Your FREE Visitor Guide to Ards and North EXPERIENCES ON ’S AND EVENTS DOORSTEP AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 SEPTEMBER–MARCH EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 EXPERIENCE AND ENJOY

01 A recipe for a good time 03 Get here and explore: Planning your trip 04 Accommodation 05 Season Highlights 07 Drive this way 09 Water's Edge Encounters 17 Great Food Encounters 19 Creative Encounters 23 Step Back in Time 29 Family Fun 33 Get Active 39 Itineraries 46 Autumn/Winter Events 61 Exhibitions 66 Visitor Information Services

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 that may occur. This information can be made available in a range of alternative formats to meet a specific need. To request an alternative format please phone 028 9127 0069 / 028 9182 6846. EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 2

A recipe for a good time…

Miles of coastline and stunning scenery, wonderful attractions, fabulous places to eat along the way and a wide selection of accommodation, give Ards and North Down all the ingredients for a great day trip or break away. Mix together with award winning beaches, sprinkle with castles and stately homes and top off with the oldest pub in ! Come and experience the flavours for yourself.

Feed the spirit Feed the imagination Embrace the great outdoors Creative workshops, and take in the natural galleries and studios are landscapes and seascapes, sprinkled throughout the on land, water or in the air. region allowing a peek into the creativity that flows. Feed the mind Enjoy the rich backdrop Feed the body of historic landmarks, and soul reminders of the area's From local farmers' markets, past and learn of Christian to delis and fine restaurants Heritage and Ulster Scots your visit will be truly history. enriched with fine food and drink. EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 4

Get here and explore: Accommodation Planning your trip

The area is easily reached by air, ferry and public From cosy B&Bs to ultra-modern self-catering, luxury transport. Located 20 minutes from the buzzing hotels to budget hostels, there is something for every city of Belfast, escape the hustle and bustle of taste and pocket. Get the best out of your stay in the everyday life and set a pace that is more relaxed borough, whether it be for an overnight, weekend in Ards and North Down. retreat or week long break...

By air Belfast International Airport: +44 (0)28 9448 4848 belfastairport.com

George Best Belfast City Airport +44 (0)28 9093 9093 belfastcityairport.com

By sea P&O Ferries: 01304 448888 poferries.com

Stena Line Ferries: Bangor +44 (0)844 770 7070 stenaline.co.uk

Strangford Lough Ferry Service: +44 (0)300 200 7898 TEXT: ‘Ferry’ to 67300 for updates Pick up a free copy of our Ards and North Down By public transport Accommodation Guide from Translink Public Transport: one of our Visitor Information +44 (0)28 9066 6630 Centres or download it at translink.co.uk visitardsandnorthdown.com

Please refer to our map on page 68 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 6

Season Highlights

Don’t miss a minute with this handy guide of exciting events, fabulous festivals and fantastic family fun. Be sure to save the dates and enjoy an unforgettable season in Ards and North Down.

For a full listing of events turn to page 46 Lights Up Festival Halloween Walking Tours Thursday 5 to Sunday Wednesday 23 and Thursday or go online visitardsandnorthdown.com 8 September 24 October

Late Night at the Museum, Seapark Fireworks Halloween at Cockle Row North Down Museum Cottages, Friday 25 October Saturday 26 October Sunday 27 October

Bangor Newtownards Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre, Christmas Lights Switch On Christmas Lights Switch On Newtownards Saturday 23 November Saturday 30 November Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 8

Drive this way… Make memories...

Explore by car, using the following driving routes directing you to some Whether its relaxation, adventure, award-winning of the highlights of the area. Designated routes are also detailed on the food or stunning scenery you’re after, discover map on page 68, or find out more at vistardsandnorthdown.com the area with the ease of our selected itineraries. Uncover landscape and legends, soak up the beautiful coastline or relax and revive with full Saint Patrick’s Trail Great Wars Trail Ulster-Scots in Ards and day, overnight and three-day itineraries available Follow the Saint Patrick’s Ards and North Down has North Down Trail through a host of a rich connection with the In May 1606 Scottish families to download from vistardsandnorthdown.com Christian sites in Bangor, the two World Wars. First World settled in the area, led by and make the most of your time here. , , War soldiers, from the 108th James Hamilton and Hugh and Armagh to Brigade of the 36th (Ulster) Montgomery from Ayrshire, uncover just how strong Division, trained within the Scotland. These Scottish Get App-y ’s links are grounds of the settlers transformed the Download our handy apps for free from Google Play and with our patron Saint. The 92 Estate in Bangor. General borough into what you enjoy a journey of discovery. mile linear driving route links Eisenhower inspected see today; the towns and 15 key sites, all identified as troops prior to D Day in villages, rolling landscape, Village Heritage Trail having some connection 1944, memorialised in the place names, and the ‘wee’ Learn of Greyabbey’s origins; of Viking invaders on to the Saint’s life, legacy or mosaic art of the Bangor turns of phrase you’ll hear Lough, of Scottish settlers who rebuilt the abbey landscape. Ards and North pier, named in honour of the when talking to the locals. and developed the village, and of the places of worship Down is home to seven of General. These are just two which are still thriving today. The audio app, in conjunction these sites. examples of the many sites Game of Thrones® Journey with five interpretative panels, will take you from the abbey Discover more throughout the borough of Doors Passport to the lough in a series of fascinating and quirky tales! Coastal Route where you can learn about When some trees from the Be sure to pick up a town This beautiful scenic route how the area played its part famous Dark Hedges blew or village heritage trail of Strangford Heritage Trail Co Down: the area you are visiting to takes you on a journey along in history. over in Storm Gertrude, 10 Maritime Heritage Trails the coastline from Belfast, intricate doors were created discover its history and how This app will educate you on the role fishing has played in it has become the place it is along the coast, The Ards Peninsula Way and located across Northern forming as we know it, where today three of across This handy downloadable Ireland, each telling the today. These are available the area's ports – , and – remain free of charge in the Visitor and on to the Kingdom guide will help you to plan story of a Season 6 episode. at the centre of the fishing industry. of Mourne. The route is the perfect tour of Ireland’s Game of Thrones® fans Information Centres; better signposted by directional most easterly coastline and can view one of these in still, book onto a guided brown signage. its charming villages. Take in Fiddlers Green, . tour this autumn and its historic sites, experience For more information go to discover the fascinating its vibrant craft scene and discovernorthernireland.com history. Tours run until enjoy outdoor activities such January. as walking, cycling and golf. EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 10

Water’s Edge Ards and North Down is proud to have six award Encounters winning beaches in the borough and an award winning marina. Whether you enjoy a stroll along the beach to blow off the The views Make sure to visit one cobwebs, a gentle paddle or fishing on a lake, water’s edge The iconic Scrabo during your stay. encounters are plentiful in Ards and North Down. You Tower is the ideal Seaside Award can try a sailing lesson with one of the local yacht location for panoramic views of the lough, the BT22 2PG clubs, enjoy a fishing expedition, or why not be Cloughey adventurous and go kite surfing or canoeing? Ards Peninsula and the BT22 1JA The coastline and shore are also a delight surrounding drumlins BT19 1JT for bird watchers, with visiting species of County Down. The North Down Coastal Groomsport changing with the season. Be sure to BT19 6JR visit the attractions that showcase Our coastline Wildlife Path is one of the nature at its best… Surrounded by over 115 There are also many finest shoreline walks BT22 2HS miles of coastline you opportunities to see in Northern Ireland, Green Coast Award are never too far away the abundant wildlife stretching for 16 miles Helen’s Bay BT19 1TP from the sea! making its home from Holywood to Portavoe with amazing Blue Flag Award The stunning coastline here – seals, otters, Bangor Marina of Ards and North cormorants, guillemots views across Belfast BT20 5ED Down takes in the and Brent geese are Lough. southern shore of just a few. , the Irish Sea coast and Explore most of the shores You can discover our of Strangford Lough. shores on foot, by bike Stroll along sandy or by boat. If you are beaches, try rock feeling adventurous, pooling or have a go why not take a scuba at kayaking on the dive! sparkling waters of the lough; the experiences are endless. DID YOU KNOW… Every autumn, approximately 25,000 Brent geese leave their breeding grounds in east Canada and travel to Ireland. Thousands settle on the mud flats of Strangford Lough for the winter to refuel on the nutritious eel grass. EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 12

Ballygrangee Fishery Cockle Island Boat Club Donaghadee Harbour Donaghadee Sailing Club Donaldson Lake , BT22 2ES Groomsport, BT19 6JR Donaghadee, BT21 OHE Donaghadee, BT21 0HF Holywood, BT18 9JG Fly fishing on 2½ acre lake Cockle Island Boat Club is Donaghadee’s iconic The sailing club is a Groups, clubs or individuals stocked with trout and located on the southern lighthouse stands on the recognised RYA Training can enjoy fly fishing and coarse fish. shore of Belfast Lough. harbour. Donaghadee Centre and provides worm fishing for trout 028 4278 8488 Although a relatively small is located at Northern training courses in sailing (rainbow, steelheads, blues 028 4278 8883 club it has a year-round Ireland’s closest point to and powerboating for both and cheetah 10lbs plus). events programme. Scotland and on most days adults and juniors from There is also a small pond Ballyholme Beach and Park cockleislandboatclub.com the Scottish coast is visible April-September. Visiting (Duck pond) for the little Bangor, BT20 5EG from the harbour. boats to Donaghadee angler or learner. A mile long crescent of Crawfordsburn visitdonaghadee.com Harbour can arrange in 079 2115 9846 sandy beach. Children love Country Park advance to access the donaldsonfishery.co.uk to paddle and build sand Bangor Seafront and Bridge Road, visitor shower/changing castles here, making it the Eisenhower Pier Helen’s Bay, BT19 1JT room for a small charge. DV Diving perfect place for a family Bangor, BT20 5EZ Featuring two excellent 028 9188 4270 Newtownards, BT22 2ES day out. A picturesque promenade beaches, spectacular donaghadeesc.co.uk DV Diving offer one 028 9127 0069 leading from the town scenery and views of Europe’s most centre to the coastal path, across Belfast Lough, comprehensive ranges Ballyholme Yacht Club past the prestigious marina. Crawfordsburn Country Park of scuba, technical and Bangor, BT20 5HT Sites include historic McKee provides a relaxing retreat. commercial diving and Premier dinghy and Clock, Bregenz House Enjoy tranquil walks through powerboat training courses keelboat racing club in the Headquarters of HM the peaceful meadows and – for the complete beginner Northern Ireland. Coastguard, and Pickie wooded glens and look out through to instructor 028 9127 1467 Funpark. Eisenhower Pier for the stunning waterfall. development for the most ballyholme.com is a focal point for events 028 9185 3621 experienced professionals. and includes a number of 028 9186 1686 Bangor Boat mosaics depicting the history Cuan Marine Services Ltd dvdiving.co.uk Bangor, BT20 5ED of the town. Portaferry, BT22 1LA Operating fishing trips and 028 9127 0069 Marine surveys, diving, short sea cruises out of sightseeing trips, fishing Bangor Marina. trips. (All year for some 075 1000 6000 , BT22 1BT activities and June-October bangorboat.com Burr Point is the most easterly for fishing). point in Ireland. It is denoted 028 4272 8297 by a giant ‘E’ sculpture. cuanmarineservices.co.uk A perfect picnic stop off on the Ards Peninsula. 028 9127 0069

For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 14

Holywood Yacht Club John Erskine Boat Charters Kircubbin Sailing Club Lough Cowey Fishery Holywood, BT18 9JG Bangor, BT20 5ED Kircubbin, BT22 2RP Portaferry, BT22 1PJ One of the oldest yacht Offering daily fishing trips Situated on the eastern side The fishery is stocked clubs in Ireland, Holywood from Bangor Marina as well of the lough, at the northern regularly and has good Yacht Club is a small friendly as sightseeing boat trips. end of Kircubbin Bay. The quality over-wintered fish and active sailing club that (Pre-booking advisable). bay offers reasonable available in early spring. caters for all levels and 078 0157 1830 holding in clean sand/mud Mainly stocked with abilities. It is a Recognised and provides good shelter trout. (Licence and permit Teaching Centre (RTC). John Murray Jnr Boats from north through east required). 028 9042 3345 Portaferry, BT22 1PE to south, but is completely 0300 200 7860 hyc.org.uk Boat trips on Strangford exposed to the west. nidirect.gov.uk/angling Lough – sightseeing, bird Anchor off is 2.1m (clear of Island Boat Charters and seal watching. Angling moorings) or pick up a spare Millisle Beach Park Movilla Trout Fishery Donaghadee, BT21 0HE groups can also be catered mooring when available. Millisle, BT22 2HS Newtownards, BT23 8RL The skipper has over 30 for from Portaferry and kircubbinsailingclub.co.uk The beach park provides Fly fishing for both beginners years’ experience in and Strangford. Must be booked a sandy rural beach, play and the experienced angler around the Copeland in advance. (Trips from The Kite Surf Academy and picnic facilities, a jetty as well as a bait pond for Islands and is also a keen May – October for bird A fully qualified Kitesurfing and two slipways. It was children. birdwatcher and member and seal watching). School offering IKO awarded a Seaside Award in 079 2183 7984 of the Copeland Bird 028 4272 8414 accredited kitesurf courses 2019. Car parking and public Observatory. 079 8662 5162 catering for all levels and toilets are provided and Newtownards Sailing Club 078 1566 9732 needs. With safety as the there is also disabled access. Newtownards, BT22 2AJ facebook.com/island highest priority, we aim to Learn safely how to sail boatchartersdonaghadee give the learner the best dinghies or to windsurf. experience possible. Experienced trained Island Hill Nature Reserve 077 7036 8971 instructors help you into the , BT23 5JR facebook.com/ exciting world of water sports. Accessible at low-tide, this thekitesurfacademy newtownardssailingclub.co.uk walk around ‘Rough Island’ provides magnificent views of Strangford Lough and is an excellent view point for bird watching. walkni.com/walks

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North Down Coastal Path Portaferry Sailing Club Royal North of Ireland Strangford Lough Lookout Stricklands Glen Holywood to Portavoe Portaferry, BT22 1JZ Yacht Club Newtownards, BT22 2AD Bangor, BT20 3SU One of the finest shoreline Situated facing the Narrows, Holywood, BT18 0BB Wildlife interpretative An enchanting park and walks in Ireland, stretching south of the Ferry Pier. RNIYC is an RYA Champion centre, showcasing the wooded glen leading onto from Holywood to Portavoe Berthing is available in the Club and Training Centre local wildlife. Telescopes the North Down Coastal near Groomsport. This small marina. Showers and in Holywood that runs and remotely controlled Path. The shady tree lined beautiful environment, with bar open in the evenings. sailing classes and events cameras allow close up walks take you along its contrasting shoreline, 028 4272 8770 throughout the year. views of basking seals and a series of ponds and provides a variety of portaferrysailingclub.com 028 9042 8041 breeding seabird colonies. waterfalls to one of the habitats, from rocky shores rniyc.org 028 4278 8387 beautiful little coves which through salt marshes Portaferry Recreation Hub nationaltrust.org.uk/ are dotted along the North and mud flats to sandy Portaferry, BT22 1JZ Royal Ulster Yacht Club mountstewart Down Coastal Path. beaches. A wide variety A family orientated Bangor, BT20 5HY 028 9127 0069 of bird species can be community based RYA Champion Club and Strangford Lough observed. A special treat is recreation hub with facilities Training Centre that runs Yacht Club Stratus Sailing the Grey or Atlantic seals for sailing, canoeing, sailing classes and events , BT23 6QA Bangor, BT20 5ED which bask on the rocks at walking, diving and cycling. throughout the year. Sailing and boating facilities, Courses for beginners, Ballymacormick, Orlock and 028 4272 8517 028 9127 0568 training and instruction intermediate, advanced Rockport. ruyc.co.uk in dinghy sailing and and racing sailors. Stratus 028 9127 0069 Portavoe Reservoir power boat handling. Sailing is offering a Donaghadee, BT21 0PJ Seapark Recreation RYA recognised training new range of sailing for Polehill Coarse Fishery This small, attractive Grounds establishment. everyone on its fleet of Newtownards, BT23 8RW reservoir is off the coast Holywood, BT18 0LP 028 9754 1883 Beneteau Platu 25s. Designed and created with road between Donaghadee Holywood’s main parkland slyc.co.uk 077 7925 5574 both the beginner and and Bangor. Regular and recreational area stratussailing.com seasoned professional in stocking of takeable trout has a variety of activities mind. The lakes are stocked ensures good fishing at this including tennis courts, SUP Hub NI: Stand Up with most types of coarse popular location. a bowling green, putting Paddleboarding fish including bream, carp, 0300 200 7806 green (all bookable via Bangor, BT20 5ED tench and roach nidirect.gov.uk/angling Bangor Sportsplex) and A mobile SUP School aiming (Rod hire available). there is an enclosed to provide a hub for our 028 9145 4983 Ross Jord Trout Fishery children’s playground set community, and visitors fishingtackle2u.co.uk , BT23 7PX in the parkland. The whole alike, to access the world’s Fly-fishing, bait/float and area is right on the seafront fastest growing watersport boats. All day ticket money and has panoramic views in Stand Up Paddleboarding, will be used to restock the overlooking Belfast Lough. whilst using the wonderful lake but more importantly 028 9127 5622 coastal waters that to put back into the surround us. surrounding communities. 079 84798 388 074 8742 2244 suphubni.com

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Great Food Encounters

Quality From field to table Choice Food Experiences Get your taste buds The fertile fields are There’s usually a Echlinville Distillery tingling with amazing the key to the delicious family butcher and Kircubbin, BT22 1AJ local produce, flavours, vegetables and fine baker in every town A must see for whiskey chefs and restaurants. herds of cows you will and village, and plenty and gin enthusiasts. Ards and North Down see. The local dairy of farm shops in the Offering visitors a truly has the largest number industry produces countryside, for you to bespoke experience in of award-winning, high exciting ranges of ice pick from. an exquisite setting. quality restaurants cream, cheese and Tasting tours and special A gourmet dining events throughout the year. outside of Belfast. yoghurt. Don’t leave room, a friendly pub, 028 4273 8597 The Copeland Distillery the table without delicious deli counter echlinville.com Donaghadee, BT21 0HG trying some and why Visit Donaghadee’s first Fresh from local or fish and chips at the not round off a meal Indie Fude distillery and experience waters harbour – the choice is history unfold. Be taken on with a little nip of a Comber, BT23 5DZ yours! a journey and learn how Seafood is at the top locally distilled spirit? Stocking the best of of many menus, with everything Irish and they created their coastal Tracey’s Farmhouse If you’re a visiting spirits, the history of The Kitchen a daily catch from handmade, choose from hunter-gatherer who more than 600 products and the Killinchy, BT23 6UD the sparkling waters prefers to cook for to get your taste buds heritage of Donaghadee, all Enjoy a hands-on of the Irish Sea and whilst enjoying outstanding experience in stunning themselves, you’ll tingling! Keep an eye out for Strangford Lough spirits. (Tours available see surroundings. Step into be spoilt for choice their special events – from supplying the local meeting local producers, website for details). a 17th century thatched with goods from local restaurant trade. supper clubs to learning to 028 9162 4000 cottage and make your producers. Be sure cook up a storm with local copelanddistillery.com own traditional breads in a Don’t miss the to visit the area’s produce! farmhouse kitchen. Portavogie prawns, artisan markets – 028 9122 6359 The Kitchen Academy 077 1148 4850 local lobsters or Comber Farmers' indiefude.com Bangor, BT19 7PD traceysfarmhousekitchen. oysters. A Cookery School and com Market held on the Centre of Education that is first Thursday of the For a full list of passionate about sharing NI Food Tours month and Market on skills and knowledge. Here, Coach tours to take you off the Square, Portaferry events and how everyone can develop the beaten track where you on the first Saturday we celebrate kitchen confidence and be will meet local producers – of each month April – Food AND Drink inspired to cook and share hear their story and enjoy December. in Ards and North great tasting, healthy food. award-winning food and Down, go to Look out for special events, drink. Tours run over one classes and courses on the day or half day (minimum 10 visitardsandnorth website. people). down.com 077 4674 8215 077 1148 4850 thekitchenacademy.co.uk nifoodtours.com EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 20

Creative Encounters

Known as the ‘Creative Peninsula’, Ards and North Down is Ards Art Centre Boom! Studios bursting with talent. Local artists and makers, inspired and Town Hall Bangor, BT20 3AH Newtownards, BT23 4NP A vibrant workspace for by their surroundings, are showcased and celebrated Home to a variety of the creative industry and in our galleries and craft studios dotted around performances and visitors; running a year the borough. A fantastic programme of exhibitions throughout round programme of leisure classes, exhibitions, festivals and the year. creative activity in the centre 028 9181 0803 of Bangor. performances of dance, drama and music ardsarts.com boomstudios.org.uk make creativity very easy for everyone to embrace and enjoy. Avalon Guitar Factory Bradley Art Newtownards, BT23 4BX Bangor, BT20 5BD Avalon are the leading Contemporary art gallery Cuan Crafts makers of premium owned by renowned Portaferry, BT22 1JY custom guitars in the Northern Irish artist, Terry Owned and managed by UK and Ireland, blending Bradley. Selling a full range Dympna Curran the shop innovation in design with of Bradley’s limited edition has a wonderful selection the finest materials and prints and paper and canvas, of local crafts including uncompromising traditional with originals and some jewellery, textiles, prints, craftsmanship. unique pieces. cards, glass and wood 028 9182 0542 028 9147 3508 sculpture for sale and a avalonguitars.com terrybradley.com variety of craft workshops on offer. It also has a small Battletown Gallery The Craft Room gallery with artwork by local Newtownards, BT23 8SL Comber, BT23 5DZ artists available to buy. The gallery exhibits The Craft Room was 077 7189 0973 contemporary and semi- established in October 2016 traditional art from a range by the founders of the North Discovery Glass of well-known artists . With Down Craft Collective and Comber, BT23 5AP spectacular views of Scrabo showcases the work of A stained glass studio in the Tower and Strangford Lough, local Northern Irish artists, centre of Comber creating it provides a unique setting craftspeople and designers. a wide variety of original in which to enjoy and browse 028 9187 2229 work. Discovery Glass works of art. thecraftroomcomber.com sells beautifully designed 028 9182 2626 collectable glass gifts and thebattletowngallery.com keepsakes, handcrafted by Irene McBride. 028 9187 0181 discoveryglass.co.uk

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Doghouse Gallery Loaf Pottery and North Down Craft Collective Seacourt: The Centre for Studio 1A Comber, BT23 5EG Coffee Shop Holywood, BT18 9BX Contemporary Printmaking Bangor, BT20 4JP Doghouse is a contemporary Crawfordsburn, BT19 1JE The Craft Collective host Bangor, BT19 7QY Home of the Bangor gallery that hosts a wide A new social enterprise arts a market in Holywood An artist and printmaking Drama Club who perform range of carefully selected, centre located in the heart Old School on the second studio facility providing a number of plays and studio made crafts and fine of the picturesque village Saturday of each month weekly, weekend and one- festivals throughout the art by full-time makers. of Crawfordsburn. The café where local designers, day workshops suitable for year, the venue is also used Ranges include jewellery and offers delightful treats while producers and artists, beginners. Groups of five on occasion for talks and accessories, textiles, leather, the arts centre features offering unique handmade or more can request their lectures. Tickets for all plays metal, glass and ceramics. a pottery, art classes and products for sale. own workshop designed available from the Visitor 028 9187 1261 activities for children. northdowncraftcollective. to their own interests. The Information Centre. doghousegallery.co.uk ​Seasonal programme of com Centre also provides a rolling 028 9127 0069 pottery classes and special programme of high quality bangordramaclub.com Eden Pottery events including pizza and NI Silver: Jewellery exhibitions in their gallery. Millisle, BT22 2DH pottery nights and Paint Me Making Workshops 028 9146 0595 The Handcrafted Gallery The Web Theatre Based in the heart of the Glaze Me classes. Holywood, BT18 seacourt-ni.org.uk Newtownards, BT23 4JT Newtownards, BT23 4DE peninsula, Eden makes 028 9185 3340 No experience required for The Handcrafted Gallery is a The only privately owned colourful sponge printed these informative, fun and Spring Cottage Crafts unique retail concept store and independently operated pottery by hand. You can relaxed jewellery making @ The Potting Shed based in Newtownards town theatre in Northern Ireland. create your own piece in its Nora Watson Jewellery workshops. Completely Comber, BT23 5JZ centre. Established by Ards The ground floor of the ‘Pottery Café’ while enjoying Portaferry, BT22 1QJ bespoke workshop for up to Spring Cottage Crafts Business Centre to provide a premises includes a coffee delicious homemade scones, Taking her inspiration from four people. Decide what you overlooks magnificent retail platform and business shop and rehearsal studio. cakes and lunches. the stunning natural beauty want to make beforehand views of the County Down support for local makers in Varied programme. 028 9186 2300 of the Ards Peninsula, Nora and then come and create landscape. While exploring the creative industry. 028 9182 8234 edenpotteryshop.co.uk produces characteristic your masterpiece. the handmade fabric crafts 028 9181 9787 webtheatre.biz designs incorporating 078 7969 8286 at the new gift shop, visitors facebook.com/ simple, rounded, flowing ni-silver.com can also enjoy the ever thehandcraftedgallery forms. The gallery also changing scenery. stocks a wide range of Project 24 028 9187 2320 quality handmade gifts Bangor, BT20 3BH 075 9525 0096 including pottery, glassware, Project 24 is a unique and ceramics, pictures and cards. dynamic temporary art SPACE Theatre 028 4277 1130 project on the seafront SERC Bangor, BT20 4TD norawatsonjewellery.co.uk in Bangor. Wander in and Managed by the local around the pods, talk to College for Further the artists about their work Education, Space Theatre is or consider investing in an home to a range of amateur exclusive piece of art. shows throughout the 0300 013 3333 year. The facility boasts a project24ni.com high specification theatre, industry standard music recording studios and rehearsal spaces. Varied programme. 028 9127 6611 spacebangor.com

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Step Back in Time

You will find yourself steeped in built and natural heritage, Bangor Abbey Boys’ Brigade with 9000 years of history awaiting you in the form of Millisle, BT22 2DS Bangor, BT20 4JE Heritage Museum Built in the 18th century, Bangor Abbey was Millisle, BT22 2LZ holy wells, abbeys and Norman castles. Ballycopeland Windmill is established by Saint Comgall The Museum, based at the only remaining windmill in 558AD and evolved over Ganaway Activity Centre, Visit North Down Museum where you can travel from in Northern Ireland with centuries. It was destroyed by provides a focal point for the Bronze Age to the present day through a series its original mechanism Viking attacks and re-built by the collection and care of still existing. the Ulster-Scots in the 1600s. material illustrating the of exhibitions and displays. Learn about life 028 9082 3207 Today it remains a pivotal work and witness of in the trenches in the early 1900s at the part of Bangor’s Christian the Boys’ Brigade since Somme Museum. Step back in time and Ballyquintin community. the founding of the uncover a way of life from 100 years Portaferry, BT22 1RG 028 9145 1087 organisation in 1883. The beautiful coastal path 028 9186 1297 ago at the Ulster Folk Museum. passes through beaches Bangor Castle (Town Hall) ganaway.co.uk and farmland. From the Bangor, BT20 4BT walk you can take in views The Castle served as a Clandeboye Estate across Strangford Lough to military hospital during the Bangor, BT19 1RN Killard Point and on a clear Second World War and a Home of the and day you can see across the local contingent of the Ulster Ava family the Estate Irish Sea to The Isle of Man. Home Guard drilled in the houses Clandeboye House, 028 4278 7769 grounds. It is now the Council Courtyard and Helen’s nationaltrust.org.uk/ headquarters. Located in Tower. One of Ireland’s strangford-lough picturesque Castle Park grand estates, set in which is also home to the historic parklands with the Ballywalter Park beautiful Bangor Castle largest area of broadleaved Ballywalter, BT22 2PP Walled Garden, it is well woodland in Northern Ballywalter Park is a worth a visit. Ireland. The estate is classic example of an early 0300 013 3333 private however, on special Victorian Country House occasions visitors can enjoy built in the Italianate Bangor Castle Walled Garden a tour or organised event, Palazzo style. It is the home Bangor, BT20 4BT details are listed on the of Lord and Lady Dunleath An award winning Walled website. and it has been in their Garden in the tranquil 028 9185 3457 family for 170 years. (Open grounds of Castle Park. The clandeboye.co.uk by prior arrangement only). garden is divided into four 028 4275 8203 different sections, each with its own horticultural personality. It also boasts two unique pieces of sculpture inspired by the area’s maritime history. 028 9127 0069

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Derry Churches Grey Abbey House Holywood Maypole Kearney Village House Movilla Abbey Portaferry, BT22 1NG Greyabbey, BT22 2QA Holywood, BT18 9AB Portaferry, BT22 1QP and Gardens Newtownards, BT23 9DJ These ruined churches, Grey Abbey House was Holywood is famous for its A showpiece village Portaferry Road, As with many early which are associated with built in 1762 and is the Maypole in the centre of carefully restored by the Newtownards, BT22 2AD monasteries, Movilla Saint Cumain, are a prime third house to be built town. Its origin is uncertain, National Trust to give the One of the most inspiring Abbey was refounded as example of pre-Norman on the site overlooking but according to local authenticity of a traditional and unusual gardens an Augustinian abbey in architecture. Strangford Lough where the folklore, it dates from 1700. fishing village. The village in the National Trust’s the Norman 12th century. 028 9082 3207 Montgomery family has lived A Dutch ship is said to lies three miles to the east ownership. The house has It possesses the best for more than four hundred have run aground on the of Portaferry, with views recently undergone a major collection of 13th century Grey Abbey years. Its architecture, shore nearby, and the crew across to Scotland, the Isle refurbishment. Explore coffin lids with foliate Greyabbey, BT22 2NQ history and setting make it erected the broken mast of Man and the mountains of this exquisite attraction at crosses in the province. This Cistercian Abbey and its one of the most important to show their appreciation Mourne. your leisure and uncover 028 9082 3207 living quarters were founded and beautiful privately of the assistance offered 028 4278 8387 the fascinating stories of 028 9082 3214 in 1193 by Affreca wife of owned country houses to them by the townsfolk. nationaltrust.org.uk/ the family that still resides John de Courcy, the Anglo- in Ulster. (Open by prior The Maypole is still used for strangfordlough there. Explore the woodland Norman invader of East arrangement only). dancing at the annual Merry trails and natural play area Ulster. The Abbey is set in 028 4278 8666 May Day event. Mahee Castle before refuelling with some the landscaped parkland of greyabbeyhouse.com 028 9127 0069 Comber, BT23 6EP tasty treats in the Tea the 18th Century Rosemount Mahee Castle, also known Room. House. However, visitors Grey Point Fort Holywood Priory as Nendrum Castle, is a 028 4278 8387 should note that these Helen’s Bay, BT19 1LE Holywood, BT18 9AD small ruined tower house nationaltrust.org.uk/ grounds are private. Visitors Situated between Helen's Dating back to the 13th near Nendrum Monastery mount-stewart are welcome to wander Bay and Crawfordsburn, century, the Priory boasts on Mahee Island in among the ruins and the Grey Point Fort houses a rich ecclesiastical heritage. Strangford Lough. It was lawns, where picnics are also two spectacular guns and It was the town’s parish built in 1570 by Captain permitted. a most unusual hands-on church from 1615 to 1844. Thomas Browne. 028 9082 3207 military museum. It also In the churchyard are buried hosts a number of special Robert Lloyd Praeger, the Millin Bay Cairn commemorative events renowned naturalist and his Portaferry, BT22 1QB during the year. sculptor sister Rosamund. A neolithic burial site 028 9082 3207 028 9127 0069 which has been covered greypointfort.magix.net over (leaving the tops of the tallest stones visible) giving it the appearance of a stone circle. The site was excavated in 1953 and 15 individuals were found buried on the site. The site has since been back filled to protect it.

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Nendrum Monastery Portico Arts and Scrabo Tower and Somme Museum Mahee Island, BT23 6EP Heritage Centre Country Park Newtownards, BT23 7PH Nendrum is thought to Portaferry, BT22 1LE Scrabo Road, The Somme Museum have been set up by Originally built in 1841, Newtownards, BT23 4SJ examines Ireland’s role Saint Machaoi in the 5th Portico opened as an Arts One of the area’s best in the 1st World War Century and is linked to and Heritage Centre in known landmarks, Scrabo with special reference Saint Patrick in a much later 2016 following an extensive Tower boasts incredible to the cross-community source. It is thought to be restoration. Today Portico is views over Strangford involvement in the three Ulster Folk Museum the best example of a pre- a multi-purpose venue that Lough and the surrounding local volunteer Divisions: Bangor Road, Norman monastic site in hosts cultural, educational countryside. There are the 10th and 16th (Irish) , BT18 0EU Northern Ireland. and heritage events walking trails taking in the Divisions and the 36th Step back in time and 028 9082 3207 and activities including fine beech woodlands and (Ulster) Division. experience what life was like film shows, concerts, disused quarries offering 028 9182 3202 in Ulster over 100 years ago. North Down Museum exhibitions, literary events, many opportunities to sommeassociation.com Wander through the Bangor, BT20 4BT talks and much more. A enjoy the surrounding beautiful parkland of the North Down Museum tells particular highlight within countryside. The Tower Saint Cooey’s Wells Ulster Folk Museum, where the story of the North Down the building is Portico’s is open to the public on Tara Bay, BT22 1RF you will encounter costumed Windmill Hill area from the Bronze Age organ, installed in 1917. particular dates only, The wells were founded in locals demonstrating Portaferry, BT22 1NS to the present day through 028 4272 8808 however the parkland is the 7th century by Saint traditional crafts in cottages, On the hill below the stump a series of rooms, each porticoards.com always accessible. Cooey and reopened in 1977. farm dwellings, schools, and of Portaferry Windmill there dedicated to a particular era 028 9182 6846 According to tradition, it shops. is a lay-by and viewpoint. of history. Key artefacts on Priory discovernorthernireland. was here that Saint Cooey 028 9042 8428 Enjoy breathtaking views display include the Bronze Newtownards, BT23 7FW com performed his penitential nmni.com/ufm of Strangford Lough from Age Ballycroghan Swords, Today you can see the exercises in the late 7th the mouth of the lough the Bangor Bell from the remains of the 13th century Sketrick Castle and early 8th centuries. The Ulster Transport Museum to Greyabbey with the hugely important Bangor church, with some additions Killinchy, BT23 6QH foundations of a church, Bangor Road, woods of Castle Ward, Abbey settlement, and from later centuries. The Sketrick Castle is located modern altar and three holy Cultra, BT18 0EU Portaferry Demesne and the Raven Maps, the only present north aisle and on Sketrick Island which wells can be found. Be transported back in time the picturesque village of complete folio of Plantation tower date from the early is reached by a causeway and explore one of the most Strangford in front of you. era maps in Ireland. 17th century. The entrance on the west coast of Church comprehensive transport 028 9127 1200 to the tower of the former Strangford Lough. This large Comber, BT23 6AF collections in Europe. northdownmuseum.com priory is acknowledged as tower house was built in the The ruins of a late 15th You’ll find majestic one of the most striking mid-15th century and was and early 17th century locomotives, horse- Portaferry Castle examples of renaissance actively involved in warfare church set in beautiful drawn carriages, vintage Portaferry, BT22 1NZ architecture from the early during the 16th century. surroundings. motorbikes, and cars at the Portaferry Castle is a 16th- 17th century. 028 9082 3207 028 9082 3207 Ulster Transport Museum, century tower house, built 028 9082 3207 along with exhibits of by the Savage family and historical materials including prominently located on the photographs of the Titanic. slope overlooking Portaferry 028 9042 8428 harbour within sight of nmni.com/utm Strangford and Audley’s Castles across the water. 028 9082 3207 For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 30

Enjoy Family Fun

Family time is precious. Take the opportunity to make The Ark Open Farm Ballymenoch Park Castle Espie Wildfowl memories with the kids. Go fairy hunting in the woods, Newtownards, BT23 7PH Holywood, BT18 OLP and Wetland Centre A charming attraction where Close to the attractive 78 Ballydrain Road, fly a kite on the beach, or have a picnic in the park. education meets farmyard town of Holywood you can Comber, BT23 6EA Visit Exploris Aquarium to discover the secrets of family fun. Open all year wander among twenty Set on the shores of the the sea – and meet the resident African Nile round. Set in over forty acres acres of woodland and lush stunning Strangford Lough, crocodile – or enjoy a miniature train ride, of unspoiled countryside, parkland that run alongside Castle Espie is a tranquil the farm is a loving home the famous Bangor Road. and friendly centre for all water zorbing and mini golf at Pickie to at least 200 different The park is open all year and the family. Hides and nature Funpark. There’s also a host of indoor kinds of animals. Be sure has wonderful displays of walks allow you to get close leisure facilities such as cinemas, to explore the new nursery wild flowers throughout the to the wild birds and the museums and go karting rhyme themed fairy tale seasons. collection of endangered forest, added in 2018. Check 028 9127 0069 ducks, geese and swans to enjoy. With so many the website for information from around the world. attractions to choose on events held throughout Balloo Nature Reserve Outdoor natural play spaces from, there is plenty the year. Bangor, BT19 7PG are fun for little ones to burn of family fun to 028 9182 0445 Balloo Nature Reserve is off energy; with adventure thearkopenfarm.co.uk perfect for a family stroll play, a zip wire, a tall tree be had. while looking at the local house, a wobbly bridge and Air-tastic Inflata & Ninja flora and fauna. The Reserve tree swings to enjoy, they Adventure Centre has a range of wildlife and will be spoilt for choice! Bangor, BT19 7AG plant life. 028 9187 4146 Ireland’s favourite 028 9127 0069 wwt.org.uk/wetland- trampoline park. Featuring ulsterwildlife.org centres/castle-espie interconnected trampolines, an obstacle course, foam Cairn Wood Castle Park pits, dodgeball, jump Holywood, BT19 1UT Bangor, BT20 4BT challenges, gladiator battle Get away from it all in this A walk through this beams, a huge airbag and hilly hinterland. An idyllic wooded wonderland is an much more! elevated conifer forest that exhilarating experience 028 9185 7306 overlooks Ballysallagh trout- throughout the seasons. air-tastic.com fishing reservoir. Obtain the Castle Park 028 4377 2249 Nature Trail Guide from North Down Museum, located in the grounds of Castle Park with Bangor Castle (Town Hall), and follow the arrowed pathways. 028 9127 0069

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Exploris Aquarium Glen Lyon Park Kiltonga Nature Reserve Pickie Funpark Thunder Park @ The Rope Walk, Holywood, BT18 9BX Newtownards, BT23 4TT Marina Gardens, Bangor Eddie Irvine Sports Castle Street, A quiet spot on Church Road The reserve is located half a Promenade, BT20 5AG Bangor, BT19 7PG Portaferry BT22 1NZ in Holywood, this park offers mile outside Newtownards One of the top ten visitor BMX, skate and scoot. Or A sunken galleon, friendly eleven acres of woodland town centre. Mallards, attractions in Northern try your skills at DJing and sharks, super cute seals along the steep banks of the little grebe, moorhens and Ireland, the park provides breakdancing. Designed with and an otter family all star quaintly named Twistle Burn. coots are always present. A a fun day out for all and progression in mind, the in Northern Ireland’s only Perfect for a relaxing family pathway around the lakes features an 18 hole minigolf park features Ireland’s only aquarium located on the walk. allows for closer inspection course, giant pedal swans, RESI-Ramp accompanied shores of Strangford Lough. 028 9127 0069 of the birds and is suitable Pickie Puffer train, children’s with training foam pit. With You will enjoy a diver’s view for pushchairs and disabled play area, children’s electric half pipes, jump boxes and a of marine life from around Happy Town Indoor Play access. car track, splash pads and mini pump track for ages of the world. Get ‘hands on’ Newtownards, BT23 8NN café. 4 years +. with our native species A large family entertainment Kingsland Play 028 9145 0746 028 9145 1457 as you tickle the belly of centre, soft play suitable for and Picnic Area pickiefunpark.com thunderactionsports.com/ a small shark and feel the children zero to 11. Happy Bangor, BT20 5HD thunder-park spikes on a sea urchin. Take Town is a fully themed Follow the Seacliff Road past Redburn Country Park in the colourful coral reefs imaginary town with the Long Hole, along the Holywood, BT16 1YP of the Tropical Ocean and resident characters, Mayor rocky panoramic shoreline Featuring 7km of pathways see if you can find ‘Nemo’ Tumbledown and Naughty to beautifully landscaped Redburn Country Park is and ‘Dory’ before entering Norris, the mischievous Kingsland near Ballyholme set on a hill above Belfast the smugglers' cove where school boy. and Royal Ulster Yacht Club. Lough with spectacular sharks circle above you. 028 9181 5533 Play a round on the elevated views. Those energetic Don’t forget to explore the happytown.uk.com ‘Pitch and Putt’ course with visitors who climb to the top Drumawhey dark depths of the reptile its breathtaking views of of the Country Park will be Junction Railway filled rainforest where our Harness Adventure Ballyholme Bay and the rewarded with spectacular Donaghadee, BT21 OLZ snappy crocodile and green Bangor, BT19 7TA Antrim Coast or enjoy a views of Belfast and the This is a miniature railway gecko hide. If you’ve got a head for game of tennis. There’s also south Antrim hills. operating steam, petrol and 028 4272 8062 heights and a sense of a playground and picnic 028 9185 3621 diesel hydraulic and electric explorisni.com adventure come and try this area. Ward Park locomotives. The line is the indoor high ropes course. 028 9127 5622 Snakes ‘n’ Ladders Bangor, BT20 4LG longest 7 1/4” gauge railway Glastry Nature Reserve Challenge yourself to Indoor Play Ward Park covers an area in Ireland. Ballyhalbert, BT22 1DQ complete an 18-obstacle Omniplex Cinema Bangor, BT20 3JN of 37 acres and among its 028 9188 3844 Consisting of several lakes course. Bangor, BT20 4JH Snakes 'n' Ladders is one of attractions are a children’s drumawhey.com formed by digging clay 075 4730 4228 Features include: free Northern Ireland’s largest playground, all weather for the nearby Glastry harnessadventure.co.uk parking, 7 Screen Cinema, soft play centres with play hockey pitches, cricket Elite Archery Brickworks, the site covers Candy King Pic’n’mix, frames, a baby and toddler pitch, bowling greens, 79 Cootehall Road, approximately 40 acres. IMC Cinema assigned seating, section, go karts, 5-a-side putting green and tennis Bangor BT19 1UP These flooded clay pits Newtownards, BT23 4EU automated ticket purchase football pitch, party rooms courts. It also has a chain Archery for all ages and are now managed by the Showing the latest releases and collection points, 3D and a café. of small lakes providing abilities. The ideal venue National Trust as a wildlife and 3D offering. Facilities performances, VIP seating 028 9147 7913 wildfowl sanctuary with for parties, groups and reserve. There is a carpark include, Candy King, in selected screens, disabled snlplay.com many interesting specimens individuals. and pleasant walks around ticketing self-service and seating locations in all and dry pens containing a 078 4140 3207 the lakes on the south side free car parking. screens. large variety of exotic birds. adventuretraining.org.uk of Victoria Road. 028 9182 1000 028 9139 0111 Facilities must be booked via 028 4278 7769 imccinemas.ie omniplex.ie Bangor Sportsplex. 028 9127 0069

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Get Active

There are lots of opportunities to get active in Ards and North Down Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing Bangor Sportsplex Eddie Irvine Sports with excellent indoor and outdoor leisure facilities. Follow one of and Leisure Complex Bangor, BT19 1LU Bangor, BT19 7PG Newtownards, BT23 4DB The range of facilities Open all year round, Eddie our walking or canoe trails to explore more. The area boasts Representing an investment available makes this a great Irvine Sports has one of many prestigious golf courses including Ireland’s oldest – of more that £30M, this all round venue including Northern Ireland’s largest The Royal Belfast, Rory McIlroy’s Holywood home club centre delivers the most grass pitches, a floodlit indoor purpose built karting and Kirkistown Castle Links. modern and advanced all-weather astro turf tracks and is home to indoor leisure amenities including: pitch and an eight lane 3G field turf pitches. Eddie contemporary gym, luxury athletics track. Irvine Sports also offers a spa, six lane main pool 028 9127 5622 wide range of professional and minor pool, a splash leisureardsandnorthdown. soccer coaching sessions play area for toddlers and com suitable for all ages. young children, a soft play 028 9145 1457 area and adventure zone, Bed and Bike eddieirvinesports.com covered astro turf area, Northern Ireland diversity playzone, pump Comber, BT23 5JW Elephant Bikes track and wheelpark. Guided cycle routes that will Bangor, BT20 5ED 028 9181 2837 take you ‘off the beaten track’. Why not discover beautiful leisureardsandnorthdown. 077 6898 1567 Bangor and nearby villages com bedandbikenorthernireland on an Elephant Bike? Bikes .com are available for hire from Ards and North Down Bangor Aurora Aquatic Bangor Marina, (April – is proud to have five and Leisure Complex Birr House Riding Centre September) for just £10 per Green Flag Awards, Bangor, BT20 4TH Holywood, BT16 1UA day or £6 per half day. for parks and open The Complex offers an Established in 1974 Birr 028 9145 3297 spaces. excellent choice of sporting House Riding Centre and leisure activities provides riding lessons, pony Field of Dreams Ballymenoch Park including leisure waters days and weekly courses. Bangor, BT19 7QE Holywood BT18 0LP with flumes and sidewinder 028 9042 5858 Choose from clay target Kiltonga Nature slide, three swimming pools birrhouseridingcentre.com shooting, target archery Reserve Newtownards a health suite, squash (indoors and outdoors), BT23 4TT courts and children’s soft Comber Leisure Centre archery, golf, orienteering Londonderry Park adventure play area. Comber, BT23 5DY and coarse fishing. Newtownards 028 9127 0271 The centre offers a range of 078 7283 7056 BT23 8SG bangoraurora.com leisure facilities including a fieldofdreamsni.com fitness suite, a health suite, Castle Park a sports hall and children’s Bangor soft play area. BT20 4BN 028 9187 4350 Linear Park leisureardsandnorthdown. Bangor com BT19 6TH

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Ganaway Activity Centre Hollow Farm Shooting Kirkistown Motor Northern Ireland Portaferry Sports Centre Ulster Flying Club Millisle, BT22 2LZ Ground Ltd Racing Circuit Microlight Flying Portaferry, BT22 1ND Newtownards, BT23 8SG Ganaway can offer a range Comber, BT23 5SA Kircubbin, BT22 1AU Newtownards, BT23 8SG Enjoy sports facilities, Ulster Flying Club offer a of personal development Hollow Farm Shooting Featuring car racing, NI Microlights is an fitness classes, a sports hall service to the public where and team building activities Ground has a huge range of motorbike racing, kart and independent Flight Training and outdoor training centre. you can take air experience such as high level ropes fun activities such as clay superkart racing, sprints, School operating from (Open Monday to Friday flights, flying lessons to course, low level ropes pigeon range with skeet, autotesting, duathlons, cycle the Ulster Flying Club 5pm-10pm, Saturday 9am- PPL, NPPL, IMC and Night course, archery, climbing Olympic skeet, compact races and track days for both at Newtownards Airport 6pm, Sunday 1pm-6pm.) Ratings, to small JARFCL and abseiling, kayaking and sporting and Down the Line. cars and motorbikes. Lots offering a comprehensive 028 4272 8833 syllabus. Qualified pilots laser clay pigeon shooting. 028 9752 8381 of spectating points. Great range of Microlight related leisureardsandnorthdown. can also hire an aircraft 028 9186 1297 facilities. Café at main events. services including trial flights com from a fleet of high quality ganaway.co.uk Ireland Off-Road 028 4277 1325 and Full National Private aircraft, C-172’s and C152’s. Experience kirkistown.com Pilots Licence (NPPL). Queens Leisure Complex Microlight Flight Training Gransha Equestrian Centre Bangor, BT18 1RN 028 9146 2728 Holywood, BT18 9HL and Helicopter Flight Bangor, BT19 7QD Offroading (4x4) from half Londonderry Park 077 4076 6443 Queens Leisure Complex Training is also available. A British Horse Society day sessions for one, to Newtownards, BT23 8SG nimicrolights.co.uk features a range of activities 028 9181 3327 approved riding school and entire company days out. Londonderry Park provides and sports facilities for all livery yard, facilities include 028 9185 2111 modern pitches and Parkrun the family. two large indoor arenas, an ni-offroad.com facilities for sports and an Bangor, BT20 4JZ or 028 9042 1234 Antwerp Arena and a 30 outdoor area. There are Comber, BT23 5AR leisureardsandnorthdown. jump cross country course. Kayakshack facilities for playing football, There are two local parkruns com The all-weather Derby Newtownards, BT23 4GL hockey, cricket and bowls. in Ward Park, Bangor and Arena has a superb water Kayak hire. A roof rack is 028 9181 0614 Parkway, Comber every complex and sunken lane. required for kayak hire. leisureardsandnorthdown. Saturday morning at 9.30am 079 5650 0660 Buoyancy aids are provided. com where you would be more granshaequestrian.com 077 8946 5703 than welcome to come and Mobile Team Adventure run 5k against the clock! Heli-Power Outdoor Pursuits and Team parkrun.org.uk/bangor Newtownards, BT23 8SG Building activity packages parkrun.org.uk/comber Helicopter pleasure flights and courses for corporate of County Down, Belfast, clients, as well as small Stormont and Titanic areas. businesses, adult groups, Prices on request. Helicopter youth groups, schools, pilot licence training and community groups and one-off trial flight lessons individuals. are also provided. 028 9064 6695 028 9181 1971 mobileteamadventure.co.uk helipower.co.uk

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Ardminnan Golf Course Bradshaw’s Brae Golf Centre Donaghadee Golf Club Holywood Golf Club The Royal Belfast Golf Club Scrabo Golf Club Portaferry, BT22 1QJ Newtownards, BT23 4TS Donaghadee, BT21 0PQ Holywood, BT18 9LE Craigavad, BT18 0BP Newtownards, BT23 4SL Situated in a scenic spot Bradshaw’s Brae Golf Situated on the North A parkland course set in Royal Belfast Golf Club Renowned for its narrow, overlooking the Irish Sea, Driving Range is the oldest Down Coast, at the mouth the hills of County Down. lays claim to the title of gorse-bordered fairways, this 9-hole treat is perfect in Ireland, established in of Belfast Lough, with Holywood is well known the oldest golf course accurate driving is essential, for starting a day’s touring 1965. The driving range stunning views across to for its most famous home in Ireland. Royal Belfast no more so than at the 424m with a quick round featuring consists of 16 covered the Copeland Islands. The grown player; European provides a stern golfing par 4 1st hole which Christy water hazards, challenging floodlit bays, 10 new course is 18-hole par 71 and and world touring challenge. At the heart of O’Connor Senior described holes and other parkland outdoor bays and a part links. professional Rory McIlroy. its varied challenges is the as “one of the best opening pleasures. professional teaching bay. 028 9188 3624 The Club is very proud to constant requirement for holes in Ireland”. 028 4277 1321 It also includes a putting donaghadeegolfclub.com be associated with Rory accuracy rather than length, 028 9181 2355 green and bunker. and have a special area providing all levels of golfer scrabogolfclubni.com Bangor Golf Club 028 9181 3484 Groomsport Golf Centre within the Clubhouse paying with a fair test of golf. The Bangor, BT20 4RH bradshawsbraedriving Groomsport, BT19 6LX homage to his career and numerous bunkers and A charming but challenging range.co.uk Groomsport Golf Centre has achievements so far. subtly sloped greens ensure 18-hole Championship 16 inside floodlit bays and 028 9042 3135 that posting a low score is course set in parkland Golf Club over 100 yards of outside holywoodgolfclub.co.uk indeed a difficult feat. with picturesque views of Carnalea, BT19 1EZ hitting bays. Qualified PGA 028 9042 8165 Ballyholme Bay. Long on history and professionals, Neil Dunlop Kirkistown Castle Golf Club royalbelfast.com 028 9127 0922 challenges, this 18-hole and Gareth Graham, are on Cloughey, BT22 1JA bangorgolfclubni.co.uk course, divided into two nines hand for lessons, custom Kirkistown Castle Golf Club by the Bangor to Belfast fitting and sales advice. is a unique Irish Links golf Blackwood Golf Centre rail line, covers an area of 028 9147 3586 course and clubhouse Bangor, BT19 1GB approximately 88 acres. groomsportgolfcentre.com situated on the eastern Blackwood Golf Centre is 028 9127 0368 shores of County Down, situated in the heart of the carnaleagolfclub.com Helen’s Bay Golf Club on the beautiful Ards beautiful parklands of the Helen’s Bay, BT19 1TL Peninsula. Clandeboye Estate. Few Clandeboye Golf Club The nine hole course is a 028 4277 1233 facilities in Northern Ireland Conlig, BT23 7PN good test of accurate golf kirkistowncastlegolfclub. boast an 18-hole par 3 course Boasting two excellent and has been enjoyed by com and a driving range where courses – the Dufferin and members and visitors alike you can develop your skills, the Ava. The vistas from for its challenging course, along with an outstanding the Dufferin over Belfast welcoming atmosphere and Championship course. Lough and Scottish coast wonderful views. 028 9185 2706 and Strangford Lough 028 9185 2815 blackwoodgolfcentre.com from the Ava create the helensbaygc.com perfect golfing ambience. The Championship Dufferin course offers a demanding test. 028 9127 1767 cgc-ni.com

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Itineraries 1 2 Ideas to inspire your stay… STOP 1 STOP 2 Start your day in the busy town of Then head to Scrabo Tower, located Newtownards, home to our Visitor just minutes outside the town centre Information Centre (VIC) and an in Scrabo Country Park; it provides the Route 1 array of independent and high perfect vantage point for a picturesque street stores and cafés. Our expert view across Strangford Lough and the 3 VIC advisors will happily advise you area you will be exploring. The tower on how best to start your journey of was built in 1857, after the potato exploration, providing helpful maps famine. The scenes from the top and guides to keep you right. You are well worth the 10-minute can also purchase books, souvenirs climb. STOP 3 or a special gift. From Scrabo Country Park 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 4 STOP 5 STOP 6 Next, venture further along the peninsula For gin and whiskey lovers, the next stop is After sampling a little whiskey, finish to Greyabbey, perhaps stopping at one a must: Echlinville Distillery. The distillery your day in Donaghadee. Here you will of the local eateries en route for a mid- is on the grounds of Echlinville Estate, find charming cafés, much loved pubs morning coffee and scone. Or explore the founded by the Echlin family in 1730. Learn and award-winning restaurants that are village itself, which is renowned for its about the art of whiskey, gin and poitin- receiving rave reviews for their tasty quaint antique shops before taking time to making on one of the distillery’s tasting and inventive dishes. Sample some of explore Grey Abbey: the best example of tours. Look out for Echlinville’s popular gin our famous local seafood or sit down to Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in evening events or consider sitting down to a more traditional dinner built around Ulster. Download the heritage trail straight an afternoon tea with a difference. Be sure our staple spuds. Finish the day with a to your phone; at the touch of a button, to book your tour in advance at night-time stroll to view Donaghadee you can listen to the story of Greyabbey’s echlinville.com Lighthouse. 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. 6 5 4

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Route 2

1 2 3 4

STOP 1 STOP 2 STOP 3 STOP 4 Begin today in Comber – the home of From Comber travel to Castle Espie, a Next head to Lisbane, a small village Journey a short distance to Mahee Island great taste – where you can enjoy the wetland reserve managed by the Wildfowl between Balloo and Comber, home to which boasts breathtaking views of local crafts and artisan food scene, and Wetlands Trust. The reserve has The Old Post Office Tea Rooms. The Strangford Lough. While on the island with many local shops selling unique, incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and building dates back to the 1840s and was take time to explore Nendrum Monastery. handmade goods. Ards and North Down a fascinating visitor centre that you’ll not restored to create a charming eatery that Founded in the 5th century by St Machaoi, is home to the greatest concentration of want to miss. With the centre providing offers a unique dining and hospitality some remains of this Christian Monastery professional artists and craftspeople in views of almost the entire population experience. It is the perfect place to refuel. can still be seen, and it is believed to Northern Ireland, so you are bound to find of the world’s Brent geese wintering on be the best example of a pre-Norman something ’arty’ that inspires you. Then Strangford Lough, you’ll want to bring your monastic site in Northern Ireland. tantalise your taste buds with homegrown camera! foods and locally brewed drinks; eat in a cosy café 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 5 famous for its award-winning produce that includes fresh breads, delicious jams, chutneys and vegetables. STOP 5 The Killinchy area 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. If you are still looking for those stunning lough views head to Daft Eddy’s nestling on Sketrick Island. Renowned for its fresh food and wonderful hospitality you will not be disappointed. Alternatively, the hugely successful Poacher’s Pocket oozes modern country charm. This Michelin recommended restaurant provides great tasting food and even better portions.

For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 44

Route 3

1 2 3

STOP 1 STOP 2 STOP 3 Start your day in Bangor. A walk along Visit Bangor Abbey where you can learn Then head to North Down Museum to the North Down Coastal Path – which about Christian Heritage and how the discover the region’s history. Northern provides fabulous views of one of the abbey grew to become one of the most Ireland’s most visited small museum tells finest shorelines on the island – and a important seats of learning in Ireland. the story of the North Down area from the coffee in one of the town’s cafés will Today it remains a pivotal part of Bangor’s Bronze Age to the present day through wake you up before you delve into the Christian community. a series of rooms, each dedicated to a town’s rich history. 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 bite to eat.

4

STOP 4 STOP 5 Next, journey to Holywood via the Ulster Renowned for its speciality boutiques and in the prestigious Michelin guide – are Folk Museum and Ulster Transport café scene, Holywood town – which is the perfect places to end a few days Museum. Here you can experience what home to pro-golfer, Rory McIlroy – is the well-spent. Treat yourself to a three- life was like in Northern Ireland over 100 perfect place to while away a few hours. course meal made from locally sourced years ago in the folk park, and explore ingredients and indulge in a glass of one of the most comprehensive transport The town’s award-winning brasseries and something special… collections in Europe where you’ll find restaurants – several of which feature a perfect end to a packed stay! majestic locomotives, horse-drawn carriages, vintage motorbikes and rare cars. 5

For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 46

Guided Tours Autumn/Winter Events September 2019 – March 2020 Our programme of unique guided tours provides the In Ards and North Down we are proud to have perfect opportunity for you to explore Strangford an extensive and varied events programme. Lough, the Ards Peninsula and North Down. You Whether you are a foodie, a nature lover, explorer, are sure to be impressed by the outstanding historian or a family looking to enjoy time scenery, rich heritage, history and culture. together, there’s something for you. Keep in touch with the latest news and events: visitardsandnorthdown.com

Every tour is escorted by experienced guides keen to share with you the wonderful history and stories of this magnificent area. They’ll provide that extra special experience that you don’t normally get on a regular visit or access to places that are normally closed to the general public. The programme runs until January. Tickets should be booked in advance.

For more information and to book, visitardsandnorthdown.com/ guidedtours or pick up one of our free Guided Tours booklets from any Visitor Information Centre. EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 48

September

Sunday 1 September Saturday 7 September Saturday 7 September MONTHLY MARKETS Mini train rides, Drumawhey Ards Beach Clean Elvis Spectacular Junction Railway Strangford Lough. Meeting Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE Comber Donaghadee, BT21 0LZ point: Floodgates car park, 7.30pm Farmers’ Market: 1pm-4pm Newtownards, BT23 8WZ 028 4272 8808 First Thursday in the 028 9188 3844 1pm-2.30pm porticoards.com month Drumawhey.com Mount Stewart Rangers’ Cost: £17 St Mary’s Parish Church, £3 (Ad), £2 (Ch) | Cash only office:028 4279 7769 BT23 5DU nationaltrust.org.uk/ Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 9am-1pm mount-stewart September Perfect for the artisan Sunday 1 September Cost: No charge, donations Mount Stewart food lover. Family Fun, Cockle Row welcome. Thursday 5 September to Conversations Guided Tours this month combermarket.co.uk Cottages Sunday 8 September 10am-5pm Pre-book via Groomsport, BT19 6JR Donaghadee Lights Up 028 4278 8387 visitardsandnorthdown. Portaferry: Entertainment: 2pm-4pm, Festival nationaltrust.org.uk/ com/guidedtours Market on the Square Cottages open: 11am-5pm Throughout Donaghadee mount-stewart First Saturday in the Aldo’s End of Summer Various times, visit Cost: Admission to Mount Saturday 14 September month Party. website for full details. Stewart free. Selected talks Strangford Lough Boat Market House, BT22 1LN 028 9127 0069 Continuing to build on will have a ticket charge and Tour 10am-1.30pm visitardsandnorthdown. the success of last year will be available to book in Portaferry A family orientated com this event has just got advance. 2pm-4pm market. bigger and better. The Tourism Grant Aided event. £12 (Ad), £6 (Ch) Red Hot Chilli Pipers will WEEKLY MARKETS Saturday 7 September headline the event on Saturday 21 September Every Saturday in September Portaferry Visitor Saturday night followed Sunday 8 September Woodland and Whiskey Bangor: Wednesdays Tour and Tipple, Echlinville Information Centre by a fireworks finale. Family Fun, Cockle Row Tour Asda Carpark, Distillery The Stables, Castle Street, Throughout the weekend Cottages Mount Stewart and BT20 4SD Kircubbin, BT22 1AJ BT22 1NZ you can enjoy food, boat Groomsport, BT19 6JR Echlinville Distillery 7am–1pm Times vary. Adults only. Entertainment: 2pm-4pm, and historical tours. Entertainment: 2pm-4pm, 2pm-6.30pm 028 4273 8597 Centre open: 10am-5pm Some events require Cottages open: 11am-5pm £25 (over 18s only) Newtownards: echlinville.com Bricks 4 Kids Slime booking. Concert is free. Wee Critters Animal Saturdays Cost: £18pp. Booking Workshop. 028 9182 6846 Roadshow. Saturday 28 September Conway Square, essential 028 4272 9882 028 9127 0069 028 9127 0069 Tea with the Lord BT23 4NP visitardsandnorthdown. visitardsandnorthdown. visitardsandnorthdown. Ballywalter Park 8am–4.30pm com com com 1pm-5pm £20 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 50 European Heritage Open Days September

Every year during the Saturday 14 September only Sunday 15 September only Saturday 14 September to Friday 27 September Sunday 29 September second weekend in Saturday 30 November Night at the Aquarium, Art on the Rails, Project 24 North Down Museum and Cockle Row Cottages Migration Trail, WWT Exploris Aquarium Bangor, BT20 3BH Groomsport, BT19 6JR September, hundreds Bangor Castle Castle Espie Portaferry, BT22 1NZ 11am-3pm Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, Entertainment: 2pm-4pm, of properties open Comber, BT23 6EA 7pm-9.30pm project24ni.com BT20 4BT Cottages open: 11am-5pm 028 9187 4146 028 4282 8062 their doors and many 11am-3pm Punch and Judy Show, wwt.org.uk/wetland- explorisni.com organisations put on Bangor Castle, Guided tours: Captain Jack’s centres/castle-espie Cost: £28 (Ad), £20 (Ch, free events across 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm Nautical Knots and Sand Sunday 29 September Prices vary, see website U12yrs) Tour of the Temple, Northern Ireland. (no need to book) Crafts. 028 9127 1200 028 9127 0069 Mount Stewart Sunday 15 September Friday 27 September Portaferry Road, northdownmuseum.com Mini train rides, Drumawhey Friday Night Live: Open both Saturday 14 and Newtownards, BT22 2AD Junction Railway | Children’s Brigid O’Neill Sunday 15 September 12noon-1pm and 2pm-3pm Mount Stewart Safari theme Ards Arts Centre, Conway Portaferry Road, 028 4278 8387 Ballycopeland Windmill Donaghadee, BT21 0LZ Square, nationaltrust.org.uk/ Newtownards, BT22 2AD 1pm-4pm Newtownards, BT23 4NP 10am-5pm 10am-4pm. Tours every half mount-stewart hour from 10am. Last tour at 028 9188 3844 8pm 028 4278 8387 Cost: Normal admission. 3.30pm. Booking essential. Drumawhey.com 028 9181 0803 Members free nationaltrust.org.uk/ £3 (Ad), £2 (Ch) | Cash only ardsarts.com mount-stewart 028 9082 3207 Cost: £8. BYOB, no spirits Sunday 29 September Friday 20 September please Portaferry Visitor Living History Jazz in the Garden, Grey Abbey Ruins Holywood Young Culture Mount Stewart Information Centre Night 2019 Saturday 28 September The Stables, Castle Street, 12noon–4.30pm. Tours 2pm. Portaferry Road, Church Road Car Park, Red Squirrel Day, BT22 1NZ Living History, 12noon–4pm Newtownards, BT22 2AD [Sat only] BT18 9BU Mount Stewart 2pm-4.30pm Entertainment: 2pm-4pm, 5.30pm-7.30pm, with an Portaferry Road, Centre open: 10am-5pm Family fun throughout the 028 4278 8387 day. No booking required. ‘After 8’ Programme for Newtownards, BT22 2AD nationaltrust.org.uk/ Circus Skills Workshop and adults only. 10am-2pm Captain Jack’s Nautical 028 9082 2307 mount-stewart facebook.com/ 028 4278 8387 Knots. Cost: Normal admission. Holywoodculturenight nationaltrust.org.uk/ 028 4272 9882 Living History Members free Newtownards Priory mount-stewart 10am–4pm. Saturday 21 September Cost: Normal admission. Sunday 29 September Living History, 1pm–4pm (Sat Celebration of the Eagles Members free Recital with Malcolm Proud only). No booking required. Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 028 9082 3207 7.30pm Saturday 28 September 3pm 028 4272 8808 Martin Donnelly and 028 4272 8808 porticoards.com Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy porticoards.com Cost: £15 Car Race Meeting Cost: £15, £5 (U25’s) Kirkistown Race Circuit, 103 Friday 20 September to Rubane Road, Kircubbin, Discover the built heritage of Sunday 6 October BT22 1AU Ards and North Down… Aspects Literature Festival 9am-6pm visitardsandnorthdown.com Bangor, various locations 028 4277 1325 028 9127 1200 kirkistown.com aspectsfestival.com Cost: £10 Under 15 free Cost: Ticket prices vary EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 52

October

Until Saturday 30 November Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 MONTHLY MARKETS Migration Trail, WWT Castle October Espie Big Brent Event, WWT Comber Comber, BT23 6EA Castle Espie Farmers’ Market: 028 9187 4146 Comber, BT23 6EA First Thursday in the wwt.org.uk/wetland- Various times month centres/castle-espie 028 9187 4146 St Mary’s Parish Church, Prices vary, see website wwt.org.uk/wetland- BT23 5DU centres/castle-espie 9am-1pm Prices vary, see website Perfect for the artisan food lover. Saturday 12 October combermarket.co.uk Have a go: Stone Walling Strangford Lough. Meeting Portaferry: Point: Orlock Market on the Square 10am-3pm First Saturday in the Mount Stewart Rangers’ month office:028 4279 7769 Market House, BT22 1LN nationaltrust.org.uk/ 10am-1.30pm Friday 4 October mount-stewart A family orientated Kevin McAleer: Guru Cost: No charge, donations market. Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE welcome. Booking essential 7.30pm WEEKLY MARKETS 028 4272 8808 porticoards.com Guided Tours this month Bangor: Wednesdays Cost: £18 Pre-book via Asda Carpark, visitardsandnorthdown. BT20 4SD Every Saturday in October com/guidedtours 7am–1pm Tour and Tipple, Echlinville Distillery Wednesday 23 October Newtownards: Kircubbin, BT22 1AJ Halloween Walking Tour Aspects Festival Saturdays Times vary. Adults only Donaghadee Conway Square, 028 4273 8597 7.30pm-8.45pm Bangor BT23 4NP echlinville.com £6 (Ad), £4 (Ch) 8am–4.30pm Cost: £18. Booking essential 20 September – 6 October 2019 Thursday 24 October Until Sunday 6 October Halloween Walking Tour A celebration of Irish writing Aspects Literature Festival Newtownards Bangor, various locations 7.30pm-8.45pm 028 9127 1200 £6 (Ad), £4 (Ch) aspectsfestival.com Cost: Ticket prices vary aspectsfestival.com EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 54

October

Sunday 13 October Saturday 19 October Friday 25 October Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 Monday 28 October Finghin Collins Kings College Boys Choir The Best Comedy Songs in Saturday 26 October October Red Squirrel Walk and Talk, Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE the World Ever (Maybe) Seapark Fireworks Spooky A-scare-ium!, Mount Stewart 3pm 7.30pm Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 4pm-9pm | Fireworks Exploris Aquarium Portaferry Road, 028 4272 8808 028 4272 8808 7.30pm 7.45pm Portaferry, BT22 1NZ Newtownards, BT22 2AD porticoards.com porticoards.com 028 4272 8808 Children’s funfair, tasty 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm) 8.30am-10.30am Cost: £17, £5 (U25’s) Cost: £15, £5 (U25’s) porticoards.com treats from a selection of 028 4282 8062 028 4278 8387 Cost: £15 food stalls and live music explorisni.com nationaltrust.org.uk/ Friday 18 October Sunday 20 October by local band The Jukes, Normal admission mount-stewart Friday Night Live: Autumn Garden Walk, Friday 25 October make for a great way to Cost: Normal admission The High Lonesome Mount Stewart Music in the Chamber: spend a Saturday night. Sunday 27 October applies, in addition to Ards Arts Centre, Conway Portaferry Road, The Slocan Ramblers The highlight of the Mini train rides, Drumawhey the ticket price for Non- Square Newtownards, BT22 2AD Bangor Town Hall, BT20 4BT evening, a spectacular Junction Railway | Members. Newtownards, BT32 4NP 11am-1pm 8pm show of fireworks over Halloween trains Tickets £5 (Ad), £2.50 (Ch) 8pm 028 4278 8387 028 9127 1200 the shores of Belfast Donaghadee, BT21 0LZ 028 9181 0803 nationaltrust.org.uk/ ardsarts.com Lough. 1pm-4pm Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 ardsarts.com mount-stewart Cost: £12, incl refreshments 028 9127 0069 028 9188 3844 October Cost: £8. BYOB, no spirits Cost: Normal admission, visitardsandnorthdown. drumawhey.com Spellbound Festival, WWT please members free Friday 25 October com £3 (Ad), £2 (Ch) | Cash only Castle Espie Invasion from Planet X, Children in Halloween Comber, BT23 6EA Saturday 19 October 23 and 24 October North Down Museum costume get half price ride Various times Brent Watch, Mount The Dark Side of Ballycultra, Bangor Town Hall, BT20 4BT when accompanied by a 028 9187 4146 Stewart Ulster Folk Museum 8pm-11pm paying adult. wwt.org.uk/wetland- Portaferry Road, As the nights draw in and 028 9127 1200 centres/castle-espie Sunday 27 October Newtownards, BT22 2AD there’s a chill in the air northdownmuseum.com Sunday 27 October Prices vary, see website Halloween at Cockle Row 10am-12noon celebrate Halloween with Cost: £10 (over 18s only) The Haunted Hub Roller Cottages Mount Stewart Rangers’ spooky festivities. Disco, Project 24 Last Wednesday of every Groomsport, BT19 6JR office:028 4279 7769 028 9042 8428 Saturday 26 to Thursday 31 Bangor, BT20 3BH month Entertainment: 2pm-4pm, nationaltrust.org.uk/ nmni.com/whats-on October 4pm-7pm Bird Watch Morning, WWT Cottages open: 11am-5pm mount-stewart Cost: See website Mount Stewart Myths and project24ni.com Castle Espie Tales of the Wild Animal Cost: No charge, donations Legends Comber, BT23 6EA Roadshow, Plant and Play welcome Friday 25 October Portaferry Road, Monday 28 to Thursday 31 10.30am-11.30am Workshop, Captain Jack’s Night at the Aquarium, Newtownards, BT22 2AD October 028 9187 4146 Nautical Knots and Saturday 19 October Exploris Aquarium 11am-3pm Spooky Halloween Event wwt.org.uk/wetland- Geordie's Music Box Tastings at the Temple: Portaferry, BT22 1NZ 028 4278 8387 Ark Open Farm centres/castle-espie 028 9127 0069 Cosy Autumn Evenings 7pm-9.30pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ Bangor Road, Newtownards, Prices vary, see website. visitardsandnorthdown. Portaferry Road, 028 4282 8062 mount-stewart BT23 7PH Booking essential com Newtownards, BT22 2AD explorisni.com Cost: Normal admission, 028 9182 0445 7.30pm-10.30pm Cost: £28 (Ad), £20 (Ch, members free thearkopenfarm.co.uk 028 4278 8387 U12yrs) Cost: See website nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount-stewart Cost: £50, strictly over 18yrs EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 56

Guided Tours this month Pre-book via visitardsandnorthdown.com/guidedtours Saturday 9 November World Wars Coach Tour November Various locations | 9.45am–1.45pm | £10

Until Saturday 30 November Saturday 9 November Thursday 28 November Saturday 23 November Saturday 30 November Migration Trail, WWT Castle Intercultural Festival, Comber Christmas Fair in MONTHLY MARKETS Bangor Christmas Newtownards Christmas Espie North Down Museum the Square Lights Switch On Lights Switch On Comber, BT23 6EA Bangor, BT20 4BT The Square, Comber Comber Farmers’ Bangor Seafront and Conway Square, 028 9187 4146 11am-3pm BT23 5DT Market: Project 24, BT20 5ED Newtownards, BT23 4NP wwt.org.uk/wetland- 028 9127 1200 4pm-8pm First Thursday in the Market 12noon-7pm | 6pm centres/castle-espie northdownmuseum.com 028 9181 4625 month Switch on and fireworks Festive themed family Prices vary, see website Cost: Free admission ardscommunitynetwork. St Mary’s Parish Church, 5.30pm fun including a Christmas com BT23 5DU There will be plenty of market, children’s Every Saturday in November Friday 22 November 9am-1pm festive fun on offer at parade, Santa, plus the Tour and Tipple, Echlinville Friday Night Live: Friday 29 November Perfect for the artisan Bangor seafront, with lights switch on in the Distillery Megan O’Neill Donaghadee Christmas food lover. children’s funfair and Square. Kircubbin, BT22 1AJ Ards Arts Centre, Conway Celebrations combermarket.co.uk food and craft market, 028 9182 6846 Times vary. Adults only Square, Newtownards, BT23 Entertainment at the leading to the lights visitardsandnorthdown. 028 4273 8597 4NP Harbour, followed by Portaferry: switch on in McKee Clock com echlinville.com 8pm fireworks, from 6.30pm. Market on the Square arena with fireworks Cost: £18. Booking essential 028 9181 0803 028 9188 8667 First Saturday in the finale! [best viewing ardsarts.com visitdonaghadee.com month spots, along the coastal Saturday 2 November Cost: £8 BYOB, no spirits Market House, BT22 1LN path and promenade]. The Iconettes and the please Friday 29 and Saturday 30 Saturday 30 November 10am-1.30pm 028 9127 0069 Hitzvilles November Holywood Christmas Lights A family orientated visitardsandnorthdown. Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 Creative Peninsula Switch On market com 7.30pm November Christmas Fayre Facebook.com/Holywood WEEKLY MARKETS 028 4272 8808 Christmas Market, North Ards Arts Centre, CommunityCouncil porticoards.com Down Museum Conway Square, Bangor: Wednesdays Cost: £15 Bangor Town Hall, BT20 4BT Newtownards, BT23 4NP Saturday 30 November Asda Carpark, Sat: 10am-4.30pm, Sun: 10am-5pm Heart of Winter by BT20 4SD Friday 8 November 12noon-4.30pm 028 9181 0803 Lyngo Theatre 7am–1pm Music for an Autumn 028 9127 1200 ardsarts.com Queens Hall, West Street Evening, Mount Stewart northdownmuseum.com Newtownards, BT23 4EN Newtownards: Portaferry Road, 2pm and 7pm Newtownards, BT22 2AD Saturdays Friday 29 November to 21 028 9181 0803 8pm-10pm Conway Square, Last Wednesday of every December, various dates ardsarts.com National Trust Box Office: Cost: £5 BT23 4NP month Santa at Mount Stewart 034 4249 1895 8am–4.30pm Bird Watch Morning, WWT Portaferry Road, nationaltrust.org.uk/ Saturday 30 November Castle Espie Newtownards, BT22 2AD mount-stewart Comber, BT23 6EA 028 4278 8387 Neil Delamere: End of Watch Cost: Tickets £37.15, incl Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 10.30am-11.30am nationaltrust.org.uk/ refreshments 7.30pm 028 9187 4146 mount-stewart wwt.org.uk/wetland- Cost: See website. Booking 028 4272 8808 centres/castle-espie essential porticoards.com Prices vary, see website. Cost: £22 Booking essential EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 58

December

Sunday 1 December – Friday Until 21 December, 6 December – Friday 20 Friday 6 December Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 MONTHLY MARKETS 28 February various dates December. Various dates On your Doorstep December Wild Welly Walks, WWT Santa at Mount Stewart Spirit of Christmas at Christmas Concert with Christmas Movie Weekend, Comber Farmers’ Castle Espie Portaferry Road, Ballycultra the Ulster Orchestra Project 24 Market: Comber, BT23 6EA Newtownards, BT22 2AD Leave the hustle and bustle Bangor Abbey, Newtownards Bangor, BT20 3BH First Thursday in the 028 9187 4146 028 4278 8387 of the high street behind Road, BT20 4JF Seating available 3.30pm, month wwt.org.uk/wetland- nationaltrust.org.uk/ and step back in time to 7pm Movie Screening 4pm St Mary’s Parish Church, centres/castle-espie mount-stewart Ballycultra to experience the Join musicians from the Project24ni.com BT23 5DU Prices vary, see website Cost: See website. Booking magic of a truly traditional Ulster Orchestra and soprano 9am-1pm essential Christmas from 100 years Rebekah Coffey for a special Perfect for the artisan Sundays 1, 8 and 15 ago. night of Christmas music. food lover. December Every Saturday in December 028 9042 8428 028 9127 1200 Saturday 7, Sunday 8, combermarket.co.uk Mini train rides, Drumawhey Tour and Tipple, Echlinville nmni.com/whats-on ardsarts.com Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Junction Railway | Distillery Cost: See website Cost: £10 (Ad), £6 (Ch) Friday 20, Saturday 21, Portaferry: Christmas trains Kircubbin, BT22 1AJ Sunday 22 and Monday 23 Market on the Square Donaghadee, BT21 0LZ Times vary. Adults only Friday 6, Thursday 12, Friday Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December First Saturday in the 12noon-4pm 028 4273 8597 13, Thursday 19 and Friday December Christmas at WWT month 028 9188 3844 echlinville.com 20 December The Carol Ship on Castle Espie Market House, BT22 1LN Drumawhey.com Cost: £18. Booking essential Baby’s First Christmas, Strangford Lough Comber, BT23 6EA 10am-1.30pm £3 (Ad), £2 (Ch) | Cash only Mount Stewart Portaferry and Strangford 028 9187 4146 A family orientated Sunday 1 December Portaferry Road, 4.15pm-9.30pm wwt.org.uk/wetland- market Sunday 1 December – Donaghadee Christmas Newtownards, BT22 2AD 078 3453 9566 centres/castle-espie Tuesday 24 December Celebrations: Community Suitable for under 2yrs. portaferryandstrangford Prices vary, see website. WEEKLY MARKETS Christmas Time Special, Carol Service Bookings available 12-2pm. trust.org Booking essential Ark Open Farm 6.30pm 028 4278 8387 Cost: Free onshore. Normal Bangor: Wednesdays Bangor Road, Newtownards, 028 9188 8667 nationaltrust.org.uk/ ferry charges apply, see Sunday 8 December Asda Carpark, BT23 7PH visitdonaghadee.com mount-stewart nidirect.gov.uk/articles/ Donaghadee Christmas BT20 4SD 028 9182 0445 Cost: Adults £25 (Exc strangford-ferry-fares. Celebrations: Santa Fun Run 7am–1pm thearkopenfarm.co.uk Thursday 5 December prosecco), £30 (Inc prosecco). Tourism Grant Aided event. 2pm Cost: See website. Booking Christmas Gothic by Dyad U2’S free. Booking essential 028 9188 8667 Newtownards: essential Productions Saturday 7 December visitdonaghadee.com Saturdays Space Theatre, SERC Merry Opera present Conway Square, Castle Park Road, Bangor, Handel’s Messiah BT23 4NP BT20 4TD Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 8am–4.30pm 8pm 7.30pm 028 9181 0803 028 4272 8808 ardsarts.com porticoards.com Cost: £12 Cost: £17, £5 (U25’s) EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 60

January February/March

Wednesday 1 January Every Saturday in January Saturday 29 February MONTHLY MARKETS New Years Day Walk, Tour and Tipple, MONTHLY MARKETS Tastings at the Temple: Mount Stewart Echlinville Distillery Winter Warmers, Mount Comber Farmers’ Portaferry Road, Kircubbin, BT22 1AJ Comber Farmers’ Stewart Market: Newtownards, BT22 2AD Times vary. Adults only Market: Portaferry Road, First Thursday in the 11am-1pm 028 4273 8597 First Thursday in the Newtownards, BT22 2AD month 028 4278 8387 echlinville.com month 7.30pm-10.30pm St Mary’s Parish Church, nationaltrust.org.uk/ Cost: £18. Booking essential St Mary’s Parish Church, 028 4278 8387 BT23 5DU mount-stewart BT23 5DU nationaltrust.org.uk/ 9am-1pm Cost: Normal admission Last Wednesday of every 9am-1pm mount-stewart Perfect for the artisan applies, in addition to month Perfect for the artisan Cost: £50. Strictly over 18’s. food lover. the ticket price for Non- Bird Watch Morning, WWT food lover. Booking essential combermarket.co.uk Members. Castle Espie combermarket.co.uk Tickets £10 (Ad), £5 (Ch) Comber, BT23 6EA Every Saturday in February Saturday 28 March WEEKLY MARKETS 10.30am-11.30am WEEKLY MARKETS Tour and Tipple, Car Race Meeting Wednesday 1 January 028 9187 4146 Echlinville Distillery Kirkistown Race Circuit Bangor: Wednesdays Mini train rides, Drumawhey wwt.org.uk/wetland- Bangor: Wednesdays Kircubbin, BT22 1AJ 103 Rubane Road, Kircubbin, Asda Carpark, Junction Railway | New centres/castle-espie Asda Carpark, Times vary. Adults only BT22 1AU BT20 4SD Year’s trains Prices vary, see website. BT20 4SD 028 4273 8597 9am-6pm 7am–1pm Donaghadee, BT21 0LZ Booking essential 7am–1pm echlinville.com 028 4277 1325 1pm-4pm Cost: £18. Booking essential Kirkistown.com Newtownards: 028 9188 3844 Newtownards: Cost: £10 Under 15s free Saturdays Drumawhey.com Saturdays Saturday 1 February Conway Square, £3 (Ad), £2 (Ch) | Cash only Conway Square, Have a go: Hedge laying Last Wednesday of BT23 4NP BT23 4NP Strangford Lough every month 8am–4.30pm Until Friday 28 February 8am–4.30pm Meeting point: Kearney car Bird Watch Morning, WWT Wild Welly Walks, WWT park, BT22 1QF Castle Espie Castle Espie 10am-3pm Comber, BT23 6EA Comber, BT23 6EA Mount Stewart Rangers’ 10.30am-11.30am 028 9187 4146 office:028 4278 7769 028 9187 4146 wwt.org.uk/wetland- nationaltrust.org.uk/ wwt.org.uk/wetland- centres/castle-espie Guided Tours this month mount-stewart centres/castle-espie Prices vary, see website Pre-book via Cost: No charge, donations Prices vary, see website. visitardsandnorthdown. welcome. Booking essential Booking essential com/guidedtours Until Friday 28 February Wednesday 1 January Wild Welly Walks, WWT New Year's Day Historic Castle Espie Ards Walk Comber, BT23 6EA Newtownards 028 9187 4146 1.30pm-3.30pm wwt.org.uk/wetland- £4 centres/castle-espie Prices vary, see website EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 62

THE GEORGIAN GALLERY Thursday 5 December – Wednesday 30 October – Exhibitions Saturday 25 January 2020 Saturday 23 November Thursday 5 September – The Collection – An Art and Movement – An Saturday 28 September exhibition of curated works exhibition by the young Ards Arts Centre Speed Power and Flow – from the Arts Council people of Camphill Newtownards, BT23 4NP A solo exhibition by Northern Ireland Collection. community in the Glencraig Gallery open Mon-Thurs Gavin McCrea Currently the collection area of Ards and North Down 9am-4.30pm, Through his installation, holds over 600 works by These artworks are a Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Gavin places the viewer established and emerging celebration of how we use Sun Closed within his world, attempting visual artists working in our bodies, minds and 028 9181 0803 to give an insight into his Northern Ireland. Many materials to explore mark ardsarts.com fascination with painting, artists represented in making when applying paint Free admission making and ultimately, the collection have major and other medium. the sea. national and international Camphill Community reputations; others are of Glencraig is a community Thursday 3 October – significant local and national devoted to life sharing and Saturday 26 October interest. working with individuals Bardo: An Unknown Country with learning disabilities – A solo exhibition by encouraging a positive way Brian Kielt THE SUNBURST GALLERY of life for all. Bardo comes from the Tibetan word ‘bár-do’ which Thursday 5 September – Thursday 5 December – translates as ‘between two’. Saturday 28 September Saturday 25 January 2020 This exhibition examines Living Conditions – A solo Placing Importance on The the notion of the ‘trauma exhibition by Dublin based Everyday – A solo exhibition paradox’ as a sort of bardo; artist Patrick Horan by Aly Harte where traumatic experiences Living Conditions is a series Acclaimed artist Aly Harte was once confusing and of combined landscape and has unveiled her new terrifying can ultimately figure paintings. The work collection of 12 original lead to positive outcomes of explores meaning as an artworks to celebrate those affected. outcome of relationships. women. Each woman in Horan has an interest in how the collection represents Wednesday 30 October – meaning is made by forming the various pattern of Aly's Saturday 23 November connections between daily life and family – from Home – A Solo Exhibition subjects. mothers of her children’s by Ned Jackson Smyth school friends to women Growing up in Belfast Thursday 3 October – she encounters at the gym, during the Troubles, Ned’s Saturday 26 October women whom she has family home was attacked Balancing Act – A solo known since childhood and periodically. This had instilled exhibition by Sandra self-employed mums, just some negative memories Robinson like herself. however; he still considers Sandra explores how we Belfast as his ‘Home’. This balance the various facets of exhibition examines the our identity – our private and question; where does public, internal and external ‘Home’ lie? and individual or collective selves. EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 64

Exhibitions

Somme Museum 233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, BT23 7PH Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm North Down Museum THE COMMUNITY GALLERY THE LONG GALLERY 028 9182 3202 Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, sommeassociation.com BT20 4BT Tuesday 3 – Sunday Tuesday 22 October – Wednesday 4 September – Wednesday 27 November – 22 September Thursday 21 November Sunday 6 October Sunday 26 January Admission £3, not See website for seasonal Of Mists and Other Northern Soul: A Breath of Writers In The Frame Bangor Rugby Club including tour. opening times Realms Fresh Air This exhibition is part of celebrates 50 years at 028 9127 1200 Local Artists Siuban A collaboration between the Aspects Irish Literature Upritchard Park January 2019 – January northdownmuseum.com Regan, Fiona Schumacher artists/tutors Jackie Crooks Festival programme and will 2021 and Elinor Conn explore and Hilary Hinds using a display works inspired by Free admission None who go return elements that remain variety of media. There will literature including author again in our landscapes, like be oils, acrylics, watercolour, portraits and book-related This exhibition looks at ancient sites, the inherited gouache and printmaking framed pieces. The Festival is the final days of the First traditional folklore and reflective of life, landmarks delighted to present a small World War, the Armistice superstitions. They work and landscape capturing the number of works held in the and the impact of the in many media, including heartbeat of Down and Ards. Arts Council of Northern In the summer of 1966, a War. The exhibition is ceramics, bas relief, show Ireland’s Art Collection. new blueprint for a Bangor made up of material boxes, various types of Tuesday 26 November – Rugby Club was drawn up. from the Museum’s own paint, ink and cold wax and Sunday 5 January Wednesday 9 October – Eleven acres of ground collection, including textiles. Fluid Painting Wednesday 20 November were purchased, and site uniforms, photographs Caroline Hanson is a graphic Our Friendship is there to work began. Upritchard and documents and is Tuesday 24 September – designer and artist with a Be Celebrated... Park was officially opened accompanied by a film. Sunday 20 October love for abstract art. Her Exploring the Sir John in September 1969. This Evocation paintings are created from Newell Jordan Collection exhibition explores the June 2019 – June 2020 The culmination of a shared pouring acrylics which As part of the Council’s long history of the club and D-Day Voices love of the County Down often result in mesmerising PEACE IV: Celebration of celebrates its bright future. A static exhibition land, sea and nature that organic shapes and our Minority Communities examining local artists Pauline Little and patterns. Each painting is programme, this unique, participation in the Heather Allen are inspired by. unique and left to the viewer creative community D-Day landings using to interpret. exhibition celebrates the the first-hand accounts, borough’s cultural diversity. from the Museum’s oral and digital archive, of those who were there. EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 66

Visitor Information Services

Friendly and knowledgeable staff in the Visitor Information Centres can help you with information on accommodation bookings, directions, attractions, activities, events and tickets. The centres are unique in their own way, packed full of souvenirs and free literature. They should be your first port of call!

Ards VIC All year: 31 Regent Street, Mon-Fri 9.15am-5pm, Newtownards, BT23 4AD Sat 9.30am-5pm, 028 9182 6846 Sun closed. Closes between [email protected] 12 noon and 1pm.

Bangor VIC Sep-May: 34 Quay Street, Bangor BT20 5ED Mon-Fri 9.15am-5pm, 028 9127 0069 Sat 10am-4pm, [email protected] Sun closed. Jun-Aug: Mon-Fri 9.15am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm. All year: Closed between Seasonal Centres 1pm and 2pm.

Groomsport VIC Easter Sunday 12 Apr-Sun Cockle Row Cottages, Main Street, 13 Sep Groomsport, BT19 6GH Apr, May and Sep: 028 9127 2269 weekends only 11am-5pm. Jun, Jul, Aug: daily 11am-5pm.

Portaferry VIC Good Friday 10 April-Sun The Stables, Castle Street, 30 Sep Portaferry, BT22 1NZ Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, 028 4272 9882 Sun 1pm-5pm. EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20 PAGE 68

EXPLORE Ards Visitor Information Centre 31 Regent Street, Newtownards County Down BT23 4AD AND UNWIND 028 9182 6846 [email protected] Area map overleaf

Bangor Visitor Information Centre Tower House, 34 Quay Street Bangor BT20 5ED 028 9127 0069 [email protected]

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Trails & Routes

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In-depth literature on these trails, routes 2 miles and must-sees are available at your 3.2 km nearest Visitor Information Centre or This is map is based upon Crown Copyright and visitardsandnorthdown.com is reproduced with the permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright and database right 2017 CS&LA156 We have two Apps available to download for FREE from your Strangford Lough Ferry Service SMS text message alert service: preferred store: Sailings every Strangford – Portaferry Passengers can register to receive SMS • Discover Ards and North Down 30 minutes Departs on the hour and the half hour. text message service updates. You can: • Greyabbbey Village Heritage Trail 0300 200 7898 Text ‘FERRY’ to 67300 to register nidirect.gov.uk/ Portaferry – Strangford Text ‘STOP’ to 67300 to stop articles/strangford- Departs at quarter past and quarter ferry-fares to the hour. Text messages are free in the UK EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2019/20

Emergency Services and Hospitals

Emergency Services: call 999 Fire, Police, Ambulance and Coastguard

Police Service of Northern Ireland: call 101 (non emergency)

Ulster Hospital A&E Upper Newtownards Road Dundonald, Co Down BT16 1RH 028 9048 4511