Your FREE Visitor Guide to Ards and North Down EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS Spring / Summer 2017 Experience AND Enjoy

01 Welcome 03 Walk this way... 05 Drive this way... 07 Strangford Lough 09 Food AND Drink 11 See AND Do 19 Get Active 27 Embrace the Arts With so many great attractions, activities 31 Let us inspire you… and events, be sure to call into our Visitor 33 Experience Ards AND North Down Tours Information Centres to discover how best to 35 Spring/Summer Events spend your time in Ards and North Down. 61 Exhibitions Visitor Information Services Ards Visitor Information Centre 65 31 Regent Street, Newtownards 66 Emergency Information County Down BT23 4AD 028 9182 6846 67 Accommodation Ards and North Down Borough Map Bangor Visitor Information Centre 68 Tower House, 34 Quay Street, Bangor County Down BT20 5ED

028 9127 0069 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 alternative visitardsandnorthdown.com formats to meet a specific need. To request an alternative format please contact 028 9127 0069 / 028 9182 6846. Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 2

Welcome to Ards and North Down

Welcome to the outstanding region of Ards and North Discover the towns and Whether you are looking for To plan your journey, why villages nestled along the a relaxing getaway, or an not use the handy map Down where you will have an unforgettable experience, way, from Holywood in the adventure, you are sure to at the back of this guide make memories and return again and again! north to Portaferry in the find it all in Ards and North which is packed with useful south. The borough has a rich Down. Only 20 minutes’ away information, page 68. and diverse heritage, with from the hustle and bustle of Let this guide inspire you with ideas for a day trip, stories of early Christianity, Belfast. short break or holiday. With many gems to discover, castles and conflicts. Great shopping and lively eateries miles of coastline to explore and fascinating history are everywhere. You may even to absorb – it is time to get out there! find the oldest pub in Ireland!

Ards and North Down awaits!

Our E-Newsletter! Keep up-to-date with all that is going on in Ards and North Down. Go to visitardsandnorthdown.com Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 4

Walk this way…

Get your boots on and get out there. Captivating Coastline Forty Shades of Green Walking is one of the best ways to With miles of coastline From the hills of Scrabo in stretching from Holywood to Newtownards, to the leafy explore the rolling hills of the surrounding Portaferry, the opportunities forest of Crawfordsburn countryside and the breathtaking coastline. for walking are endless. With Country Park or the world There are many self-guided walking charming towns and pretty renowned gardens and new tour booklets available from the Visitor villages nestled along the farmland trails at Mount way, take a break in a cafe Stewart, there is a fabulous Information Centres, highlighting the or restaurant recharge on a countryside to be discovered. history, heritage and attractions along the coffee and sweet treat, or a This area has a mild marine way in the towns and villages, or book a pint and a pie, the choice is micro climate with dry and guided tour. yours. fertile soils, supporting the beautiful flora and fauna The North Down Coastal Path along the way. The Comber is one of the finest shoreline Greenway links country with walks in Northern Ireland, city along a disused railway stretching for 16 miles, from line. This seven mile, traffic Holywood to Cultra, Helen’s free linear route is popular

wn Bay, Crawfordsburn, Bangor with walkers and cyclists. Explore Ards and North Do and finishing just after Groomsport, at Portavoe. WALKS Please be aware that sections of the North Down Coastal AND TOURS Path follow private roads, respect the Highway Code when walking, cycling or running along these sections where residential traffic will have right of way. In the interests of your own safety please be respectful when using the area for recreational purposes.

Free Guide Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 6

Drive this way…

If exploring by car, The Ards and North Down From these early Saint Patrick’s Trail Ulster-Scots in Ards and there are driving Christian Heritage Trail beginnings Christianity Follow the Saint Patrick’s Trail North Down Discover Ards and North Down in the area has had a through a host of Christian sites Our close proximity to the Ards and routes available to has been at the centre of varied development, from at Bangor, the Ards Peninsula, Scotland is a big part of direct you to some Ireland’s Christian Heritage attacks at the hands Downpatrick, Newry and our Heritage in Ards and North Down App of the highlights of dating back as far as the of Vikings in the 9th Armagh to uncover just how North Down. In May 1606 The App takes you on the area. Designated 5th century. Today’s visitor Century to the growth of strong Northern Ireland’s links Scottish families began to a journey of discovery will still find much of Early Presbyterianism during are with this patron saint. settle in the area, led by routes are detailed on highlighting the influence Christian interest in the area. the Ulster Plantations in James Hamilton and Hugh of the Ulster- the Ards and North the 17th Century. The era The 92-mile linear driving route Montgomery from Ayrshire, Scots on the Down Borough map Tradition holds that St of industrialisation and links 15 key sites, all identified as Scotland. area. Audio on pages 68. Machaoi founded the island the advent of transport, having some connection to the for each monastery at Nendrum in especially the railways, saw saint’s life, legacy or landscape These Scottish settlers location will the 5th century. Later in the area grow further and - and all just waiting to be transformed the Borough accompany 558AD came the foundation with it the construction of a explored. Ards and North Down and what you can see and inform of Bangor Abbey by St plethora of churches. is home to seven of these sites. today is largely a result you. Comgall, who’s influence of centuries of Ulster- soon spread across Europe Mourne Coastal Route Scots thrift, graft and through the work of St This beautiful scenic route perseverance. From towns Columbanus and St Gall. takes you on a journey along and villages to our rolling the coastline. The route is landscape, place names, and Discover signposted by directional the ‘wee’ turns of phrase the Bangor brown signage. you’ll overhear when talking to the older locals, all of Ards Christian Great Wars Tours and North Down is in some Heritage Trail Ards and North Down has a way Ulster-Scots. rich connection with the two This App guides you Great Wars. Soldiers of World along the Bangor War I, of the 108th Brigade of Christian Heritage the 36th (Ulster) Division, were Trail via an offline map. trained within the grounds of At each of the nine stops the Clandeboye Estate in the along the way Borough and in Bangor, General you can read Eisenhower took inspection of about the the troops prior to D-Day in 1944, site, view memorialised in the mosaic art images past of the pier, named in honour and present of the General. These are just and listen two examples of the many sites to audio throughout the Borough of about its interest where you can learn all history. about how the area played its part in both conflicts. Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 8

DID YOU KNOW… There is said to be an island in the Lough for every day of the year?

As well as miles of coastline stretching from Belfast Lough along the Ards Peninsula, Ards and North Down is home to a magnificent, large sea lough, Strangford Lough. The Lough has a number of designations, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty being one of them, and is Northern Ireland’s first marine nature reserve. No matter where you enjoy it from, you will be surrounded by stunning scenery, wonderful wildlife and fabulous flora and fauna.

The iconic Scrabo Tower, is the ideal location for a panoramic view of the Lough, the Ards Peninsula, the surrounding drumlins of County Down and much further. Nendrum Monastery, Mahee Island is another Strangford Lough can be fabulous vantage point to explored in many ways. take in your surroundings, You can explore its shores enjoy the peaceful and on foot, or its waters by unique setting of this air or boat. For the more historic site. adventurous, why not take a scuba dive.

A wealth of family attractions awaits children of all ages. Experience feeding ducks and geese, holding a starfish and getting close to sharks, or simply flying a kite or building a sandcastle. Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 10 Food

We breed. We grow. The local dairy industry For visiting hunter-gatherers AND Drink We distil. We catch. produces exciting ranges who prefer to cook for of ice-cream, cheese and themselves, you’ll be spoilt We bake. We enjoy. yoghurt. Don’t leave the for choice with goods from table without trying some. local producers. Be sure This little corner of Northern Or why not round off a meal to visit Comber Farmers Ireland is a foodie heaven! with a little nip of a locally Market, voted NI Best Local With amazing local produce distilled spirit! Market at the NI Year of Food and flavours, chefs and and Drink Awards, held on restaurants, it is the Whether you choose a the first Thursday of the destination of choice for a gourmet dining room, a month and full of tempting fabulous food experience. friendly pub, or fish and treats. There’s usually a chips at the harbour, you family butcher and baker in With its vast coastline, the will savour the tastes of the every town and village, and area has seafood at the top lush green fields, fertile soil plenty of farm shops in the of the menu, with a daily and clear waters. countryside, for you catch from the Irish Sea and to pick from. Strangford Lough supplying the local restaurant trade. Don’t miss the Portavogie prawns, local lobsters or oysters.

Comber potatoes are world- famous, and adorn your table in various forms, from simply boiled to champ – a local speciality of buttery mash with spring onions. This humble potato is celebrated in June with the Comber Earlies Festival, when the town Square comes alive with family DID YOU KNOW… activities, fabulous food, Comber Early Potatoes cookery demonstrations and have been granted much more! The event was European PGI status Highly Commended in the which puts them in NI Year of Food and Drink the same league as Awards 2016. Champagne? Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 12

See AND Do

Ards and North Down is jam-packed with attractions Step Back in Time Visit North Down Museum and activities for all. From the adventurous Ards and North Down where you can travel from Discover is steeped in history. the Bronze Age to the Greyabbey Village to relaxing, family entertainment to solo Experience life as it was, present day through a experiences, there is something for in the 5th century to the series of exhibitions and Heritage Trail App everyone. For a full listing go online to Wars or following in the display areas, learn of life Greyabbey’s origins, visitardsandnorthdown.com footsteps of Saints, Scholars, on the tranches in the of Viking invaders on Vikings or the first Ulster early 1900’s at the Somme or contact our local Visitor Strangford Lough, of Scot Settlers! We have Museum or return to days Scottish settlers who Information Centres. a number of attractions old at the Ulster Folk and rebuilt the Abbey and and points of interest that Transport Museum, a developed the village, represent the eras and are wonderful experience for and of the places of ready and waiting to take young and old that fuels the worship which are still you back to days gone by. imagination and home to a thriving today. The audio host of events throughout app, in conjunction the year. with five interpretive panels, will take you from the Abbey to Here are some ideas to the Lough in inspire you: a series of fascinating Family Fun Nature Lovers and quirky Family time is precious, Immerse yourself in our tales! take the opportunity to forests and watch out for the make memories with the woodland inhabitants. Take kids right here… go fairy in the smells and colours of hunting in the woods, fly a our exquisite gardens. Feel kite on the beach, or have on top of the world on our a picnic in the park. With so hills and dip your toes in our many attractions to choose waters. from there is plenty of family fun to be had. The coastline and Lough shore are a delight for bird DID YOU KNOW… There is also a host of indoor watchers. With visiting The Manx Shearwater leisure facilities, cinemas, species changing with the bird, an inhabitant of museums, karting or seasons, be sure to visit the the Copeland Islands, Exploris Aquarium and attractions that showcase nests in rabbit burrows? Pickie Funpark to enjoy. nature at its best.

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17 Belfast Lough Copeland 12 Islands 18 Helen’s Bay 19 5 Groomsport

Seahill Crawfordsburn 10 11 16 9 6 2 Bangor 21 3 See AND Do 27 Donaghadee Holywood Key 1 The Ark Open Farm 9 Bangor Abbey 19 Crawfordsburn 15 Conlig Newtownards, Bangor, BT20 4JE Country Park Forest, Park BT23 7PH 028 9145 1087 Helen’s Bay, BT19 1JT 1 22 and Gardens 028 9182 0445 028 9185 3621 4 North thearkopenfarm.co.uk Nature and Millisle 10 Bangor Castle Wildlife (Town Hall) 20 Derry Churches Historic Interest 2 Air-tastic Bangor, BT20 4BT portaferry, BT22 1JX Newtownards Trampoline Park 0300 013 3333 13 Viewing Point Bangor, BT19 7AG 028 9185 7306 21 Donaghadee Family Fun air-tastic.com 11 Bangor Castle Harbour Carrowdore Museum Walled Garden Donaghadee, Bangor, BT20 4BT BT21 0HE Beach and Sea 3 Balloo Nature 028 9127 0069 Reserve Food and Drink 8 Bangor, BT19 7PG 22 Drumawhey Junction 028 9127 0069 12 Bangor Seafront Railway Comber Strangford Ballywalter Sport Interest ulsterwildlife.org and Eisenhower Pier Donaghadee, Lough Greyabbey Bangor, BT20 5ED BT21 0LZ 028 9127 0069 028 9145 3563 Ards 4 Ballycopeland bcdmrs.org.uk Peninsula Windmill millisle, BT22 2BP 13 Boys Brigade 028 9082 3214 Heritage Museum 23 Echlinville Distillery Lisbane Ballyhalbert millisle, BT22 2LZ Kircubbin, BT22 1AJ Ballygowan 26 028 9186 1297 028 4273 8597 14 5 Ballyholme Beach ganaway.co.uk echlinville.com Kircubbin and Park Whiterock Bangor, BT20 5EG 23 028 9127 0069 14 Burr Point 24 Exploris Aquarium Balloo Ballyhalbert, BT22 1DL portaferry, BT22 1NZ Killinchy Portavogie 028 4272 8062 6 Ballymenoch Park explorisni.com Holywood, BT18 0LP 15 Cairn Wood 028 9127 0069 Holywood, BT19 1UT 028 4377 2240 25 Frump in the Stump Corrog Wood, 7 Ballyquintin BT22 1PW Cloughey portaferry, BT22 1RG 16 Castle Park 028 9127 5787 Bangor 028 4278 7769 Bangor, BT20 4BT walkni.com/walks nationaltrust.org.uk/ 028 9127 0069 strangford-lough Belfast Newtownards 25 26 Glastry Nature 20 Lisburn Ferry Service 17 Cockle Row Cottages Reserve 8 Ballywalter Park Groomsport, Ballyhalbert, Sailing every 30 mins Portadown 24 Ballywalter, BT22 2PP BT19 6JR BT22 1BL 028 4275 8203 028 9127 0069 028 4278 7769 Strangford - Portaferry Downpatrick Portaferry ballywalterpark.com departs on the hour and Open by prior Newry half hour arrangement only 18 Copeland Islands 27 Glen Lyon Park Strangford Off the Donaghadee Holywood, BT18 9BX Portaferry - Strangford coast, BT21 0HE 028 9127 0069 departs at quarter past 028 9182 6846

the hour and quarter to the hour NB. maps not to scale and for illustrative purposes only. 7 For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com Page 16

30 Belfast Lough Copeland 36 Islands Helen’s Bay Groomsport 46 44

Seahill Crawfordsburn 54 [Continued] 45 See and Do 52 Bangor 33 32 50 Donaghadee Key 28 Grey Abbey 37 Kiltonga Nature 46 Pickie Funpark Holywood Greyabbey, Reserve Bangor, BT20 5AG Forest, Park Conlig BT22 2NQ Newtownards, 028 9145 0746 and Gardens 028 9082 3207 BT23 4SG pickiefunpark.co.uk 028 9182 4014 40 Nature and North Wildlife 37 Millisle 29 Grey Abbey House 47 Portaferry Castle 42 Historic Interest greyabbey, BT22 2QA 38 Mahee Castle portaferry, BT22 1NZ 31 49 028 4278 8666 Comber, BT23 6EP Viewing Point greyabbeyhouse.com Newtownards Open by prior 48 Portico Arts and 51 Family Fun arrangement only 39 Millin Bay Cairn Heritage Centre Museum portaferry, BT22 1QB portaferry, BT22 1LE Carrowdore 028 4272 8808 41 Beach and Sea 30 Grey Point Fort porticoards.com Helen’s Bay, 40 Millisle Beach Park Food and Drink BT19 1LE millisle, BT22 2HS 028 9185 3621 34 Sport Interest 49 Priory Comber Strangford 28 Ballywalter greypointfort. Newtownards, Lough 29 magix.net 41 Mount Stewart BT23 7NX Greyabbey House and Gardens 028 9082 3207 Newtownards, Ards 31 happy Town BT22 2AD Peninsula Indoor Play 028 4278 8387 50 Redburn Country Newtownards, nationaltrust.org.uk Park 38 BT23 8NN Holywood, BT16 1YP Lisbane Ballyhalbert 43 028 9181 5533 028 9185 3621 Ballygowan happytown.uk.com 42 Movilla Abbey 53 Newtownards, Kircubbin BT23 8EZ 51 Scrabo Country Whiterock 32 holywood Maypole 028 9082 3207/ Park, Tower and Holywood, BT18 9AB 028 9082 3214 Killynether Wood Balloo 028 9127 0069 doeni.gov.uk/niea Newtownards Killinchy Portavogie BT23 4SJ 028 9082 3207 33 holywood Priory 43 Nendrum Monastery Holywood, BT18 9AB mahee Island, 028 9127 0069 BT23 6EP 52 Seapark Recreation 028 9082 3207 Grounds

Cloughey Holywood, BT18 0LP 34 Island Hill 028 9127 0069 Bangor Nature Reserve 44 North Down Comber, BT23 5JR Coastal Path walkni.com/walks From Holywood Belfast 53 Sketrick Castle Newtownards to Portavoe Killinchy, BT23 6QH Lisburn Ferry Service 028 9127 0069 028 9082 3214 35 Kearney Village 35 Sailing every 30 mins Portadown portaferry, BT22 1QP 028 4278 8387 45 North Down 54 Snakes ‘n’ Ladders 47 Strangford - Portaferry Downpatrick 48 Museum Indoor Play departs on the hour and Bangor, BT20 4BT Bangor, BT20 3JP Portaferry Newry 39 half hour 36 Kingsland Play 028 9127 1200 028 9147 7913 Strangford and Picnic Area northdownmuseum. snlplay.com Portaferry - Strangford Bangor, BT20 5HD com departs at quarter past 028 9127 5622 the hour and quarter to the hour NB. maps not to scale and for illustrative purposes only. For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com Page 18

Belfast Lough Copeland Islands Helen’s Bay 58 Groomsport

61 Seahill Crawfordsburn 60 See and Do [Continued] Bangor

Donaghadee Key 55 Somme Museum 61 ward Park Holywood Newtownards, Bangor, BT20 4LG Forest, Park Conlig BT23 7PH 028 9127 0069 and Gardens 028 9182 3202 55 irishsoldier.org Nature and North 62 windmill Hill Millisle Wildlife portaferry, BT22 1RH Historic Interest 56 St. Cooey’s Wells Tara Bay, BT22 1RF Newtownards Viewing Point 63 wwT Castle Espie Wetland Centre Family Fun 57 Strangford Lough Comber, BT23 6EA Museum Lookout 028 9187 4146 Carrowdore Newtownards, wwt.org.uk/wetland- Beach and Sea BT22 2AD centres/castleespie 57 028 4278 8387 Food and Drink nationaltrust.org.uk/ Sport Interest mountstewart Comber Strangford Ballywalter 59 Lough 63 Greyabbey 58 Strickland’s Glen Bangor, BT20 3SU Ards 028 9127 0069 Peninsula

59 Tullynakill Church Lisbane Ballyhalbert Tullynakill Road, Ballygowan South East of Comber 028 9082 3207 Kircubbin doeni.gov.uk/niea Whiterock

Balloo 60 ulster Folk and Killinchy Portavogie Transport Museum Cultra, BT18 0EU 028 9042 8428 nmni.com/uftm

Cloughey Bangor

Belfast Newtownards Lisburn Ferry Service Sailing every 30 mins Portadown

Downpatrick 62 Strangford - Portaferry departs on the hour and Portaferry Newry half hour Strangford 56 Portaferry - Strangford departs at quarter past the hour and quarter to the hour NB. maps not to scale and for illustrative purposes only. For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 20

Get Active

In Ards and North Down there is no reason to be stuck indoors, activities are on offer taking you over land, in the air or on the water. For a full listing check out visitardsandnorthdown.com or for expert advice contact one of the Visitor Information Centres.

Tee Off Do you love the challenge of the golf course? Follow in Rory McIlroy’s footsteps at his home club in Holywood, Feeling Adventurous one of the 12 clubs and 14 Petrolheads hold on tight courses, including 5 Tourism as you tumble over the NI accredited and ranging off-road 4x4 course at from Links to Parkland and Clandeboye Estate, race Championship to 9-hole round Kirkistown Race Track courses, we have something in a Formula Ford or take to to suit all levels of golfer. the grid in a pro go-kart. Get on target with clay pigeon Wet and Wild shooting and archery in safe, If you enjoy water sports, controlled surroundings, this is the perfect location, perfect for first timers! For the Kids with open sea or the If the kids want a bit of challenge of the Lough. Try The Explorer competitive fun why not take a sailing lesson with one of Why not hire a bike and them to one of our putting the local Yacht Clubs, a boat cycle your way down the greens, crazy golf courses trip on a pleasure cruise coast of the peninsula and or tennis courts. Pickie or fishing expedition, be up again via the shores Funpark is great for burning adventurous and have a go of Strangford Lough. Take off energy with pedal swans, at kite surfing or canoeing/ to the water in a canoe splash pads, play park and kayaking at your leisure. For following the Strangford much more. The area Leisure an underwater adventure, Canoe Trail or perhaps Centres all offer children’s dive the sea bed or discover book on a guided excursion activities from indoor play to a shipwreck in the Lough. visiting one of the islands. swimming pools.

Page 22 15 Belfast Lough Copeland 6 4 Groomsport Islands Helen’s Bay 13

7 Seahill Crawfordsburn 5 19 8 20 Get Active Bangor

Donaghadee 1 Admiral Springs 9 Birr House Riding 16 Comber Leisure 18 10 12 Key Holywood 14 Fishery Centre Centre 9 Fishing Conlig Carrowdore, Holywood, BT16 1UA Comber, BT23 5DY Shooting BT22 2ES 028 9042 5858 028 9187 4350 North 028 9186 1837/ birrhouseriding ardsandnorthdown. Golf 028 4278 8883 centre.com gov.uk Millisle 11 3 Leisure Activity Centre 2 Ardminnan Golf 10 Blackwood Golf 17 Cuan Marine Course Centre Services Ltd Newtownards Boating Portaferry, Bangor, BT19 1GB Portaferry, Land Sports BT22 1QJ 028 9185 2706 BT22 1LA Carrowdore 028 4277 1321 blackwoodgolf 028 4272 8297 1 21 Air sports centre.com cuanmarineservices. co.uk Water Sports 3 Ards Leisure Centre 16 Activity Centre Newtownards, 11 Bradshaws Brae BT23 4EJ Golf Centre 18 Donaldson Lake Horse riding Comber Strangford Ballywalter 028 9181 2837 Newtownards, Holywood, BT18 9RN BT23 4TS 079 2115 9846 Lough Family Fun Greyabbey 028 9181 3484 donaldsonfishery. 4 Ballyholme Yacht bradshawsbrae co.uk Ards Club drivingrange.co.uk Peninsula Bangor, BT20 5HT 028 9127 1467 19 Donaghadee ballyholme.com 12 Bridgewater Fishery Golf Club Lisbane Ballyhalbert Donaghadee, Donaghadee, BT21 Ballygowan BT21 ONQ 0PQ 5 Bangor Aurora 028 9188 3900/ 028 9188 3624 Kircubbin Aquatic and 078 9122 0586 donaghadeegolfclub. Whiterock Leisure Complex com Bangor, BT20 4TH Balloo 028 9127 0271 13 Carnalea Golf Club Killinchy Portavogie bangoraurora.com Carnalea, BT19 1EZ 20 Donaghadee 028 9127 0368 Sailing Club 22 carnaleagolfclub. Donaghadee, BT21 6 Bangor Boat com 0DG Bangor, BT20 5ED 028 9188 4270 075 1000 6000 bangorboat.com 14 Clandeboye Golf Cloughey Club 21 DV Diving Bangor Conlig, BT23 7PN Newtownards, 2 7 Bangor Golf Club 028 9127 1767 BT22 2ES Bangor, BT20 4RH cgc-ni.com 028 9186 1686 Belfast Newtownards 028 9127 0922 dvdiving.co.uk Lisburn Ferry Service bangorgolfclubni. Sailing every 30 mins co.uk 15 Cockle Island Boat Portadown Club 22 Eddie Irvine’s Race Groomsport, School Ireland Strangford - Portaferry Downpatrick Portaferry 8 Bangor Sportsplex BT19 6JR Kircubbin, BT22 1AU departs on the hour and Bangor, BT19 1LU 028 9146 4431 028 9050 7010 17 Newry half hour 028 9127 5622 cockleislandboat raceschoolireland. Strangford northdownleisure. club.com com Portaferry - Strangford com departs at quarter past the hour and quarter to the hour NB. maps not to scale and for illustrative purposes only. For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

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Belfast Lough Copeland 29 Groomsport Islands Helen’s Bay 36 35 28

Seahill Crawfordsburn Get Active [Continued] Bangor 33 34 23 32 Donaghadee Key 23 Eddie Irvine Sports 30 Heli-Power 38 Kirkistown Castle Holywood Bangor, BT19 7PG Newtownards, Golf Club Fishing Conlig 028 9145 1457 BT23 8SG Cloughey, 26 Shooting eddieirvinesports. 028 9181 1971 BT22 1JA 24 North com helipower.co.uk 028 4277 1233 Golf kirkistowncastlegolf Millisle club.com Leisure Activity 24 Field of Dreams 31 hollow Farm 43 Centre Bangor, BT19 7QE Shooting Ground Ltd 40 078 7283 7056 Comber, BT23 5SA 39 Kirkistown Motor Newtownards Boating 30 25 fieldofdreamsni.com 028 9752 8381 Racing Circuit Land Sports Kircubbin, BT22 1AU Carrowdore 028 4277 1325 Air sports 25 Ganaway Activity 32 holywood Golf Club kirkistown.com Centre Holywood, BT18 9LE Water Sports millisle, BT22 2LZ 028 9042 3135 Activity Centre 028 9186 1297 holywoodgolfclub. 40 londonderry Park ganaway.co.uk co.uk Newtownards, Horse riding Comber Strangford Ballywalter BT23 8SG 27 028 9181 0614 Lough Family Fun Greyabbey 26 Gransha 33 holywood Yacht Club ardsandnorthdown. Equestrian Centre Holywood, BT18 9JN gov.uk 31 Ards Bangor, BT17 7QD 028 9042 3345 Peninsula 078 5546 2614 hyc.org.uk granshaequestrian. 41 lough Cowey co.uk Fishery Lisbane 42 Ballyhalbert portaferry, BT22 1PJ 37 34 Ireland Off-Road Ballygowan Experience 0300 200 7860 27 Greyabbey Estate Bangor, BT19 1RN nidirect.gov.uk/ Kircubbin British Horse Society 028 9185 2111 angling Whiterock Ireland Toll Ride ni-offroad.com 078 0814 1079 Balloo bhsireland.com 42 Mahee Island Killinchy 39 Portavogie 35 john Erskine Boat Golf Club Charters Comber, BT23 6EP 28 Groomsport Bangor, BT20 5ED 028 9754 1234 Golf Centre 0780 157 1830 maheegolf.com 38 Groomsport, BT19 6LX 028 9147 3586 36 Kingsland Pitch 43 Mike The Bike with Cloughey groomsportgolf and Putt Kayak Hire Bangor centre.com Bangor, BT20 4BN Newtownards, 028 9145 6946 BT23 7DX 028 9181 1311 Belfast 41 Newtownards 29 helen’s Bay kayakshack.co.uk Lisburn Ferry Service Golf Club 37 Kircubbin Sailing every 30 mins Helen’s Bay, BT19 1TL Sailing Club Portadown 028 9185 2815 Kircubbin, BT22 2RP 44 john Murray (Jnr) 44 helensbaygc.com 028 4273 8422 Boats Downpatrick Strangford - Portaferry kircubbinsailingclub. portaferry, BT22 1PE Portaferry departs on the hour and co.uk 028 4272 8414 / 079 Newry half hour 8662 5162 Strangford Portaferry - Strangford departs at quarter past the hour and quarter to the hour NB. maps not to scale and for illustrative purposes only. For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

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Belfast Lough Copeland 58 Groomsport Islands Helen’s Bay 61 50 54 56 57 Crawfordsburn 64 Seahill Get Active [Continued] Bangor 55 Donaghadee Key 45 Mobile Team 52 Portaferry 59 Scrabo Golf Club Holywood Adventure Sailing Club Newtownards, Fishing Conlig Newtownards, Portaferry, BT23 4SL Shooting BT8 7SP BT22 IJZ 028 9181 2355 North 028 9064 6695 028 4272 8770 scrabogolfclub.com Golf mobileteam portaferrysailing 46 Millisle adventure.co.uk club.com 51 Leisure Activity 60 Strangford Lough Centre Yacht Club 46 Movilla Trout 53 Portaferry Sports Killinchy, Newtownards 47 Boating 45 49 Fishery Centre BT23 6QA 59 63 Land Sports Newtownards, Portaferry, 028 9754 1883 Carrowdore BT23 8RL BT22 1ND slyc.co.uk Air sports 079 2183 7984 028 4272 8833 48 Water Sports 61 Stratus Sailing Activity Centre 47 Newtownards with 54 Portavoe Reservoir Bangor, BT20 5ED District Shooting Donaghadee, 077 7925 5574 Horse riding Comber Strangford Ballywalter Club Carrowdore, BT21 0PJ stratussailing.com BT22 2JG 0300 200 7806 Lough Family Fun Greyabbey 028 9186 1171 nidirect.gov.uk/ angling 62 Swancrest Fishery Ards Ballygowan, Peninsula 48 Newtownards BT23 5RU Sailing Club 55 Queens Leisure 079 1965 1965 62 Newtownards, Complex Lisbane Ballyhalbert BT22 2AJ Holywood, BT18 9HL Ballygowan newtownardssailing 028 9042 1234 63 ulster Flying Club 60 club.co.uk northdown Newtownards, Kircubbin leisure.com BT23 8SG Whiterock 028 9181 3327 49 Northern Ireland Balloo Microlight Flying 56 Royal Belfast Golf Killinchy Portavogie Newtownards, Club 64 ward Park BT23 8SG Craigavad, BT18 0BP Putting Green 028 9146 2728 / 077 028 9042 8165 Bangor, BT20 4JZ 4076 6443 royalbelfast.com 028 9145 8773 nimicrolights.co.uk

57 Royal North of Cloughey 50 Pickie Funpark Ireland Yacht Club Bangor Mini Golf Holywood, BT18 0BB Bangor, BT20 5AG 028 9042 8041 028 9145 0746 rniyc.org Belfast Newtownards pickiefunpark.co.uk Bangor Marina Lisburn Ferry Service BT20 5ED 028 9145 3297 Sailing every 30 mins 58 Royal Ulster Yacht Portadown 51 Polehill Coarse Club quaymarinas.com 53 Fishery Bangor, BT20 5HY Strangford - Portaferry Downpatrick P52ortaferry Newtownards, 028 9127 0568 Portaferry Marina departs on the hour and BT23 8RW ruyc.co.uk BT22 1PE Newry half hour 028 9145 4983 07703 209 780 Strangford fishingtackle2u.co.uk portaferry Portaferry - Strangford marina.co.uk departs at quarter past the hour and quarter to the hour NB. maps not to scale and for illustrative purposes only. For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 28

Embrace the Arts

Known as the ‘Creative Peninsula’, Ards and North Down is bursting with creativity! The talent of local artists and makers, inspired by their surroundings are showcased and celebrated in our galleries and craft studios dotted around the borough. A fantastic programme of leisure classes, exhibitions, festivals and performances of dance, drama and music make creativity very easy for everyone to embrace and enjoy.

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Belfast Lough Copeland Islands Groomsport Helen’s Bay 11 Seahill Crawfordsburn 14 Embrace the Arts Bangor

Donaghadee Key 1 Ards Arts Centre 8 Doghouse Gallery 14 SPACE Theatre Holywood and Town Hall Comber, BT23 5EG SERC Bangor, Exhibits Conlig Newtownards, 028 9187 1261 BT20 4TD Arts and Crafts BT23 4NP doghousegallery. 0345 600 7555 North 028 9181 0803 co.uk serc.ac.uk Theatre ardsarts.com 4 Millisle Music 9 Eden Pottery 13 1 2 9 Local Crafter 2 Ards Crafts millisle, BT22 2DH 5 Newtownards, 028 9186 2300 Newtownards BT23 4AD edenpotteryshop. 028 9182 6846 co.uk visitardsand Carrowdore northdown.com 10 Nora Watson 12 Jewellery 8 6 3 Arts and Crafts at portaferry, BT22 1QJ 7 The Port 028 4277 1130 Comber Strangford Ballywalter portaferry, BT22 1PB norawatson Lough 028 4272 8364 jewellery.co.uk Greyabbey (Seasonal opening) Ards 11 Project 24 Peninsula 4 Avalon Guitar Bangor, BT20 3BH Factory 028 9127 0069 Newtownards, project24ni.com Lisbane Ballyhalbert BT23 4BX Ballygowan 028 9182 0542 avalonguitars.com 12 Spring Cottage Kircubbin Crafts @ The Whiterock Potting Shed 5 Battletown Gallery Comber, BT23 5JZ Balloo Newtownards, 028 9187 2320/ Killinchy Portavogie BT23 8SL 075 9525 0096 028 9182 2626 thebattletown gallery.com 13 The Web Theatre Newtownards, BT23 4DE Cloughey 6 The Craft Room 028 9182 8234 Comber, BT23 5HJ webtheatre.biz thecraftroom comber.com Belfast 10 Newtownards Lisburn Ferry Service 7 Discovery Glass Sailing every 30 mins Comber, BT23 5AP Portadown 028 9187 0181 3 Downpatrick Strangford - Portaferry discoveryglass. departs on the hour and co.uk Portaferry Newry half hour Strangford Portaferry - Strangford departs at quarter past the hour and quarter to the hour NB. maps not to scale and for illustrative purposes only. For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 32

Let us inspire you…

There is so much to see and do you could be overwhelmed, here are a few ideas to perhaps help you decide.

Castle Espie Wildfowl Crawfordsburn and Wetland Centre Country Park 78 Ballydrain Road, Bridge Road, Comber, BT23 6EA Helen’s Bay, BT19 1JT Set on the shores of the Featuring two excellent stunning Strangford Lough, beaches, spectacular scenery Castle Espie is a tranquil and views across Belfast and friendly centre for all Lough, Crawfordsburn the family. Hides and nature Country Park provides walks allow you to get a relaxing retreat. Enjoy close to the wild birds and tranquil walks through the collection of endangered peaceful meadows and Pickie Funpark ducks, geese and swans wooded glens, look out for Marina Gardens, Bangor from around the world. the stunning waterfall. Promenade, BT20 5AG Outdoor natural play spaces 028 9185 3621 Mount Stewart House Scrabo Tower and Ulster Folk and Pickie Funpark is one of the are fun for little ones to burn visitardsandnorthdown.com and Gardens Country Park Transport Museum top ten visitor attractions in off energy, adventure play, Portaferry Road, Scrabo Road, Bangor Road, Northern Ireland. The park zip wire, tall tree house, Exploris Aquarium Newtownards, BT22 2AD Newtownards, BT23 4SJ Cultra, BT18 0EU provides a fun day out for wobbly bridge and tree The Rope Walk, One of the most inspiring One of the area’s best known Step back in time and all and features an 18-hole swings, they will be spoilt Castle Street, and unusual gardens landmarks, Scrabo Tower uncover a way of life mini-golf course, giant pedal for choice. Portaferry BT22 1NZ in the National Trust’s boasts incredible views over from 100 years ago. swans, Pickie Puffer train, 028 9187 4146 Explore the underwater ownership, recently voted Strangford Lough and the Discover cottages, farms, children’s play area, children’s wwt.org.uk/castleespie wonders of Strangford Lough one of the top ten gardens surrounding countryside. schools and shops as electric car track, splash pads and the coastal seas of in the world. The house has There are walking trails you wander through the and café. Ireland in a variety of exciting recently undergone a major taking in the fine beech beautiful parkland of the 028 9145 0746 and enjoyable exhibits refurbishment. Explore this woodlands and the disused Folk Museum chatting to pickiefunpark.com including new tropical exquisite attraction at your quarries allowing visitors costumed visitor guides exhibits, otters, a new kids leisure and uncover the many opportunities to enjoy demonstrating traditional zone, a reptiles’ section wonderful stories of the the surrounding countryside. crafts. Climb on and off featuring a Nile Crocodile. family that still reside there. The Tower is open to the majestic steam locomotives The Seal Rescue Centre Well worth a visit! public on particular dates or experience the sensation where sick or orphaned seal 028 4278 8387 only, however the parkland of flight in the Transport pups are cared for until they nationaltrust.org.uk/ is always accessible. Visit Museum bursting with can be returned to the wild, mount-stewart the website for more horse drawn carriages, always one of the most information. electric trams, motorbikes, popular elements of 028 9182 6846 fire-engines and vintage the attraction. visitardsandnorthdown.com cars. 028 4272 8062 028 9042 8428 explorisni.com nmni.com/uftm Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 34

Spring / Summer PROGRAMME 2017

TOUR TIME PRICE (Ad/Ch) Type Experience Ards April Sat 22 Dawn Chorus, Castle Park, Bangor 5am-6.30am Free Sun 23 Portaferry Historical Walk 2.30pm–4pm £4 and North Down: May Mon 1 Holywood Historic Walk 10am-12pm £4 Mon 1 Kid’s “Mini-beasts” Nature Trail, Nugent’s Wood, 2pm-4pm £2.50 (Ch) Walks and Tours Portaferry Sat 6 Dawn Chorus, Kiltonga Nature Reserve 5am-6.30am Free Newtownards Our programme of guided tours provides the perfect opportunity Sat 20 Woodland and Whiskey Tour 2pm-6.30pm £20 for you to explore Strangford Lough, the Ards Peninsula and North Sat 27 Tea with the Lord, Ballywalter Park 1pm-4.30pm £18 Down. You are sure to be impressed by the outstanding scenery, June rich heritage, history and culture. Wed 7 Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour 6.30pm-8.30pm Free Sat 10 Great Wars Tour, various locations 9.30am-1.30pm £10 The popular programme The programme runs July includes walking, coach and from April to November. Explore Ards and North Down Sun 2 Strangford Lough Boat Trip, Portaferry 2pm-4pm £10/£5 boat tours, all escorted by Tickets for all the tours experienced guides keen to should be booked in WALKS Sun 2 Historic Comber Walk 3pm-4.30pm £4 share with you the wonderful advance. D TOURS Mon 3 Step Back in Time, Bangor 2.30pm-4.30pm £5 history and stories of this AN magnificent area and New for 2017 Wed 5 Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour 6.30pm-8.30pm Free provide that extra special Kid’s “Sea Creatures” Nature Trail, Crawfordsburn 10.30am-12.30pm £2.50 (Ch) Great Wars Coach Tour Sun 9 experience which you don’t Saturday 10 June Tues 18 Nautical Past, Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough 7pm-8.30pm £10/£5 normally get on a regular 9.30am–1.30pm visit or access to places Sat 22 Kid’s Nature Trail, Castle Park, Bangor 10.30am-12.30pm £2.50 (Ch) Discover the area’s deep which are normally closed connections with the wars Sat 22 From an Abbey to a Stately Home, Greyabbey 1pm-4.30pm £18 to the general public. of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. Be sure to book early to Thurs 27 Newtownards Historical Walking Tour 7pm-8.30pm £4 You will visit three key avoid disappointment! sites, North Down Museum, August Kid’s “Mini-beasts” Nature Trail, Killynether 10.30am-12.30pm £2.50 (Ch) Grey Point Fort and the Free Sat 5 Somme Museum, along Guide Country Park Customer Quote: with other sites that recall Full Sat 12 Strangford Lough Boat Trip, Portaferry 2pm-4pm £10/£5 such momentous events Woodland and programme Kid’s Nature Trail, Castle Park, Bangor 10.30am-12.30pm £2.50 (Ch) including the Battle of the Wed 16 Whiskey Tour, April out ‘…close to perfection - Somme and D-Day. now Wed 16 Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour 6.30pm-8.30pm Free an excellent concept, Tour departs from and Sat 19 Nautical Past, Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough 2pm-3.30pm £10/£5 good mix and returns to North Down lovely walk.’ Museum, Bangor, Mon 21 Step Back in Time, Bangor 2.30pm-4.30pm £5 BT20 4BT – Table Key Tues 22 Bangor Christian Heritage Walk 2.30pm-4pm £4 Shortlisted Best NI Tour Tickets: £10 Sat 26 Kid’s “Sea Creatures” Nature Trail, Millisle Beach 2pm-4pm £2.50 (Ch) in the Year of Food and Coach Tours Drink Awards 2016 Boat Tours Sun 27 Strangford Lough Boat Trip, Portaferry 2pm-4pm £10/£5 Walking Tours Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 36

Spring/Summer Events March to August

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

Key

Free

Visitor Information Centre

Our E-Newsletter! Keep up-to-date with all that is going on in Ards and North Down. Go to visitardsandnorthdown.com Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 38

March

Monthly Market Friday 3 March Saturday 4 March Saturday 4 March Comber Farmers’ Market: Art Night at the Museum Art Workshop: Exploring Opera Film Club: La bohème First Thursday in the month North Down Museum, Imagination with Drawing from the Teatro Real, St Mary’s Parish Church car Bangor, BT20 4BT and Monotype Printing Madrid park, BT23 5DU 6pm–9pm Ards Arts Centre, Portico, Steele Dickson 9am-1.30pm 028 9127 1200 Conway Square, Avenue, Portaferry, BT22 1LE northdownmuseum.com Newtownards, BT23 4NP 7.15pm Weekly Markets 10.30am–3.30pm 028 4272 8808 Bangor: 028 9181 0803 porticoards.com Wednesdays ardsarts.com Cost: Tickets £10 per show Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD Friday 3 and Cost: £30. Booking essential or 3 for £30 7am-1pm Saturday 4 March Newtownards: #LoveArds Saturday 4 March Saturday 4 March Saturdays Newtownards Town Centre, Opera: Love, Lust and Loss Greyabbey Bay Ramble Conway Square, BT23 4NP BT23 4NP The Queens Hall, West Street, Departing from Greyabbey 8am-4.30pm Fri 1pm–9pm, Sat 10am–9pm Newtownards, BT23 4EN car park, Portaferry Road, 0300 013 3333 8pm BT22 2RU Throughout March visitardsandnorthdown.co.uk 028 9181 0803 10am–1pm until Sunday 2 April Cost: Free activities | Charge ardsarts.com 028 4278 8387 LEGO® Brick Trail and applies to Fashion Show Cost: Tickets £12, nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Workshops including refreshments Cost: £4 (Ad), £1 (Ch). WWT Castle Espie, Booking essential Comber, BT23 6EA 10am-5pm Thursday 9 March Workshops every weekend Bangor Historical Society at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Talk: Carson’s Gunrunner 028 9187 4146 North Down Museum, wwt.org.uk/wetland- Bangor, BT20 4BT centres/castle-espie Doors open 7.30pm, Cost: Various (see website) Talk starts 8pm 028 9127 1200 northdownmuseum.com Cost: £4 for non-HS members, free for members Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 40

March [Continued]

Friday 10 March Friday 17 March Sunday 19 March Friday 24 and Sunday 26 March Art Workshop: Silver St Patrick’s Day at Rhododendron Ramble Saturday 25 March Mother’s Day: Mums Stacking Rings Exploris Aquarium and Roast Friday Night Live: Afternoon Tea at Ards Arts Centre, Castle Street, Portaferry, Mount Stewart, Anthony Toner Mount Stewart Conway Square, BT22 1NZ Newtownards, BT22 2AD Ards Arts Centre, Conway Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Open 10am-5pm, 11.30am-2.30pm Square, Newtownards, Newtownards, BT22 2AD BT23 4NP workshops 12.30pm 028 4278 8387 BT23 4NP 12noon-1.30pm and 10am–4pm and 2.30pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ 8pm 2pm-3.30pm 028 9181 0803 028 4272 8062 mount-stewart 028 9181 0803 028 4278 8387 ardsarts.com explorisni.com Cost: £24 (Ad), £20 (Ch). ardsarts.com nationaltrust.org.uk/ Cost: £40. Booking Cost: Normal admission Booking essential Cost: Tickets £7 mount-stewart essential Saturday 18 and Cost: £25 (Ad), £12.50 (Ch). Friday 17 March Sunday 19 March Thursday 23 March Saturday 25 March Booking essential Saturday 11 March St Patrick’s Day Donaghadee’s Big Weekend Music in the Chamber: Discover Spring on Free Open Day: Mount Ulster Folk and Donaghadee Town Centre Outlaw Country the Demesne Monday 27 March Stewart Transport Museum, and Harbour, BT21 0HE Bangor Town Hall Mount Stewart, Easter Parchment Projects Applies to various National Cultra, BT18 0EU Sat 11am–9pm, Sun (Bangor Castle), BT20 4BT Newtownards, BT22 2AD Ards Arts Centre, Trust locations in the 10am–5pm 1pm–6pm 8pm 10am–1pm Conway Square, Borough including 028 9042 8428 visitardsandnorthdown.co.uk 028 9181 0803 028 4278 8387 Newtownards, BT23 4NP Mount Stewart. nmni.com/utfm 0300 013 3333 ardsarts.com nationaltrust.org.uk/ 10am–4pm 028 4278 8387 Cost: See website Cost: Tickets £10, mount-stewart 028 9181 0803 nationaltrust.org.uk/ including refreshments Cost: Normal admission ardsarts.com mount-stewart Friday 17 March (see website); Members free. Cost: £25 (includes Cost: Free (Donations St Patrick’s Day Friday 24 and Booking essential materials). Booking essential welcome). Celebrations Sunday 25 March North Down Museum, Fashion AND Food Sunday 25 March Friday 31 March From Friday 17 March Bangor, BT20 4BT Holywood Town Centre, Johnny Cash Tribute Concert Spring into Craft Pickie Funpark Season 1pm-4pm BT18 9AE Exploris Aquarium, Castle Conway Square, Opening 028 9127 1200 Fri 1pm–9pm, Sat 10am–9pm Street, Portaferry, BT22 1NZ Newtownards, BT23 4NP Marine Gardens, northdownmuseum.com 0300 013 3333 Doors open 7pm 10am-6pm Bangor, BT20 5AG visitardsandnorthdown.co.uk 028 4272 8062 028 9182 6846 9am–4pm, open daily explorisni.com visitardsandnorthdown.com 028 9045 0746 Cost: £16.50 pickiefunpark.com Cost: Free admission. See website for costs of activities within Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 42

April

Monthly Market Saturday 1 April Sunday 2 April Saturday 8 April Thursday 13 April Friday 14 April Comber Farmers’ Market: Car Bazaar Children’s Book Day Geology Guided Walk Bangor Historical Society: Tenebrae at Portico for First Thursday in the month Mount Stewart, at Exploris Aquarium at Kearney Annual General Meeting Good Friday St Mary’s Parish Church car Newtownards, BT22 2AD Castle Street, Portaferry, Kearney Village, and Talk by Leanne Briggs Portico, Steele Dickson park, BT23 5DU 9am-12noon BT22 1NZ Newtownards, BT22 1QP North Down Museum, Avenue, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 9am-1.30pm 028 4278 8387 Open 10am–5pm, 2pm–4pm Bangor, BT20 4BT 7.30pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ workshops 12.30pm 028 4278 8387 Doors open 7.30pm, 028 4272 8808 Weekly Markets mount-stewart and 2.30pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Talk starts 8pm porticoards.com Bangor: Cost: To Participate - 028 4272 8062 Cost: Free (Donations 028 9127 1200 Cost: Free, with a suggested Wednesdays Car £5, Van £10, Trailer £15; explorisni.com welcome). Booking essential northdownmuseum.com donation of £10 Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD To attend - Admission Free Cost: Normal admission Cost: £4 for non-HS 7am-1pm Cost: Normal admission Saturday 8 April – members, free for members Friday 14–Tuesday 18 April Wednesday 26 April Newtownards: (see website), Members free Sunday 2 April Easter Egg Hunt Dusty GIANT Easter Saturdays for entry to House, Gardens Miniature Train Rides Mount Stewart, Duck Hunt Conway Square, BT23 4NP and Demesne Drumawhey Junction Newtownards, BT22 2AD WWT Castle Espie, 8am-4.30pm Railway, Four Road Ends, 11am-4pm Comber, BT23 6EA Saturday 1 April BT21 OLZ 028 4278 8387 10am-5pm Saturday 1 April Opera Film Club: The Magic 1pm-5pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ 028 9187 4146 Bangor Castle Flute from the Dutch 028 9188 3844 mount-stewart wwt.org.uk/wetland- Walled Garden National Opera bcdmrs.org.uk Cost: Normal admission centres/castle-espie Portico, Steele Dickson Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) (see website); Members free. Season Opening Cost: Various (see website) Castle Park, Valentine Road, Avenue, Portaferry, Good Friday 14 April Egg Hunt £1 per child Bangor, BT20 4TH BT22 1LE Wednesday 5 – Sunday 9 April Easter Parade and Friday 14–Friday 21 April See website for seasonal 7.15pm Sunday 9 April Pet Nose Day Family Fun opening times 028 4272 8808 Ards International Mount Stewart, Newtownards Town Centre Easter Bunny Hunt 028 9127 1200 porticoards.com Guitar Festival Newtownards, BT22 2AD and Conway Square, The Ark Open Farm, visitardsandnorthdown.com Cost: Tickets £10 per show Various locations 11am–5pm BT23 4NP Bangor Road, or 3 for £30 028 9181 0803 028 4278 8387 From 12noon, parade 3pm Newtownards, BT23 7PH ardsguitarfestival.co.uk nationaltrust.org.uk/ Come to Conway Square Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Saturday 1 and Cost: Various (see website) mount-stewart for fantastic family fun. Sun 2pm-6pm Sunday 2 April Cost: Normal admission At 3pm Newtownards 028 9182 0445 LEGO® Brick Trail and Friday 7 April (see website); Members free will showcase a super thearkopenfarm.co.uk Workshops Mairead Healy and David carnival parade celebrating Cost: £6 (Ad), £5.50 (3yrs +) WWT Castle Espie, Curry in ‘Some Enchanted springtime. The parade will Friday 14 - Sunday 16 April Comber, BT23 6EA Evening’ travel to Bangor on Easter Easter Weekend at Exploris 10am-5pm. Workshops at Portico, Steele Dickson Monday and will delight Castle Street, Portaferry, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Avenue, Portaferry, BT22 1LE and amaze all who see it. BT22 1NZ 028 9187 4146 7.30pm 028 9182 6846 Open 10am–6pm, wwt.org.uk/wetland- 028 4272 8808 visitardsandnorthdown.com workshops 12.30pm centres/castle-espie porticoards.com and 2.30pm Cost: Various (see website) Cost: Tickets £15 028 4272 8062 explorisni.com Cost: Normal admission Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 44

April [Continued]

Sunday 16 – Tuesday 18 April Wednesday 19 April Saturday 29 April Easter Weekend Miniature Easter Arts Scheme Ballyquintin Farm Train Rides Ards Arts Centre, Wildlife Walk Drumawhey Junction Railway, Newtownards, BT23 4NP Portaferry, BT22 1RG Four Road Ends, BT21 OLZ 10am-3pm 10.30am-12.30pm 1pm–5pm 028 9181 0803 028 4278 7769 028 9188 3844 ardsarts.com nationaltrust.org.uk/ni bcdmrs.org.uk Cost: £15 (suitable for 6-11yrs) Cost: £2, pre-booking Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) essential Sunday 16 April Monday 17 April Saturday 22 and Sunday Thursday 20 April Easter Fun at Cockle Easter Parade and Fun Day 23 April, Every weekend Monday 17 April Music in the Chamber: Sunday 30 April Row Cottages Bangor Town Centre and thereafter Easter at the Museum The Darkling Air, joined by Miniature Train Rides Groomsport Harbour, Seafront, BT20 5ED Family Fun at Cockle North Down Museum, Isobel Anderson and Arco Drumawhey Junction Railway, BT19 6JR From 12noon, parade 3pm Row Cottages Bangor, BT20 4BT String Quartet Four Road Ends, BT21 OLZ 2pm-4pm. Cottages open Another chance to see this Groomsport Harbour, 11am-1pm Bangor Town Hall 1pm–5pm 11am-5pm. spectacular springtime BT19 6JR 028 9127 1200 (Bangor Castle), BT20 4BT 028 9188 3844 Themed fun for all, carnival parade which will 2pm-4pm. Cottages open northdownmuseum.com 8pm bcdmrs.org.uk featuring a Garden be the highlight of this weekends 11am-5pm. Cost: Admission £1 028 9181 0803 Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) Workshop with Plant and annual Easter Monday Weekend entertainment ardsarts.com Play, Easter Crafts, Archery event. World famous trail for children and adults Cost: Tickets £12, Sunday 30 April and ‘Tales of the Wild’ bike master Adam Raga alike, from face painting including refreshments Kiltonga Tales: Animal Roadshow will demonstrate his jaw to animal roadshows, Folklore and Fairy Tales 028 9127 0069 dropping skills in our Trial children’s crafts to science Thursday 20 to with Frances Quinn visitardsandnorthdown. Bikes Show. The Spanish shows and much more! Sunday 23 April Kiltonga Hall, com Supremo, who has won (Programme varies) ISA Youth Pathway National Newtownards, 4 Indoor and 2 Outdoor 028 9127 0069 Championships 2017 BT23 4AP World Championships visitardsandnorthdown.com Ballyholme Yacht Club, 4pm will take centre stage at Bangor, BT20 5HT 028 9181 0803 this amazing show. Much Monday 17 April 028 9127 1467 ardsarts.com Sunday 16 – Tuesday 18 April more family fun will take Family Fun at Portaferry ballyholme.com Cost: £4 (Includes tea, coffee Easter Celebrations place throughout the town Visitor Information Centre Cost: See website for entry or hot chocolate) Ulster Folk and Transport including a land train, street The Stables, Castle Street, fees. Free to spectate. Friday 28 April Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU Portaferry, BT22 1NZ theatre and much more! Friday Night Live: Sunday 30 April 10am–5pm 028 9127 0069 2pm–4pm Saturday 22 April Stephen McCartney Jazz in the Gardens 028 9042 8428 visitardsandnorthdown.com Bring the little ones along Vintage Bus Rally Ards Arts Centre, Mount Stewart, nmni.com/utfm this Easter Monday for Ulster Folk and Transport Conway Square, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Cost: See website family fun, the Animal Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU Newtownards, BT23 4NP 2pm-4.30pm Roadshow and Face 10am-5pm 8pm 028 4278 8387 Painting. 028 9042 8428 028 9181 0803 nationaltrust.org.uk/ 028 4272 9882 nmni.com/utfm ardsarts.com mount-stewart visitardsandnorthdown.com Cost: See website Cost: Tickets £7 Cost: Normal admission (see website); Members free Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 46

May

Monthly Market Monday 1 May Saturday 6 May Sunday 7 May Comber Farmers’ Market: May Day Celebrations Car Bazaar Dawn Chorus Walk First Thursday in the month Ulster Folk and Transport Mount Stewart, Mount Stewart, St Mary’s Parish Church car Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU Newtownards, BT22 2AD Newtownards, BT22 2AD park, BT23 5DU 10am–5pm 9am-12noon 5am-8am 9am-1.30pm 028 9042 8428 028 4278 8387 028 4278 8387 nmni.com/utfm nationaltrust.org.uk/ nationaltrust.org.uk/ Weekly Markets Cost: See website mount-stewart mount-stewart Bangor: Cost: To Participate - Car £5, Cost: £8 (Ad), £5 (Ch). Wednesdays Every Saturday and Sunday Monday 1 May Monday 1 May Van £10, Trailer £15; Booking essential Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD Family Fun at Cockle May Day Miniature Train Rides To attend - Admission Free. 7am-1pm Row Cottages Holywood Town Centre, Drumawhey Junction Cost: Normal admission Sunday 7 May Newtownards: Groomsport Harbour, BT18 9AE Railway, Four Road Ends, (see website), Members free Miniature Train Rides Saturdays BT19 6JR 10am-4pm BT21 OLZ for entry to House, Gardens Drumawhey Junction Conway Square, BT23 4NP 2pm-4pm. Cottages open This popular annual event 1pm–5pm and Demesne Railway, Four Road Ends, 8am-4.30pm weekends 11am-5pm. features traditional May 028 9188 3844 BT21 OLZ Weekend entertainment for Day dancing by local bcdmrs.org.uk Saturday 6 May 1pm-5pm children and adults alike, school children, a selection Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) Opera Film Club: Verdi’s 028 9188 3844 from face painting to animal of market stalls and Falstaff from Glyndebourne bcdmrs.org.uk roadshows, children’s crafts family fun. Saturday 6 May Portico, Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) to science shows and much 028 9127 0069 Open Art at Project 24 Steele Dickson Avenue, more! (Programme varies) visitardsandnorthdown.com Queens Parade, Portaferry, BT22 1LE Friday 12 and 028 9127 0069 Bangor, BT20 3BJ 7.15pm Saturday 13 May visitardsandnorthdown.com 12noon–4pm 028 4272 8808 Bluebell Walks at 028 9182 6846 porticoards.com the Demesne project24ni.com Cost: Tickets £10 per show Mount Stewart, or 3 for £30 Newtownards, BT22 2AD 11am-12.30pm and 2pm-3.30pm 028 4278 8387 nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount-stewart Cost: Normal admission (see website); Members free. Booking essential Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 48

May [Continued]

Sunday 21 May Saturday 27 May Miniature Train Rides Horse Drawn Vehicle Day Drumawhey Junction Ulster Folk and Transport Railway, Four Road Ends, Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU BT21 OLZ 11am-4pm 1pm-5pm 028 9042 8428 028 9188 3844 nmni.com/utfm bcdmrs.org.uk Cost: Various (see website) Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) Saturday 13 May Sunday 28 May Ards and North Down Friday 26–Monday 29 May Miniature Train Rides Pipe Band Championship Festivards 2017 Drumawhey Junction Castle Park, Bangor, Portico, Steele Dickson Railway, Four Road Ends, BT20 4BT Avenue, Portaferry, BT22 1LE BT21 OLZ 12noon-5pm 028 4272 8808 1pm-5pm With over 40 bands and 50 porticoards.com 028 9188 3844 Drum Majors competing, Cost: Various (see website) bcdmrs.org.uk the event is impressive to Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) spectate. Friday 26–Monday 29 May 028 9127 0069 Peninsula Puppet Festival Sunday 28 May visitardsandnorthdown.com Various locations throughout Jazz in the Gardens the Borough Mount Stewart, 028 9181 0803 Newtownards, BT22 2AD ardsarts.com 2pm-4.30pm Cost: Various (see website) 028 4278 8387 nationaltrust.org.uk/ Saturday 27 May mount-stewart Explore a Spring Garden Cost: Normal admission Mount Stewart, (see website); Members free Newtownards, BT22 2AD 11am-1pm Monday 29 May 028 4278 8387 Miniature Train Rides Saturday 20 May nationaltrust.org.uk/ Drumawhey Junction St Brendan’s Sea Safari mount-stewart Railway, Four Road Ends, on Strangford Lough Cost: £10 (Ad), £5 (Ch). BT21 OLZ Departs Portaferry Quay, Booking essential 1pm-5pm BT22 1PE 028 9188 3844 10am-12.30pm bcdmrs.org.uk 028 4278 8387 Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Cost: £15 (Ad), £5 (Ch), £35 (Family). Booking essential Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 50

June

Monthly Market Saturday 3 June Sunday 4 June Sunday 18 June Comber Farmers’ Market: Car Bazaar Miniature Train Rides Father’s Day: Burgers, First Thursday in the month Mount Stewart, Drumawhey Junction Beer and Bluegrass St Mary’s Parish Church car Newtownards, BT22 2AD Railway, Four Road Ends, Mount Stewart, park, BT23 5DU 9am-12noon BT21 OLZ Newtownards, BT22 2AD 9am-1.30pm 028 4278 8387 1pm-5pm 11am-5pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ 028 9188 3844 028 4278 8387 Weekly Markets mount-stewart bcdmrs.org.uk nationaltrust.org.uk/ Bangor: Cost: To Participate - Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) mount-stewart Wednesdays Every Saturday and Sunday Car £5, Van £10, Trailer £15; Saturday 17 June Cost: Normal admission Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD Family Fun at Cockle Row To attend - Admission Free. Friday 16 and Comber Earlies (see website); Members free 7am-1pm Cottages Cost: Normal admission Saturday 17 June Food Festival Newtownards: Groomsport Harbour, (see website), Members free Twilight at the Trust Comber, various Sunday 18 June Saturdays BT19 6JR for entry to House, Gardens Mount Stewart, 10am-5pm Father’s Day: Miniature Conway Square, BT23 4NP 2pm-4pm. Cottages open and Demesne Newtownards, BT22 2AD Make sure to visit Train Rides 8am-4.30pm daily 11am-5pm. 7pm-10pm the festival, Highly Drumawhey Junction Railway, Weekend entertainment Saturday 3 June 028 4278 8387 Commended in the NI Year Four Road Ends, BT21 OLZ for children and adults Cultra Hill Climb nationaltrust.org.uk/ of Food and Drink Awards 1pm-5pm alike, from face painting Ulster Folk and Transport mount-stewart 2016. Local Artisan food 028 9188 3844 to animal roadshows, Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU Cost: £50. Booking essential will pave the way to big bcdmrs.org.uk children’s crafts to science 10am-5pm tops and a hay bale picnic Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) shows and much more! 028 9042 8428 filled with music, children’s (Programme varies) nmni.com/utfm activities, street theatre, Wednesday 21– 028 9127 0069 Cost: See website food demonstrations and Friday 23 June visitardsandnorthdown.com lots more, making this a Ulster U16 Boys Open Golf great day out for all the Championship family! Donaghadee Golf Club, 028 9182 6846 Warren Road, BT21 0PQ visitardsandnorthdown.com From 8am 028 9188 3624 donaghadeegolfclub.com Cost: Contact Club

Thursday 22 – Sunday 25 June Portaferry Sails and Sounds Portaferry and Strangford, BT22 1JZ 11am–10pm 078 7070 1620 portaferrysailsandsounds.co.uk Cost: See website Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 52

June [Continued]

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June Sea Bangor Festival hosts Armed Forces Day Bangor Seafront, BT20 5ED Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12noon-6pm Throughout the weekend, Sea Bangor’s maritime themed festival will once again delight all with a host of activities including live music, food stalls, street theatre and impressive displays which the event is known and loved for.

This year the Council is proud to host the Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day on Saturday. Highlights include an Armed Forces Parade, Drumhead Service and Beating Retreat, with activities throughout the weekend commemorating the Forces. Saturday 24 June Saturday 24 June Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June Friday 30 June Ferguson Heritage Rock Pool Picnic Sunday 25 June Jazz in the Gardens Ards Half Marathon This event is a chance to show Tractor Day Kearney Village, Specialist Plant Fair Mount Stewart, and Walk your support for the men and Ulster Folk and Newtownards, BT22 1QP Mount Stewart, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Ards Leisure Centre, BT23 4EJ women who make up the Armed Transport Museum, 10.30am-12.30pm Newtownards, BT22 2AD 2pm–4.30pm Race starts at 6.30pm. Forces community. Cultra, BT18 0EU 028 4278 8387 11pm-5pm 028 4278 8387 0300 013 3333 ext 10am-5pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ni 028 4278 8387 nationaltrust.org.uk/ 40326/40327 For all Armed Forces events 028 9042 8428 Cost: Free (Ad), £3 (Ch). nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount-stewart ardshalfmarathon.info in Ards and North Down, nmni.com/utfm Booking essential mount-stewart Cost: Normal admission Cost: Entry fees £15-£25. visitardsandnorthdown.com Cost: See website Cost: Normal admission (see website); Check website (see website); Members free Members free for details. 028 9181 6846 / 028 91270069

Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 54

July

Monthly Market Every Friday Saturday 1 July Saturday 8 July Comber Farmers’ Market: Fair Weather Fridays: Car Bazaar Mingle with the Moilies First Thursday in the month Outdoor Performances Mount Stewart, Ulster Folk and Transport St Mary’s Parish Church car Conway Square, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU park, BT23 5DU Newtownards, BT23 4NP 9am-12noon 10am–5pm 9am–1.30pm 12.30pm–1.30pm 028 4278 8387 028 9042 8428 028 9181 0803 nationaltrust.org.uk/ nmni.com/utfm Weekly Markets ardsarts.com mount-stewart Cost: See website Bangor: Cost: To Participate - Wednesdays Every Saturday and Sunday Every Sunday Car £5, Van £10, Trailer £15; Wednesday 12 July Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD Family Fun at Cockle Summer Music in the Park To attend - Admission Free. Annual Parade, hosted 7am-1pm Row Cottages Ward Park, Bangor, Cost: Normal admission (see by LOL No 18 Newtownards: Groomsport Harbour, BT20 4LG website), Members free for Bangor Town Centre, Saturdays BT19 6JR 3pm-5pm entry to House, Gardens and BT20 4AQ Conway Square, BT23 4NP 2pm–4pm. Cottages open The perfect way to spend Demesne Starts at 11:45am, 8am–4.30pm daily, 11am–5pm an afternoon! Bring along Returning 16:30. Weekend entertainment family and friends, enjoy Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July Field - Valentine Playing for children and adults a picnic and take in the Strongman 4 Nations Fields. alike, from face painting sounds of weekly live Battle 2017 to animal roadshows, music throughout July and Castle Park, children’s crafts to science August (programme varies) Every Saturday Bangor Town Hall Wednesday 12 and shows and much more! 028 9127 0069 Family Fun at Portaferry (Bangor Castle), Thursday 13 July (Programme varies) visitardsandnorthdown.com Visitor Information Centre BT20 4BT Pirate and Mermaid Day 028 9127 0069 The Stables, Castle Street, 12noon at Exploris Aquarium visitardsandnorthdown.com Portaferry, BT22 1NZ Irishstrongman.com Castle Street, Portaferry, 2pm–4pm Cost: Free to spectate BT22 1NZ Free entertainment for Open 10am–6pm, children to enjoy, with workshops 12.30pm a varied programme Monday 3 July – and 2.30pm Every Wednesday and Sunday including science shows, Friday 18 August 028 4272 8062 Miniature Train Rides magic shows, themed Ards Summer Scheme explorisni.com Drumawhey Junction Railway, workshops and more. Ards Leisure Centre, Cost: Normal admission Four Road Ends, BT21 OLZ 028 4272 9882 BT23 4EJ 1pm–5pm visitardsandnorthdown.com Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm Wednesday 12 and 028 9188 3844 028 9181 2837 Thursday 13 July bcdmrs.org.uk ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/ Teddy Bears Picnic Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) leisure Mount Stewart, Cost: Contact Centre or Newtownards, BT22 2AD see website 11am–5pm 028 4278 8387 nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount-stewart Cost: Normal admission (see website); Members free Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 56

July [Continued]

Friday 14 July Wednesday 19 July Saturday 22 July Saturday 29 July Teddy Bears Picnic Bug Detectives A Stroll in a Summer Have a go at Bushcraft: The Ark Open Farm, Mount Stewart, Garden Fire Starting Bangor Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Mount Stewart, Skillen’s Wood, Newtownards, BT23 7PH 1.30pm–3.30pm Newtownards, BT22 2AD Greyabbey, BT22 2RU 2pm-4pm 028 4278 8387 11am–1pm 10am-1pm 028 9182 0445 nationaltrust.org.uk/ 028 4278 8387 028 4278 8387 thearkopenfarm.co.uk mount-stewart nationaltrust.org.uk/ nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Cost: £6 (Ad), £5.50 (3yrs+) Cost: £7.50. Suitable for ages mount-stewart Cost: Free (Ad), £3 (Ch). 5-11yrs. Booking essential Cost: £10 (Ad), £5 (Ch). Booking essential Saturday 15 – Friday 21 July Booking essential Portaferry Gala Festival – Thursday 20 July Saturday 29 and 50th Anniversary Theatre in the Walled Sunday 23–Sunday 30 July Sunday 30 July Portaferry, Garden: Northanger Abbey Ulster Fleadh Summer Market various locations, BT22 1PE Bangor Castle Walled Various locations North Down Museum, 10am–10pm Garden, BT20 4UT throughout the Bangor Bangor, BT20 4BT 028 4279 8181 7pm 079 5568 5745 Sat 10am-4.30pm, portaferrygala.com 028 9127 1200 ulsterfleadh.com Sun 12noon-4.30pm Cost: See website ardsarts.com Cost: Free | Lúnasa concert £10 028 9127 1200 Cost: Tickets £10 northdownmuseum.com Monday 17 July – Wednesday 26 July Friday 18 August Friday 21 July Wildlife Trackers Comber Summer Scheme Theatre in the Walled Mount Stewart, Sunday 30 July Comber Leisure Centre, Garden: Murder on the Newtownards, BT22 2AD Jazz in the Gardens Thursday 13 July Friday 14 July BT23 5DY Terrace 1.30pm–3.30pm Mount Stewart, Miniature Train Rides Shark Awareness Day Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm Bangor Castle Walled 028 4278 8387 Newtownards, BT22 2AD Drumawhey Junction at Exploris Aquarium 028 9187 4350 Garden, BT20 4UT nationaltrust.org.uk/ 2pm-4.30pm Railway, Four Road Ends, Castle Street, Portaferry, ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/ 7pm mount-stewart 028 4278 8387 BT21 OLZ BT22 1NZ leisure 028 9127 1200 Cost: £7.50. Suitable for ages nationaltrust.org.uk/ 1pm–5pm 10am–6pm, Cost: Contact Centre ardsarts.com 5-11yrs. Booking essential mount-stewart 028 9188 3844 workshops 12.30pm or see website Cost: Tickets £10 Cost: Normal admission bcdmrs.org.uk and 2.30pm (see website); Members free Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) 028 4272 8062 Tuesday 18 and explorisni.com Wednesday 19 July Cost: Normal admission Theatre in the Walled Garden: Billionaire Boy Bangor Castle Walled Garden, BT20 4UT 2pm and 6pm 028 9127 1200 ardsarts.com Cost: Tickets £6 Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 58

August

Monthly Market Every Friday Until Friday 18 August Friday 4–Sunday 13 August Comber Farmers’ Market: Music in the Courtyard Ards Summer Scheme The Creative Peninsula First Thursday in the month North Down Museum, Ards Leisure Centre, Annual Open Studio Event St Mary’s Parish Church car Bangor, BT20 4BT BT23 4EJ Various locations throughout park, BT23 5DU 12noon-2pm Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm the Borough 9am-1.30pm 028 9127 1200 028 9181 2837 028 9182 6846 northdownmuseum.com ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/ visitardsandnorthdown.com/ Weekly Markets leisure creative-peninsula Bangor: Cost: Contact Centre or Cost: Various (see website) Wednesdays Every Saturday and Sunday Every Sunday see website Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD Family Fun at Cockle Row Summer Music in the Park Friday 4–Sunday 13 August 7am-1pm Cottages Ward Park, Bangor, Until Friday 18 August Creative Peninsula at Newtownards: Groomsport Harbour, BT20 4LG Comber Summer Scheme Project 24 Saturdays BT19 6JR 3pm-5pm Comber Leisure Centre, Queen’s Parade, Conway Square, BT23 4NP 2pm-4pm. Cottages open The perfect way to spend BT23 5DY Bangor, BT20 3BJ 8am-4.30pm daily, 11am-5pm an afternoon! Bring along Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm 028 9182 6846 Weekend entertainment family and friends, enjoy 028 9187 4350 visitardsandnorthdown.com/ Every Wednesday for children and adults a picnic and take in the ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/ creative-peninsula and Sunday alike, from face painting sounds of weekly live leisure Cost: Various (see website) Every Saturday Miniature Train Rides to animal roadshows, music (programme varies) Cost: Contact Centre or Family Fun at Portaferry Drumawhey Junction children’s crafts to science 028 9127 0069 see website Saturday 5 August Visitor Information Centre Railway, Four Road Ends, shows and much more! visitardsandnorthdown.com Car Bazaar The Stables, Castle Street, BT21 OLZ (Programme varies) Friday 4 August Mount Stewart, Portaferry, BT22 1NZ 1pm–5pm 028 9127 0069 Creative Peninsula ‘Craft in Newtownards, BT22 2AD 2pm–4pm 028 9188 3844 visitardsandnorthdown.com The Square’ 9am–12noon Free entertainment for bcdmrs.org.uk Conway Square, 028 4278 8387 children to enjoy, with Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) Throughout August Newtownards, BT23 4NP nationaltrust.org.uk/ a varied programme Open House Festival 2017 10am–6pm mount-stewart including science shows, Every Friday Bangor, various locations 028 9182 6846 Cost: To Participate - magic shows, themed Fair Weather Fridays: The Festival returns with visitardsandnorthdown.com/ Car £5, Van £10, Trailer £15; workshops and more. Outdoor Performances a high quality and eclectic creative-peninsula To attend - Admission Free. 028 4272 9882 Conway Square, programme that features Cost: Normal admission (see visitardsandnorthdown.com Newtownards, BT23 4NP events ranging from ticketed website), Members free for 12.30pm–1.30pm headline concerts, free entry to House, Gardens and 028 9181 0803 music sessions, comedy, Demesne ardsarts.com films, theatre, spoken word, literature, food events and exhibitions hosted in venues throughout the town. Book early to avoid disappointment! 028 9147 1780 openhousefestival.com Cost: Various Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 60

August [Continued]

Saturday 5 and Wednesday 9 August to Saturday 12 August Wednesday 16 August Saturday 26 August Sunday 6 August Saturday 19 August 50 Things at Kearney Wildlife Trackers Pickie Funpark End Donkey Breed Society Clandeboye Festival Kearney Village, Mount Stewart, of Summer Party Championship Show Clandeboye Estate, Newtownards, BT22 1QP Newtownards, BT22 2AD Marine Gardens, Bangor, Ulster Folk and Transport Bangor, BT19 1RN 1pm-3pm 1.30pm–3.30pm BT20 5AG Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU 028 9042 7600 028 4278 8387 028 4278 8387 10am–4pm 10am–5pm camerate-ireland.com nationaltrust.org.uk/ni nationaltrust.org.uk/ 028 9145 0746 028 9042 8428 Cost: Various (see website) Cost: Free (Ad), £3 (Ch). mount-stewart pickiefunpark.com nmni.com/utfm Booking essential Cost: £7.50. Suitable for ages Cost: Free admission. Cost: See website 5-11yrs. Booking essential See website for costs of Monday 14 – activities within Saturday 19 August Wednesday 9 August Saturday 19 August Portaferry Triathlon Bug Detectives 27th Anniversary Sunday 27 August Portaferry Shore Front, Mount Stewart, Family Fun Day Jazz in the Gardens The Strand, BT22 1PE Newtownards, BT22 2AD The Ark Open Farm, Mount Stewart, 11am-3pm 1.30pm–3.30pm Bangor Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD narrowstc.co.uk 028 4278 8387 Newtownards, BT23 7PH 2pm–4.30pm Costs: Entry E45 (Indiv), E70 nationaltrust.org.uk/ 11am–4pm 028 4278 8387 (Relay). Free to spectate mount-stewart Saturday 12 August 028 9182 0445 nationaltrust.org.uk/ Cost: £7.50. Suitable for ages thearkopenfarm.co.uk mount-stewart Portavogie Seafood Saturday 19 and 5-11yrs. Booking essential Cost: £6 (Ad), £5.50 (3yrs +) Cost: Normal admission Festival Saturday 19 August Sunday 20 August (see website); Members free Portavogie Harbour, Groomsport Music Drumawhey Junction Wednesday 9 August Monday 14 – BT22 1EA and Fireworks Railway’s Celebration to Sunday 13 August Friday 25 August Monday 28 August 12noon–5pm Groomsport Harbour, Weekend Donaghadee Pickie Funpark Food for the Table A superb family day set in BT19 6JR Drumawhey Junction Summer Festival Summer Scheme Ulster Folk and Transport harbour surroundings, with 6.30pm–10.30pm Railway, Four Road Ends, Donaghadee, BT21 0HE Marine Gardens, Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU splendid seafood produce, An evening of live music, BT21 OLZ 028 9188 8667 Bangor, BT20 5AG 10am–5pm children’s entertainment family entertainment, food 1pm–5pm visitdonaghadee.com 9am–4pm 028 9042 8428 and much more! stalls and a spectacular 028 9188 3844 028 9145 0746 nmni.com/utfm 028 9182 6846 fireworks finale. bcdmrs.org.uk pickiefunpark.com Cost: See website visitardsandnorthdown.com 028 9127 0069 Cost: £2.50 (Ad), £2 (Ch) Cost: Weekly or daily rate, visitardsandnorthdown.com see website. Suitable for Saturday 19– ages 4-10yrs. Saturday 26 August Bangor Worldwide Missionary Convention 2017 Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor, BT20 4LN worldwidemission.org

Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 62

Exhibitions Ards Crafts and Visitor Key Information Centre 31 Regent Street, Free Newtownards, BT23 4AD Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm Visitor 028 9182 6846 Information visitardsandnorthdown.com Centre Ards Arts Centre Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP Gallery open Mon-Thurs 9am-4.30pm, Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun Closed The Space 028 9181 0803 ardsarts.com Saturday 4 – Saturday 25 March Meet the Maker: ‘What is Intaglio? Original Printmaking through Process’ Thursday 2 – Saturday 25 March An exhibition by Seacourt Print Workshop ‘Echo’ Bangor Castle Walled Garden An exploration of printed textile surfaces by Tuesday 4 - Saturday 29 April Castle Park, Valentine Road, Shauna McGowan ‘Portico to Ards, Portico to Arts’ Bangor, BT20 4UT Photographer Jane Wright documents the See website for seasonal opening times Thursday 2 – Saturday 25 March restoration of Portaferry Presbyterian Church 028 9127 0069 ‘“I ask, do you believe in miracles?”’ visitardsandnorthdown.com A solo exhibition by Clinton Kilpatrick Saturday 6 – Saturday 27 May Meet the Maker: ‘What is Screen Printing? Thursday 30 March – Sunday 9 April Original Printmaking through Process’ ‘First 3 No Flash’ An exhibition by Seacourt Print Workshop Saturday 3 June – Sunday 25 June A solo exhibition by Carrie Davenport as part ForM Sculpture Exhibition of Ards International Guitar Festival Saturday 3 – Saturday 24 June An exhibition of sculptures inspired by Portaferry Gala: The First 50 years the garden Thursday 30 March - Saturday 29 April See how Portaferry Gala has developed ‘The Ultimate Fate of the Universe’ and grown over the years A solo exhibition by fine artist Jane Rainey Saturday 1 – Saturday 29 July Thursday 13 – Saturday 29 April ‘Tower Houses of Strangford Lough’ ‘Ikebana’ An exhibition showcasing late medieval An exhibition of the Japanese Art of flower tower houses arrangement Saturday 5 – Saturday 26 August Meet the Maker: ‘Natural Impressions’ A collaborative exhibition by Printmaker Michael Geddis and Ceramicist Andrew Cooke Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Page 64

Exhibitions

North Down Museum Tuesday 25 July – Sunday 20 August Wednesday 2 August – Sunday 3 Portaferry Visitor Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, BT20 4BT ‘The Lay of the Land’ September Information Centre See website for seasonal opening times A display by a selection of artists through Creative Peninsula The Stables, Castle Street, 028 9127 1200 mediums of painting, ceramics, printmaking, An exhibit of handcrafted art and craft Portaferry, BT22 1NZ northdownmuseum.com photography and poetry pieces from a selection of the finest artists Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm across Ards and North Down 028 4272 9882 Tuesday 22 August – visitardsandnorthdown.com Sunday 24 September The Community Gallery ‘Through the Looking Glass’ Nostalgia Gallery An exhibition reflecting a selection of artists’ Until Sunday 5 March local community and their own memories Ongoing, throughout 2017 ‘The Colours of Home’ The Loft Gallery: Art in the Loft An exhibition exploring our connections Visit North Down Museum’s newest exhibition space highlighting local to place, time and memory through colour Saturday 15 – Sunday 30 April The Long Gallery stories from our past association ‘Natural Elements’ An exhibition by Sara Brown and Helen Until Sunday 5 March Tuesday 7 March – Sunday 2 April Templeton ‘Portico to Ards, Portico to Arts’ ‘Celebrate Project 24’ Celebrating the success of Project 24’s Photographer Jane Wright documents the Saturday 6 – Sunday 28 May second year, this exhibition displays the restoration of Portaferry Presbyterian Church ‘A Moment in Time’ work of the artists who have taken up An exhibition of Glass Art and ceramics by residence in the famous pods. Tuesday 4 – Sunday 30 April Agnes Eaton ‘From Donegal to Donaghadee’ Wednesday 8 March – Sunday 30 April Hamilton Sloan celebrates the beauty of Saturday 3 June – Sunday 25 June ‘Call the Ambulance’ the Irish landscape ‘Sea’ Take a journey through the years of An exhibition by textile Artist Jenni Cheung Wednesday 3 – Monday 29 May Ambulance Drivers and Paramedics. Images of Mongolia Saturday 1 – Sunday 30 July Wednesday 3 – Monday 29 May Explore the unique heritage and culture ‘The Trains Don’t Stop Here Anymore’ Percy French Exhibition of Mongolia A collection by photographer Robert JE Learn more about the legendary Percy Simpson Wednesday 31 May – Sunday 25 June French The Millennium Art and Craft Club Saturday 5 – Sunday 27 August Thursday 1 June – Thursday 27 July An exhibition of art from this long ‘The Language of Pain’ Fleadh Exhibition established club An exhibition by the Martin family Giving visitors a glimpse of the history and Tuesday 27 June – Sunday 23 July activities of the Fleadh ‘The Dichotomy of a Seaside Town’ A photographic exhibition by Maggie Bates Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Pgea 66

Visitor Information Emergency Services Services and Hospitals

Friendly and knowledgeable staff in the Visitor Information Emergency Services: Ulster Hospital A&E Centres can help you with information on accommodation Upper Newtownards Road bookings, directions, attractions, activities, events and call 999 Dundonald, Co Down tickets. The Centres are unique in their own way, packed full BT16 1RH of crafts, souvenirs and free literature, they should be your Fire, Police, Ambulance first port of call! and Coastguard 028 9048 4511 – Police Service Ards VIC Jan-Jun & Sept-Dec: Mon-Fri of Northern Ireland: 31 Regent Street, 9.15am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-5pm; Newtownards, BT23 4AD Jul-Aug: Mon-Fri 9.15am-5.15pm, 028 9182 6846 Sat 9am-5.30pm. Closed Sundays. [email protected] call 101 (non emergency)

Bangor VIC Jan-Apr: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 34 Quay Street, Bangor BT20 5ED 9.15am-5pm, Wed 10am-5pm, Sat 028 9127 0069 10am-4pm, Sun closed. May-Aug: Transport [email protected] Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm. Translink Public Transport: P&O Ferries: 028 9066 6630 08716 64 21 21 translink.co.uk poferries.com Seasonal Centres – – Strangford Lough Ferry Service: Stena Line Ferries: Groomsport VIC Easter Sunday, Apr & May - 0300 200 7898 0844 770 7070 Cockle Row Cottages, Main Street, Sat & Sun only: 11am-5pm; TEXT: ‘Ferry’ to 67300 for updates stenaline.co.uk Groomsport, BT19 6GH 1 June - first Sunday in September - – 028 9127 2269 open daily: 11am-5pm. Belfast International Airport: 028 9448 4848 belfastairport.com Portaferry VIC Good Friday - last Friday in The Stable, Portaferry September: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; – BT21 2NZ Sun 1pm-5pm. George Best Belfast City Airport: 028 4272 9882 028 9093 9093 belfastcityairport.com Experiences And Events Spring/summer 2017 Newtownards Accommodation Bangor Great Wars Wars Great Trail East Coast Canoe Trail Comber Greenway Trail Cycle Lough Strangford Trail Cycle North Down Path Coastal Way Lecale St Patrick’s Trail (main route) to leading Trail other associated sites St Patrick’s Trail Mourne Route Coastal Comber/Andrews Trail Titanic Scots Ulster Tours Driving Film Locations Trails & Routes Trails Lough Strangford Canoe Trail to points Access the Lough

From quaint B&Bs to the ultra-modern self-

catering, 5* luxury hotel or budget hostel, there 3.2 km 2 miles is something for every taste and pocket that will In-depth literature on these literature In-depth and must-sees are routes trails, Visitor nearest at your available or Centre Information visitardsandnorthdown.com Copyright and This is map based upon Crown with the permission of Land & is reproduced from authority delegated Services under Property Office. Stationery of Her Majesty’s the Controller right 2017 Copyright and database © Crown CS&LA156 ensure you get the best out of your stay in the borough, whether it be for an overnight stay,

weekend retreat or weeklong break.

wn in Ards and North Do Your FREE guide to accommodation ’ to 67300 to stop stop 67300 to ’ to ARRIVE Pick up a free copy of our

AND REVIVE 2017 Ards and North Down Apps available three have We your FREE from for download to store: preferred • Christian Heritage Bangor • and North Ards Down Discover • Trail Heritage Village Greyabbbey Accommodation Guide service: alert message SMS text SMS receive to register can Passengers can: You service updates. message text register 67300 to ‘ FERRY ’ to Text ‘ STOP Text in the UK free are messages Text or download it from visitardsandnorthdown.com

Conlig Strangford – Portaferry Strangford Departs on the hour and half hour. Portaferry – Strangford Departs past and quarter at quarter to the hour. to dsburn or ’s Bay awf Cr Helen Strangford Lough Ferry Service Ferry Lough Strangford Sailings every 30 minutes S 0300 200 7898 /ArdsandNorthDownBoroughCouncil /VisitStrangfordLough @ANDborough Explore Our E-Newsletter! and unwind Keep up-to-date with all that is going on in Ards and North Down. Go to Area map overleaf visitardsandnorthdown.com

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]

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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 responsibilitwy for any errors, omissions or changes which may occur. This information can be made available in a range of alterative formats to meet a specific need. To request an alternative format please contact 028 9182 6846 / 028 9127 0069.