offers a unique dining and hospitality experience. It is the perfect place to refuel!

sTOp 4 Journey a short distance to Mahee island which hosts breathtaking views of Strangford Lough from the island’s golf course. While on the island take time to explore Nendrum Monastery. Founded in the 5th century by St Machaoi, some remains of this Christian Monastery can still be seen, and it is believed to be the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland.

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Day 3

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sTOp 1 Start your day in Bangor. A walk along the coastal path - which provides fabulous views of one of the finest shorelines on the Island - and a coffee in one of the town’s cafés will wake you up before you delve into the town’s rich history. [Or alternatively take time to walk more of the coastal path, which stretches from holywood to Portavoe, and enjoy the wild flowers and wildlife. Download a map at visitardsandnorthdown.com]

sTOp 2 Visit bangor abbey where you can learn about Christian heritage. you can download the Bangor Christian heritage Trail app straight to your mobile to hear all about its rich history, such as how it grew to become one of the most important seats of learning in Ireland

sTOp 4 Next, journey to holywood via the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. here you can experience what life was like in Northern Ireland over 100 years ago in the folk section, and explore one of the most comprehensive transport collections in Europe where you’ll find majestic locomotives, horse-drawn carriages, vintage motorbikes and rare cars.

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sTOp 5 renowned for its speciality boutiques and café scene, holywood town - which is home to pro-golfer, rory McIlroy - is the perfect place to while away a few hours. (Gents can also leave the ladies to indulge in a little retail therapy and escape to 18 holes at holywood royal or Belfast.)

sTOp 3 Then head to North Down Museum to discover the region’s history. Northern Ireland’s most visited small museum, tells the story of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day through a series of rooms, each dedicated to a particular era of history. The museum also hosts regular art exhibitions, so make sure to check out what’s on at northdownmuseum.com. There is also a restaurant for a quick bit to eat.

The town’s award-winning brasseries and restaurants - several of which feature in the prestigious Michelin guide - are the perfect place to end a few days well-spent. Treat yourself to a three-course meal made from locally sourced ingredients and indulge in a glass of something special…

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visitardsandnorthdown.com

ards Visitor information centre31 regent Street, NewtownardsCounty Down BT23 4AD028 9182 6846ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

bangor Visitor information centreTower house, 34 Quay StreetBangor BT20 5ED028 9127 0069bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk