Attractions and Places To See around Ards - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ards encompass the diverse landscapes of the Ards Peninsula and the wider Ards and North Down area in Northern Ireland. This region is characterized by its coastal features, including Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical significance. Visitors can explore ancient monastic sites, historical landmarks, and various natural features. The area provides opportunities to discover cultural heritage and natural environments.
Best attractions and places to see…
Last updated: April 22, 2026
Sketrick Castle
Highlight • Castle
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Nendrum Monastery Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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Kilmood Church
Highlight • Historical Site
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Ballycopeland Windmill
Highlight • Monument
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The Comber Greenway
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Whiterock Harbour
Highlight • Settlement
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Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Poacher's Pantry
Highlight • Pub
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Donaghadee Lighthouse
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Grey Abbey Ruins
Highlight • Religious Site
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Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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Bike parking, nice coffee and eats, friendly staff, nice view of the lough
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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From Donaghadee visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Irish Sea, where on a clear day you can see all the way to Scotland, only 20 miles away by sea. It was the province’s principle port before Belfast developed. The Harbour was built in 1820's to the design of John Rennie and is part built of limestone from Wales known as "Anglesea marble". On the harbour is Donaghadee's impressive lighthouse, which was built in 1836 and was the first lighthouse in Ireland to be lit by electricity. Sit and rest in the harbour with a bag of chips from Rainy's on the High Street ( on the hill as you roll in to town from Millisle ) Best fryers in the town. Perfect recovery after a long cycle, Irelands oldest Pub - Grace Neills, is only around the corner.
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This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
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This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century, and is linked with St Patrick in a much later source. Notices of Nendrum clergy, including three bishops, begin in the 7th century and the excavation of a sophisticated tide mill on the shore near the site has shown that the mill was active in the early 7th century, which underlines the early importance of Nendrum. References continue until a fire in 976, perhaps a Viking raid, when the head of the church (erenagh) was burned in his house. In the late 12th century a small Benedictine monastic cell was founded on the site, but by 1302–1306 this was the parish church, abandoned for Tullynakill on the mainland in the 15th century. H.C. Lawlor excavated the site from 1922 to 1924, when enclosure walls, church and round tower were restored. The glacial hill is crowned with three concentric walled enclosures, irregularly oval in plan. Little is known of the outer cashel, only partly in state care. In the middle cashel on the south-west side are circular platforms for huts, which excavation suggested were craft workshops, and a rectangular building known as the ‘schoolhouse’, also a workshop. In the inner cashel were the most important buildings, including the church with its graveyard and the base of a round tower north-west of the church. The west wall of the church was rebuilt in the 1920s, incorporating a reconstructed sundial at the south-west corner. Finds from the 1920s excavation, including the well-known bell of Nendrum, are in the Ulster Museum and Down Museum at Downpatrick. Underwater archaeological work in the 1990s showed that there is a stone jetty south-east of the enclosure, now inundated in the lough, and medieval pottery was found close by. ( source: department of communities )
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Perfect way to get out to Comber. Connecting easily with nearby tours of Strangford Lough and Ards. You will be amazed just how quite things get, and all only 30 minutes from Belfast.
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It's home to two yacht clubs: Strangford Lough Yacht Club and 1.5 kilometres (0.95 mi) to the north, Down Cruising Club. Between the two yacht clubs is Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island, now in a state of ruin. To the south of Whiterock is Ballymorran Bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in the Ards area?
The Ards region is rich in history. You can visit the pre-Norman Nendrum Monastery Ruins, dating back to the 5th century, featuring dry-stone walled enclosures and a church ruin. Another significant site is Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island. Don't miss Ballycopeland Windmill, the only remaining working windmill of its kind in the world, or the atmospheric Grey Abbey Ruins, a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1193. Mount Stewart House and Gardens also offers a glimpse into 19th-century heritage.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Ards?
Yes, Ards offers several attractions suitable for families. The Nendrum Monastery Ruins and Sketrick Castle are both family-friendly historical sites. For animal lovers, Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary in Portaferry is Northern Ireland's only aquarium. The Ark Open Farm provides a fun day out in the countryside, and Pickie Fun Park in Bangor has mini-golf, pedal swans, and a children's play area.
Where can I find scenic views and natural beauty in Ards?
The Ards Peninsula is renowned for its natural landscapes. Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop on Sketrick Island offers scenic views across Strangford Lough. Scrabo Tower provides spectacular panoramic views of the lough and North Down. Strangford Lough itself is a Marine Conservation Zone, home to diverse marine life. You can also enjoy the coastline and beaches like Ballyhalbert and Cloughey Bay, or explore WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre for wildlife spotting.
What outdoor activities and walking routes are available near Ards attractions?
The Ards area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy various walking routes, such as the 'Boundary Walk, Mount Stewart' or the 'Killynether Wood and Scrabo Tower' trail. For cycling, The Comber Greenway offers a traffic-free path connecting Belfast to Comber, with connections to Strangford Lough tours. Many easy hiking routes are available, including the 'Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Ards guide and the Easy hikes around Ards guide.
Are there any unique cultural experiences or hidden gems in Ards?
Beyond the main attractions, Ards offers unique cultural experiences. You can visit Eden Pottery, a studio where you can create and glaze your own pottery. For a glimpse into traditional life, the Ulster Folk Museum showcases authentic dwellings and traditional skills. Kearney Village, a National Trust property, offers well-managed coastal walks and fine views of Kilwarlin Lighthouse, providing a charming, less-traveled experience.
Where can I find places to eat and drink near the attractions?
Several places offer refreshments near Ards attractions. Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop on Sketrick Island is popular with cyclists and offers coffee, scones, and meals with scenic views. Poacher's Pantry is another option for food and drink. Many towns like Portaferry and Bangor also have cafes and restaurants.
What are the best places for wildlife spotting in Ards?
Strangford Lough is a prime location for wildlife spotting, recognized for its rich biodiversity with over 2000 species of marine creatures. You might even spot dolphins or killer whales occasionally. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre on the shores of Strangford Lough is an excellent place to see diverse birdlife, including Brent geese in winter. Ballyquintin Farm / Point, a National Trust wildlife reserve at the tip of the Ards Peninsula, also offers opportunities for exploration and wildlife encounters.
Can I find accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
While specific accessibility details vary, many natural parks and museums in the Ards area strive to be accessible. For example, the Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum often have facilities for wheelchair users. It's always recommended to check the individual attraction's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features before your visit.
What are the best beaches in the Ards Peninsula for walking or watersports?
The Ards Peninsula boasts several beautiful beaches suitable for various activities. Popular choices include Ballyhalbert Beach, Ballywalter, Cloughey Bay, Knockinelder, and Millisle Beach. These sandy bays are ideal for walking, bathing, watersports, and picnics, offering windswept shores and intimate settings along the Irish Sea.
What is the significance of Strangford Lough in the Ards region?
Strangford Lough is a jewel of the Ards region, holding significant environmental and cultural importance. It is the largest sea lough in the British Isles and is designated as a Marine Conservation Zone, an Area of Special Scientific Interest, a UNESCO Geopark, and a European Marine Reserve. Its rich ecosystem supports over 2000 species of marine creatures, making it a vital habitat and a fantastic spot for nature observation.
Are there any notable viewpoints in the Ards area?
Yes, the Ards region offers several excellent viewpoints. Scrabo Tower, perched atop Scrabo Hill, provides spectacular views of Strangford Lough and North Down. Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop on Sketrick Island offers scenic vistas across Strangford Lough. Additionally, Donaghadee Lighthouse provides coastal views, and the Nendrum Monastery Ruins site has a bench offering one of the best views of the Lough.
What are the options for cycling in the Ards area?
Cycling is a popular activity in Ards. The Comber Greenway is a fantastic traffic-free path connecting Belfast to Comber, offering beautiful scenery. This greenway is also part of an 82-mile cycle route around Strangford Lough, providing breathtaking coastal views. Many local roads and trails are suitable for cyclists, with scenic routes around the peninsula.
Most popular routes around Ards
Most popular attractions around Ards
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