Ards Peninsula
|
|
South of Bangor, at Donaghadee, is the start of the 20mi/32km long Ards Peninsula. From Donaghadee a road runs along the Irish Sea coast to Ballywalter (beautiful beach), Ballyhalbert and finally Cloghy, where it turns inland to Portaferry.
Ards Peninsula Map
Related Attractions
Killyleagh - Delamont Country Park
On the west shore of the Strangford Lough is the resort of Killyleagh (birthplace of Sir Hans Sloane, founder of the British Museum).Two miles south (A22) of Killyleagh is Delamont Country Park with a restored walled garden, woodland walks and picnic area. The park offers spectacular views over Strangford Lough.
Hilltop Castle
Hilltop Castle overlooks the town of Killyleagh which has a Jacobean parish church. The scenery is very beautiful, with the Mourne Mountains shimmering blue in the distance.
Mount Stewart House and Gardens
Also on the Mount Stewart property is the 18th Chome of Lord Castlereagh. The gardens were chiefly nurtured by the wife of the seventh Marquis of Londonderry and feature rare and unusual plant species.The Temple of the Winds, an 1785 banquet hall, overlooks Strangford Lough.
Portaferry, Northern Ireland
Portaferry is on the Ards peninsula's southern tip. There is a ferry service between Portaferry and Strangford on the mainland. From Portaferry there is also a road round to Strangford, starting out as the A20 and skirting the west side of the peninsula by the shores of Strangford Lough.
Exploris Aquarium
Exploris is an aquarium devoted to revealing the wonders of life in the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough. Thousands of species on view. Interactive displays are also available.
Strangford Lough
Vast flocks of wildfowl gather in the Strangford Lough which is under the jurisdiction of the National Trust's Wildlife Scheme. The area is also home to a variety of nesting birds and marine life, including seals. An excellent site for avid birdwatchers.
Ardkeen, Northern Ireland
The road from Portaferry that starts out as the A20 and skirts the west side of the peninsula passes through Ardkeen where there is a ruined castle.
Greyabbey, Northern Ireland
At the site of Grey Abbey are ruins of a Cistercian abbey from 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy. Set in beautiful parkland with a medieval garden.
Grey Abbey
After the road from Portaferry passes through Kircubbin, it comes to Grey Abbey, with remains of a Cistercian abbey founded in 1193, one of the best preserved in Ireland. Notable features are the fine Perpendicular windows and the magnificent west doorway.
Newtownards, Northern Ireland
Newtownards, noted for its linen, is a good base from which to explore the coastal scenery and the Mourne Mountains to the south. It has a Town Hall of 1770 and a ruined Dominican church (1244).From here there is a direct route back to Belfast.
Ark Open Farm
On the Ark Open Farm visitors can see rare breeds of farm animals including: Vietnamese pot-bellied and Berkshire pigs, Nigerian pygmy goats, Chinese and Pilgrim geese, Irish Moiled cattle, Llama, guanaco.
Scrabo Country Park
In Scrabo Country Park visitors can climb 122 steps to the top of Scrabo Tower which was built in memory of the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry. Peaceful woodland walks, interesting wildlife and old quarries.
Somme Heritage Centre
Trenches, audio-visual displays help recreate the Battle of the Somme (1916).
Ballywalter, Northern Ireland
Ballywalter (beautiful beach) is on the road from Donaghadee on the Irish Sea coast.
Map of Belfast Attractions
Belfast Map
More Belfast Attractions
Popular Destinations Nearby
