Jewels of the Peninsula

Who: Those who enjoy stunning scenery and locations

Where: Duration: Full Day/ Overnight Stay

Set off to and start your break, exploring the stunning Ards Peninsula and some of the jewels it has to offer, discovering truly unique spots, which are picture perfect!

Ballycopeland Windmill, Millisle, BT22 2DS Tel: 028 9182 6846 * Seasonal opening You can’t help but be impressed by the sight of Ballycopeland Windmill, the only remaining windmill in Northern with its original mechanism still existing. The original Millers Cottage, the kiln and drying floor form part of a visitor centre. It is also unique as the last remaining windmill in the world that retains the patented Hooper Roller Reefing gear, the system for operating the blinds on the sails on calmer days.

Eden Pottery, Millisle, BT22 2DH (4 mins from previous) Tel: 028 9186 2300

Not far from the windmill, you will find this charming studio, relax over a speciality coffee and homemade treat catching glimpses of how the pottery is created. Choose from a range of delightful pottery, inspired by the rolling farmland and stunning seascapes around Eden Pottery and take home a unique souvenir of your visit. If feeling creative, you can even have a go and design your own masterpiece.

Leaving Millisle, drive along the shore of the , taking in the villages of and until you reach Ireland’s most easterly point…

Burr Point, Ballyhalbert, BT22 1DL (18 mins from previous)

Burr Point is located at longitude 5.43 degrees west, 2km south of Ballyhalbert making it the most easterly point. At Burr Point, is Burial Island, formerly a place of Danish Burial and now a nesting site for Terns. Just above Burr Point stands a Coastguard Tower, which was last in use in 1863 and one of 12 which made up the district. The large E sculpture makes this a perfect selfie stop!!

Find a local chip shop, in one of the villages and enjoy fish and chips from the paper, in the fresh sea air as a tasty treat for lunch before heading further south to Tara Bay.

Jewels of the Peninsula

St Cooey’s Wells, Tara Bay, BT22 1RF (28 mins from previous) Tel: 028 9182 6846

South of and towards Ballyquintin Point (signposted), stand the Holy Wells. The Wells were founded in the 7th century by St. Cooey and reopened in 1977. According to tradition, it was here that St. Cooey performed his penitential exercises in the late 7th and early 8th centuries.

The foundations of a Church, modern altar and three Holy Wells may be found. A drinking well, washing well and eye well are still visited by pilgrims and are reputed to have healing powers. On the shore a short distance from the Church a flat rock can be found with deep indentations which, according to popular belief, mark where St. Cooey placed his hands and feet whilst in prayer.

Portaferry Hotel, BT22 1PE (10 mins from previous) Tel: 028 4272 8231

After all that fresh air and exercise, it is time to relax and kick back! Check into the charming Portaferry Hotel, which is overlooking the scenic Lough. Enjoy dinner whilst watching the Strangford Ferry negotiate the strong currents! After dinner, head to Fiddler’s Green to have a few drinks and check out the “Game of Thrones” door. Enjoy a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast!

Echlinville Distillery, Kircubbin BT22 1AJ (11 mins from previous) Tel: 028 4273 8597 Tours Friday and Saturday – must be booked in advance.

Experience the forefront of Ireland’s spirits renaissance and the home of some of ’s best-known spirits including Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, Jawbox Gin, Echlinville Gin and Bán Poitín. Offering a truly bespoke experience in an exquisite setting discover the story of the different brands and see the grain to glass journey before sampling a tipple! Echlinville’s state-of-the-art Stillhouse stands proudly alongside the 19th century Echlinville Manor House, former seat of the Echlins who were once among the most influential families in Ireland. Their story is one of provenance, pride in their roots in the Ards Peninsula and devotion to the ancient art of distilling. Why not pick up a bottle or two to take home?

For more information on any of these places to visit and your ideal overnight accommodation call into or phone Ards Visitor Information Centre on 028 9182 6846.