Your FREE Visitor Guide to Ards and North Down EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN / WINTER 2018 ON BELFAST S DOORSTEP

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1 Your FREE Visitor Guide to Ards and North Down EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN / WINTER 2018 ON BELFAST S DOORSTEP

2 Call into our Visitor Information Centres to discover how best to spend your time in Ards and North Down. Ards Visitor Information Centre 31 Regent Street, Newtownards County Down BT23 4AD Bangor Visitor Information Centre Tower House, 34 Quay Street, Bangor County Down BT20 5ED visitardsandnorthdown.com

3 EXPERIENCE AND ENJOY 01 Start exploring now 03 Walk this way Drive this way Explore our Coastline 09 Great Food Encounters 11 Water s Edge Encounters 17 Creative Encounters 21 Step Back in Time 27 Enjoy Family Fun 31 Get Active 37 Itineraries 43 Autumn/Winter Events 69 Exhibitions 73 Visitor Information Services 74 Emergency Information 75 Accommodation 76 Ards and North Down Map 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 /

4 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Start exploring now Easily reached by car or public transport, a warm welcome is waiting in Ards and North Down, a stunning water s edge destination with rich history that is abuzz with activity and attractions. Located close to Belfast, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city to a place where the seaside and countryside meet. Towns and villages are nestled along the way. From Holywood in the north, to Portaferry in the south and the Ards Peninsula in between, they all have a little something special to offer.

5 PAGE 2 Here are just five facts to encourage you to start exploring The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn is one of Ireland s oldest hotels, with records dating back to The hotel was AA Hotel of the Year Northern Ireland in Former guests include C.S Lewis and Dick Turpin. The worldwide phenomenon, Game of Thrones was filmed in Quintin Bay, near Portaferry. A second door in a series of ten, made from the fallen trees known as the Dark Hedges is housed in Fiddler s Green, Portaferry. The door tells a story of an episode in Game of Thrones season six. Two kilometres south of Ballyhalbert village stands Burr Point, the most easterly point in Ireland. Enjoy a stunning view across the Irish Sea from this renowned vantage point. 4 5 Forget Hollywood, our Holywood is home to a few internationally famous faces of its own, including Golf Star Rory McIlroy and Actor Jamie Dornan. Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin became Northern Ireland s first licensed distillery in over 125 years when it distilled its first spirit in The Distillery is the creator of world renowned Jawbox Gin and Dunville Whiskey. For suggested itineraries to help you make the most of your visit turn to page 37.

6 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Walk this way There is a wealth of forest and recreational parks coupled with outstanding countryside and coastline just waiting to be explored. Use our self-guided walking booklets to help you on your way or enjoy one of our guided tours. These tours, led by experienced guides, provide the perfect opportunity for you to explore Strangford Lough, the Ards Peninsula and North Down. No matter how you choose to discover our area, you are sure to be impressed by the outstanding scenery, rich heritage, history and culture. To book tours: visitardsandnorthdown.com The North Down Coastal Path Holywood BT18 to Portavoe BT21 One of the finest shoreline walks in Northern Ireland, the North Down Coastal Path stretches for 16 miles. It runs from Holywood to Portavoe. Sections of the North Down Coastal Path follow private roads. Please respect the Highway Code when walking, cycling or running along these sections where residential traffic will have right of way. In the interests of your own safety please be respectful when using the area for recreational purposes. September TOUR TIME PRICE (Ad/Ch) TYPE Thurs 6 Donaghadee Food Tour 6pm-late 60 Sat 15 Strangford Lough Boat Tour, Portaferry 2pm-4pm 10/ 5 Sat 22 Woodland and Whiskey, Mount Stewart and Echlinville Distillery 2pm-6.30pm 20 incl light refreshments Sat 29 Tea with the Lord, Ballywalter Park 1pm-4.30pm 18 incl light refreshments October Wed 24 Halloween Walking Tour, Bangor Town 7.30pm-8.45pm 6/ 4 Thur 25 Halloween Walking Tour, Newtownards Town 7.30pm-8.45pm 6/ 4 November Sat 3 Sat 10 Murder Mystery Night: A Deadly Affair North Down Museum, Bangor World Wars Tour Various locations within the Borough 7.30pm-10pm 20 incl supper 9.30am-1.30pm 10 Table Key: Boat Tours Coach Tours Historical Walking Tours Living History Walking Tours Food Tours

7 PAGE 4 Green Flag Award The International mark of quality for parks and green spaces Ballymenoch Park Holywood, BT18 0LP Castle Park Bangor, BT20 4BT Kiltonga Nature Reserve Newtownards, BT23 4FY Londonderry Park Newtownards, BT23 8SG

8 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Drive this way If exploring by car, there are driving routes available to direct you to some of the highlights of the area. Designated routes are detailed on the map on page 76. Discover the Ards Peninsula way This handy downloadable guide will help you to plan the perfect tour of Ireland s most easterly coastline and its charming villages. Take in its historic sites, experience its vibrant craft scene and enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and golf. The Ards and North Down Christian Heritage Trail Ards and North Down has been at the centre of Ireland s Christian Heritage dating back as far as the 5th century and today s visitor will still find much of Early Christian interest in the area. Tradition holds that Saint Machaoi founded the island monastery at Nendrum in the 5th century and this was later followed in 558AD by the foundation of Bangor Abbey by Saint Comgall, an influence that soon spread across Europe through the work of Saint Columbanus and Saint Gall. Flourishing after Saint Comgall, this early spread of local Christianity saw links formed between Bangor Abbey, Movilla Abbey, Newtownards and Holywood Priory. From these early beginnings Christianity in the area has had a varied development from suffering attacks at the hands of Vikings in the 9th century through to the growth of Presbyterianism during the Ulster Plantations in the 17th century. The era of industrialisation and the invention of transport, especially the railways, saw the area grow further and with it the construction of a large number of churches. Discover the Bangor Christian Heritage Trail This App guides you along the Bangor Christian Heritage Trail via an offline map. At each of the nine stops along the way you can read about the site, view images past and present and listen to audio about its history.

9 PAGE 6 Saint Patrick s Trail Follow the Saint Patrick s Trail through a host of Christian sites in Bangor, the Ards Peninsula, Downpatrick, Newry and Armagh to uncover just how strong Northern Ireland s links are with our patron Saint. The 92 mile linear driving route links 15 key sites; all identified as having some connection to the Saint s life, legacy or landscape. Ards and North Down is home to seven of these sites. Mourne Coastal Route This beautiful scenic route takes you on a journey along the coastline. The route is signposted by directional brown signage. Great Wars Trail Ards and North Down has a rich connection with the two Great Wars. Soldiers in the First World War, from the 108th Brigade of the 36th (Ulster) Division, were trained within the grounds of the Clandeboye Estate in Bangor. General Eisenhower took inspection of the troops prior to D Day in 1944, memorialised in the mosaic art of the Bangor pier, named in honour of the General. These are just two examples of the many sites throughout the borough where you can learn about how the area played its part in war history. Ulster-Scots in Ards and North Down Our close proximity to Scotland is a big part of our heritage in Ards and North Down. In May 1606 Scottish families began to settle in the area, led by James Hamilton and Hugh Montgomery from Ayrshire, Scotland. These Scottish settlers transformed the borough and what you can see today is largely a result of centuries of Ulster-Scots thrift, graft and perseverance. From towns and villages to our rolling landscape, place names, and the wee turns of phrase you ll hear when talking to the locals. Discover Greyabbey Village Heritage Trail App Learn of Greyabbey s origins; of Viking invaders on Strangford Lough, of Scottish settlers who rebuilt the Abbey and developed the village, and of the places of worship which are still thriving today. The audio app, in conjunction with five interpretative panels, will take you from the Abbey to the Lough in a series of fascinating and quirky tales! Discover the Ards and North Down App The App takes you on a journey of discovery highlighting the influence of the Ulster- Scots on the area. Audio for each location will accompany and inform you.

10 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Explore our Coastline Ards and North Down has around 115 miles of stunning coastline encompassing the southern shore of Belfast Lough, the Irish Sea coast and most of the perimeter of Strangford Lough. The Lough is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, of Special Scientific Interest and Northern Ireland s first Marine Nature Reserve. The iconic Scrabo Tower is the ideal location for a panoramic view of the Lough, the Ards Peninsula and the surrounding drumlins of County Down. Be it sunset walks along the promenade, skimming stones at the water s edge or wildlife spotting, our coast has something for everyone to enjoy. You can discover our shores on foot, by bike or by boat. If you are feeling adventurous, why not take a scuba dive!

11 PAGE 8 Ards and North Down is proud to have five award winning beaches in the Borough. Make sure to visit one during your stay. Seaside Award Ballywalter BT22 2PG Crawfordsburn BT19 1JT Groomsport BT19 6JR Millisle BT22 2HS Green Coast Award Helen s Bay BT19 1TP DID YOU KNOW Frump in the Stump can be found in a tree on the Deerpark Road en route to Portaferry. It is craftily carved into a tall wooden stump by Belfast sculptor Raymond Watson. The Frump is a dryad - a nymph from Greek mythology, inhabiting a tree.

12 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Great Food Encounters

13 PAGE 10 Experience Northern Ireland s food AND drink at its best! With amazing local produce and flavours, chefs and restaurants, Ards and North Down has the largest number of award winning, high quality restaurants outside of Belfast. With its vast coastline, the area has seafood at the top of the menu, with a daily catch from the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough supplying the local restaurant trade. Don t miss the Portavogie prawns, local lobsters or oysters. The local dairy industry also produces exciting ranges of ice cream, cheese and yoghurt. Don t leave the table without trying some. Whether you choose a gourmet dining room, a friendly pub, or fish and chips at the harbour, you will savour the tastes crafted and produced from the lush green fields, fertile soil and clear waters. Why not round off a meal with a little nip of a locally distilled spirit. For visiting hunter-gatherers who prefer to cook for themselves, you ll be spoilt for choice with goods from local producers. Be sure to visit Comber Farmers Market held on the first Thursday of the month. Plus, there s usually a family butcher and baker in every town and village, and plenty of farm shops in the countryside, for you to pick from. Food Experiences NI Food Tours Killinchy, BT23 6UD Irish bread making classes and bespoke tours that showcase the food of County Down where we have more award winning producers and restaurants than anywhere else in Northern Ireland! nifoodtours.com Echlinville Distillery Kircubbin, BT22 1AJ A must see for Whiskey and Gin enthusiasts. Offering visitors a truly bespoke experience in an exquisite setting echlinville.com For a full list of events and how we celebrate Food AND Drink in Ards and North Down, visitardsandnorthdown.com

14 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Water s edge encounters Whether you enjoy a stroll along the beach, a gentle paddle or fishing on a lake, water s edge encounters are plentiful in Ards and North Down. You can try a sailing lesson with one of the local yacht clubs, take a boat trip for pleasure cruising or enjoy a fishing expedition. Or why not be adventurous and go kite surfing or canoeing? The coastline and shore are also a delight for bird watchers, with visiting species changing with the season. Be sure to visit the attractions that showcase nature at its best

15 PAGE 12 Admiral Springs Fishery Carrowdore, BT22 2ES Fly fishing on 2½ acre lake stocked with trout and coarse fish Ballyholme Beach and Park Bangor, BT18 OLP A mile long crescent of sandy beach. Children love to paddle and build sand castles here making it is the perfect place for a family day out Ballyholme Yacht Club Bangor, BT20 5HT Premier dinghy and keelboat racing club in Northern Ireland ballyholme.com Ballymenoch Park Holywood, BT18 OLP Close to the attractive town of Holywood you can wander among twenty acres of woodland and lush parkland that run alongside the famous Bangor Road. The park is open all year and has wonderful displays of wild flowers throughout the seasons Bangor Boat Bangor, BT20 5ED Operating fishing trips and short sea cruises out of Bangor Marina bangorboat.com Bangor Seafront and Eisenhower Pier Bangor, BT20 5ED A picturesque promenande leading from the town centre to the coastal path, past the prestigious marina. Sites include historic McKee Clock, Bregenz House the Headquarters of HM Coastguard, and Pickie Funpark. Eisenhower Pier is a focal point for events and includes a number of mosaics depicting the history of the town Bridgewater Fishery Donaghadee, BT21 0NQ Bridgewater Fishery is five acres in area and open all year for fly fishing from the bank. Tuition is available. Anglers will be fishing for 2-8Ib Rainbow Trout and must have a DCAL Angling Licence for persons aged 12 and over Burr Point Ballyhalbert, BT22 1DL Burr Point is the most Easterly point in Ireland. It is denoted by a giant E sculpture. A perfect picnic stop off on the Ards Peninsula Cockle Island Boat Club Groomsport, BT19 6JR Cockle Island Boat Club is located on the southern shore of Belfast Lough. Although a relatively small club it has a year-round events programme cockleislandboatclub.com For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

16 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Crawfordsburn Country Park Bridge Road, Helen s Bay, BT19 1JT Featuring two excellent beaches, spectacular scenery and views across Belfast Lough, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing retreat. Enjoy tranquil walks through the peaceful meadows and wooded glens and look out for the stunning waterfall Cuan Marine Services Ltd Portaferry, BT22 1LA Marine surveys, diving, sightseeing trips, fishing trips. (All year for some activities and June-October for fishing.) cuanmarineservices.co.uk Donaghadee Harbour Donaghadee, BT21 OHE Donaghadee s iconic lighthouse stands on the harbour. Donaghadee is located at Northern Ireland s closest point to Scotland and on most days the Scottish coast is visible to the naked eye from the harbour. visitdonaghadee.com Donaghadee Sailing Club Donaghadee, BT21 0DG The sailing club is a recognised RYA Training Centre and provides training courses in sailing and powerboating for both adults and juniors from April-September. Visiting boats to Donaghadee Harbour can arrange in advance to access the visitor shower/changing room for a small charge donaghadeesc.co.uk Donaldson Lake Holywood, BT18 9RN Groups, clubs or individuals can enjoy fly fishing and worm fishing for trout (rainbow, steelheads, blues and cheetah 10lbs plus). There is also a small pond (Duck pond) for the little angler or learner donaldsonfishery.co.uk DV Diving Newtownards, BT22 2ES DV Diving offer one of Europe s most comprehensive ranges of scuba, technical and commercial diving and powerboat training courses - for the complete beginner through to instructor development for the most experienced professionals dvdiving.co.uk Holywood Yacht Club Holywood, BT18 9JN One of the oldest yacht clubs in Ireland, Holywood Yacht Club is a small friendly and active sailing club that caters for all levels and abilities. It is a Recognised Teaching Centre (RTC) hyc.org.uk Island Hill Nature Reserve Comber, BT23 5JR Accessible at low-tide, this walk around Rough Island provides magnificent views of Strangford Lough and is an excellent view point for bird watching. walkni.com/walks

17 PAGE 14 John Erskine Boat Charters Bangor, BT20 5ED Offering daily fishing trips from Bangor Marina as well as sightseeing boat trips. (Pre-booking advisable.) John Murray Jnr Boats Portaferry, BT22 1PE Boat trips on Strangford Lough - sightseeing, bird and seal watching. Angling groups can also be catered for from Portaferry and Strangford. Must be booked in advance. (Trips from May October for bird and seal watching) Kircubbin Sailing Club Kircubbin, BT22 2RP Situated on the eastern side of the Lough, at the northern end of Kircubbin Bay. The bay offers reasonable holding in clean sand/mud and provides good shelter from north through east to south, but is completely exposed to the west. Anchor off is 2.1m (clear of moorings) or pick up a spare mooring when available. kircubbinsailingclub.co.uk Lough Cowey Fishery Portaferry, BT22 1PJ The fishery is stocked regularly and has good quality over wintered fish available in early spring. Mainly stocked with trout. (Licence and permit required.) nidirect.gov.uk/angling Millisle Beach Park Millisle, BT22 2HS The beach park provides a sandy rural beach, play and picnic facilities, a jetty and two slip ways. It was awarded a Seaside Award in Car parking and public toilets are provided and there is also disabled access. Movilla Trout Fishery Newtownards, BT23 8RL Fly fishing for both beginners and the experienced angler as well as a bait pond for children Newtownards Sailing Club Newtownards, BT22 2AJ Learn safely how to sail dinghies or to windsurf. Experienced trained instructors help you into the exciting world of water sports. newtownardssailingclub. co.uk For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

18 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 North Down Coastal Path Holywood to Portavoe BT21 One of the finest shoreline walks in Ireland, stretching from Holywood to Portavoe near Groomsport. This beautiful environment, with its contrasting shoreline, provides a variety of habitats, from rocky shores through salt marshes and mud flats to sandy beaches. A wide variety of bird species can be observed. A special treat is the Grey or Atlantic seals which bask on the rocks at Ballymacormick, Orlock and Rockport Polehill Course Fishery Newtownards, BT23 8RW Designed and created with both the beginner and seasoned professional in mind. The lakes are stocked with most types of coarse fish including Bream, Carp, Tench and Roach (Rod hire available) fishingtackle2u.co.uk Portaferry Sailing Club Portaferry, BT22 1JZ Situated facing the Narrows, south of the Ferry Pier. Berthing is available in the small marina. Showers and bar open in the evenings portaferrysailingclub.com Portaferry Recreation Hub Portaferry, BT22 1JZ A family orientated community based recreation hub with facilities for sailing, canoeing, walking, diving and cycling Portavoe Reservoir Donaghadee, BT21 0PJ This small, attractive reservoir is off the coast road between Donaghadee and Bangor. Regular stocking of takeable trout ensures good fishing at this popular location nidirect.gov.uk/angling Ross Jord Trout Fishery Conlig, BT23 7PX Fly-fishing, bait/float and boats. All day ticket money will be used to restock the lake but more importantly to put back into the surrounding communities Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Holywood, BT18 0BB RNIYC is an RYA Champion Club and Training Centre in Holywood that runs sailing classes and events throughout the year rniyc.org Royal Ulster Yacht Club Bangor, BT20 5HY RYA Champion Club and Training Centre that runs sailing classes and events throughout the year ruyc.co.uk Seapark Recreation Grounds Holywood, BT18 OLR Holywood s main parkland and recreational area has a variety of activities including tennis courts, a bowling green, putting green (all bookable via Bangor Sportsplex) and there is an enclosed children s playground set in the parkland. The whole area is right on the seafront and has panoramic views overlooking Belfast Lough Strangford Lough Lookout Newtownards, BT22 2AD Wildlife interpretative centre, showcasing the local wildlife. Telescopes and remotely controlled cameras allow close up views of basking seals and breeding seabird colonies nationaltrust.org.uk/ mountstewart

19 PAGE 16 Strangford Lough Yacht Club Killinchy, BT23 6QA Sailing and boating facilities, training and instruction in dinghy sailing and power boat handling. RYA recognised training establishment slyc.co.uk Strickland s Glen Bangor, BT20 3SU An enchanting park and wooded glen leading onto the North Down Coastal Path. The shady tree lined walks take you along a series of ponds and waterfalls to one of the beautiful little coves which are dotted along the North Down Coastal Path Stratus Sailing Bangor, BT20 5ED Courses for beginners, intermediate, advanced and racing sailors. Stratus Sailing is offering a new range of sailing for everyone on its fleet of Beneteau Platu 25s stratussailing.com For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

20 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Creative Encounters Known as the Creative Peninsula, Ards and North Down is bursting with talent. Local artists and makers, inspired by their surroundings, are showcased and celebrated in our galleries and craft studios dotted around the borough. A fantastic programme of leisure classes, exhibitions, festivals and performances of dance, drama and music make creativity very easy for everyone to embrace and enjoy.

21 PAGE 18 Ards Art Centre and Town Hall Newtownards, BT23 4NP Home to a variety of performances and exhibitions throughout the year ardsarts.com Ards Crafts Newtownards, BT23 4AD A modern, contemporary craft centre. This is the perfect place to choose something unique, handcrafted and inspired from a wide range of ceramics, pottery, glass, textiles, jewellery, print, batik, wood and more, all from local makers Avalon Guitar Factory Newtownards, BT23 4BX Avalon are the leading makers of premium custom guitars in the UK and Ireland blending innovation in design with the finest materials and uncompromising traditional craftsmanship avalonguitars.com Battletown Gallery Newtownards, BT23 8SL The gallery exhibits contemporary and semitraditional art from a range of well-known artists. With spectacular views of Scrabo Tower and Strangford Lough, it provides a unique setting in which to enjoy and browse works of art thebattletowngallery.com Boom! Studios Bangor, BT20 3AH A vibrant workspace for the creative industry and visitors; running a year round programme of creative activity in the centre of Bangor. boomstudios.org.uk Bradley Art Bangor, BT20 5BD Contemporary art gallery owned by renowned Northern Irish artist, Terry Bradley. Selling a full range of Bradley s limited edition prints and paper and canvas, with originals and some unique pieces terrybradley.com The Craft Room Comber, BT23 5DZ The Craft Room was established in October 2016 by the founders of the North Down Craft Collective and showcases the work of local Northern Irish artists, craftspeople and designers. thecraftroomcomber.com Cuan Crafts Portaferry, BT22 1JY Owned and managed by Dympna Curran the shop has a wonderful selection of local crafts, from jewellery, textiles, prints, cards, glass and wood sculpture for sale and a variety of craft workshops on offer. It also has a small gallery with artwork by local artists available to buy Discovery Glass Comber, BT23 5AP A stained glass studio in the centre of Comber creating a wide variety of original work. Discovery Glass sells beautifully designed collectable glass gifts and keepsakes, handcrafted by Irene McBride discoverglass.co.uk For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

22 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Doghouse Gallery Comber, BT23 5EG Doghouse is a contemporary gallery that hosts a wide range of carefully selected, studio made crafts and fine art by fulltime makers. Ranges include jewellery and accessories, textiles, leather, metal, glass and ceramics doghousegallery.co.uk Eden Pottery Millisle, BT22 2DH Based in the heart of the peninsula, Eden makes colourful sponge printed pottery by hand. You can create your own piece in its Pottery Café while enjoying delicious homemade scones, cakes and lunches edenpotteryshop.co.uk Loaf Pottery and Coffee Shop Crawfordsburn, BT19 1JE A new social enterprise arts centre located in the heart of the picturesque village of Crawfordsburn. The cafe offers delightful treats while the arts centre features a pottery, art classes and activities for children. Seasonal programme of pottery classes and special events including Pizza and Pottery nights and Paint Me Glaze Me classes loafcatering.com/pottery Nora Watson Jewellery Portaferry, BT22 1QJ Taking her inspiration from the stunning natural beauty of the Ards Peninsula, Nora produces characteristic designs incorporating simple, rounded, flowing forms. The gallery also stocks a wide range of quality handmade gifts including pottery, glassware, ceramics, pictures and cards norawatsonjewellery.co.uk NI Silver: Jewellery Making Workshops Holywood, BT18 No experience required for these informative, fun and relaxed jewellery making workshops. Completely bespoke workshop, for up to four people. No experience necessary, we simply need to decide what you want to make beforehand and then you come and enjoy a bit of craic whilst we work to create your masterpiece. A great way to create your own memories of Northern Ireland ni-silver.com Project 24 Bangor, BT20 3BH Project 24 is a unique and dynamic temporary art project on the seafront in Bangor. Wander in and around the pods, talk to the artists about their work or consider investing in an exclusive piece of art project24ni.com

23 PAGE 20 Seacourt: The Centre for Contemporary Printmaking Bangor, BT19 7QY An artist and printmaking studio facility providing weekly, weekend and oneday workshops suitable for beginners. Groups of five or more can request their own workshop designed to their own interests. The Centre also provides a rolling programme of high quality exhibitions in their gallery seacourt-ni.org.uk Sea Snail Studio Sketrick Island, BT23 6QH Artist and illustrator Hannah Dorman paints and designs her collections of jewellery, stationary, textiles and framed works from a little green studio tucked away on Sketrick Island. Shrink art jewellery workshops and private parties are also available to book. See website and Facebook events for details seasnailstudio.co.uk Spring Cottage The Potting Shed Comber, BT23 5JZ Spring Cottage Crafts overlooks magnificent views of the County Down landscape. While exploring the handmade fabric crafts at the new gift shop, visitors can also enjoy the ever changing scenery SPACE Theatre SERC Bangor, BT20 4TD Managed by the local College for Further Education, Space Theatre is home to a range of amateur shows throughout the year. The facility boasts a high specification theatre, industry standard music recording studios and rehearsal spaces. Varied programme serc.ac.uk The Web Theatre Newtownards, BT23 4DE The only privately owned and independently operated theatre in Northern Ireland. The ground floor of the premises includes a coffee shop and rehearsal studio. Varied programme webtheatre.biz For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

24 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Step Back in Time You will find yourself steeped in built and natural heritage, with 9000 years of history awaiting you in the form of holy wells, abbeys and Norman castles. Visit North Down Museum where you can travel from the Bronze Age to the present day through a series of exhibitions and display areas. Learn about life in the trenches in the early 1900s at the Somme Museum. Step back in time and uncover a way of life from 100 years ago at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

25 PAGE 22 Ballycopeland Windmill Millisle, BT22 2DS Built in the 18th century, Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining windmill in Northern Ireland with its original mechanism still existing Ballyquintin Portaferry, BT22 1RG The beautiful coastal path passes through beaches and farmland. From the walk you can take in views across Strangford Lough to Killard Point and on a clear day you can see across the Irish Sea to The Isle of Man nationaltrust.org.uk/ strangford-lough Ballywalter Park Ballywalter, BT22 2PP Ballywalter Park is a classic example of an early Victorian Country House built in the Italianate Palazzo style. It is the home of Lord and Lady Dunleath and it has been in their family for 170 years. (Open by prior arrangement only.) Bangor Abbey Bangor, BT20 4JE Bangor Abbey was established by Saint Comgall in 558AD and evolved over centuries. It was destroyed by Viking attacks and re-built by the Ulster-Scots in the 1600s. Today it remains a pivotal part of Bangor s Christian community Bangor Castle (Town Hall) Bangor, BT20 4BT The Castle served as a military hospital during the Second World War and a local contingent of the Ulster Home Guard drilled in the grounds. It is now the Council headquarters. Located in picturesque Castle Park which is also home to the beautiful Bangor Castle Walled Garden, it is well worth a visit Bangor Castle Walled Garden Bangor, BT20 4BT An award winning Walled Garden in the tranquil grounds of Castle Park. The garden is divided into four different sections, each with its own horticultural personality. It also boasts two unique pieces of sculpture inspired by the area s maritime history Boys Brigade Heritage Museum Millisle, BT22 2LZ The Museum, based at Ganaway Activity Centre, provides a focal point for the collection and care of material illustrating the work and witness of the Boys Brigade since the founding of the organisation in ganaway.co.uk Derry Churches Portaferry, BT22 1JX These ruined churches, which are associated with Saint Cumain, are a prime example of pre-norman architecture Grey Abbey Greyabbey, BT22 2NQ This Cistercian Abbey and its living quarters were founded in 1193 by Affreca wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo- Norman invader of East Ulster. The Abbey is set in the landscaped parkland of the 18th Century Rosemount House; however, visitors should note that these grounds are private. Visitors are welcome to wander among the ruins and the lawns, where picnics are also permitted For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

26 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Grey Abbey House Greyabbey, BT22 2QA Grey Abbey House was built in 1762 and is the third house to be built on the site overlooking Strangford Lough where the Montgomery family has lived for more than four hundred years. Its architecture, history and setting make it one of the most important and beautiful privately owned country houses in Ulster. (Open by prior arrangement only.) greyabbeyhouse.com Grey Point Fort Helen s Bay, BT19 1LE Situated in Helen s Bay, Crawfordsburn, Grey Point Fort houses two spectacular guns and a most unusual hands on military museum. It also hosts a number of special commemorative events during the year greypointfort.magix.net Holywood Maypole Holywood, BT18 9AB Holywood is famous for its Maypole in the centre of town. Its origin is uncertain, but according to local folklore, it dates from A Dutch ship is said to have run aground on the shore nearby, and the crew erected the broken mast to show their appreciation of the assistance offered to them by the townsfolk. The Maypole is still used for dancing at the annual Merry May Day event Holywood Priory Holywood, BT18 9AD Dating back to the 13th century, the Priory boasts a rich ecclesiastical heritage. It was the town s parish church from 1615 to In the churchyard are buried Robert Lloyd Praeger, the renowned naturalist and his sculptor sister Rosamund Kearney Village Portaferry, BT22 1QP A showpiece village carefully restored by the National Trust to give the authenticity of a traditional fishing village. The village lies three miles to the east of Portaferry, with views across to Scotland, the Isle of Man and the mountains of Mourne nationaltrust.org.uk/ strangfordlough Mahee Castle Comber, BT23 6EP Mahee Castle, also known as Nendrum Castle, is a small ruined tower house near Nendrum Monastery on Mahee Island in Strangford Lough. It was built in 1570 by Captain Thomas Browne. Millin Bay Cairn Portafery, BT22 1QB A neolithic burial site which has been covered 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.

27 PAGE 24 Mount Stewart House and Gardens Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD One of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust s ownership. Recently voted one of the top ten gardens in the world, the house has recently undergone a major refurbishment. Explore this exquisite attraction at your leisure and uncover the wonderful stories of the family that still reside there. Well worth a visit! nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount-stewart Movilla Abbey Newtownards, BT23 8EZ As with many early monasteries, Movilla Abbey was refounded as an Augustinian abbey in the Norman 12th century. It possesses the best collection of 13th century coffin lids with foliate crosses, in the province Nendrum Monastery Mahee Island, BT23 6EP Nendrum is thought to have been set up by Saint Machaoi in the 5th Century and is linked to Saint Patrick in a much later source. It is thought to be the best example of a pre- Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

28 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 North Down Museum Bangor, BT20 4BT North Down Museum tells the story of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day through a series of rooms, each dedicated to a particular era of history. Key artefacts on display include the Bronze Age Ballycroghan Swords, the Bangor Bell from the hugely important Bangor Abbey settlement, and the Raven Maps, the only complete folio of Plantation era maps in Ireland northdownmuseum.com Portaferry Castle Portaferry, BT22 1NZ Portaferry Castle is a 16thcentury tower house, built by the Savage family and prominently located on the slope overlooking Portaferry harbour within sight of Strangford and Audley s Castles across the water. Portico Arts and Heritage Centre Portaferry, BT22 1LE Originally built in 1841, Portico opened as an Arts and Heritage Centre in 2016 following an extensive restoration. Today Portico is a multi-purpose venue that hosts cultural, educational and heritage events and activities including film shows, concerts, exhibitions, literary events, talks and much more. A particular highlight within the building is Portico s organ, installed in porticoards.com Priory Newtownards, BT23 7NY Today you can see the remains of the 13th century church, with some additions from later centuries. The present north aisle and tower date from the early 17th century. The entrance to the tower of the former priory is acknowledged as one of the most striking examples of renaissance architecture from the early 17th century Scrabo Tower and Country Park Scrabo Road, Newtownards, BT23 4SJ One of the area s best known landmarks, Scrabo Tower boasts incredible views over Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside. There are walking trails taking in the fine beech woodlands and disused quarries offering many opportunities to enjoy the surrounding countryside. The Tower is open to the public on particular dates only, however the parkland is always accessible discovernorthernireland. com Sketrick Castle Killinchy, BT23 6QH Sketrick Castle is located on Sketrick Island which is reached by a causeway on the west coast of Strangford Lough. This large tower house was built in the mid-15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century

29 PAGE 26 Somme Museum Newtownards, BT23 7PH The Somme Museum examines Ireland s role in the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division irishsoldier.org Saint Cooey s Wells Tara Bay, BT22 1RF The Wells were founded in the 7th century by Saint Cooey and reopened in According to tradition, it was here that Saint Cooey performed his penitential exercises in the late 7th and early 8th centuries. The foundations of a church, modern altar and three Holy Wells may be found. Tullynakill Church Comber, BT23 6AF The ruins of a late 15th and early 17th century church set in beautiful surroundings Ulster Folk and Transport Museum Bangor Road, Cultra, BT18 0EU Step back in time and uncover a way of life from 100 years ago. Discover cottages, farms, schools and shops as you wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum chatting to costumed visitor guides demonstrating traditional crafts. Climb onboard majestic steam locomotives or experience the sensation of flight in the Transport Museum, bursting with horse drawn carriages, electric trams, motorbikes, fire engines and vintage cars nmni.com/uftm Windmill Hill Portaferry, BT22 1RH On the hill below the stump of Portaferry Windmill a lay-by and a viewpoint have been provided, giving breathtaking views of Strangford Lough from the mouth of the Lough to Greyabbey with the woods of Castle Ward, Portaferry Demesne and the picturesque village of Strangford in front of you. For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

30 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Enjoy Family Fun Family time is precious. Take the opportunity to make memories with the kids Go fairy hunting in the woods, fly a kite on the beach, or have a picnic in the park. Visit Exploris Aquarium to discover the secrets of the sea - and meet the resident African Nile crocodile! - or enjoy a miniature train ride, water zorbing and mini golf at Pickie Fun Park. There s also a host of indoor leisure facilities such as cinemas, museums and go karting to enjoy. With so many attractions to choose from, there is plenty of family fun to be had!

31 PAGE 28 The Ark Open Farm Netownards, BT23 7PH This charmingly fun educational facility set in over forty acres of unspoiled countryside is a loving home to at least 200 different kinds of animals - cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, goats, donkeys, alpacas, ponies and many more thearkopenfarm.co.uk Air-tastic Trampoline Park Bangor, BT19 7AG Ireland s favourite trampoline park. Featuring interconnected trampolines, an obstacle course, foam pits, dodgeball, jump challenges, gladiator battle beams, a huge airbag and much more! air-tastic.com Balloo Nature Reserve Bangor, BT19 7PG Balloo Nature Reserve is perfect for a family stroll while looking at the local flora and fauna. The Reserve has a range of wildlife and plant life ulsterwildlife.org Cairn Wood Holywood, BT19 1UT Get away from it all in this hilly hinterland. An idyllic elevated conifer forest that overlooks Ballysallagh trout-fishing reservoir Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetland Centre 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, BT23 6EA Set on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough, Castle Espie is a tranquil and friendly centre for all the family. Hides and nature walks allow you to get close to the wild birds and the collection of endangered ducks, geese and swans from around the world. Outdoor natural play spaces are fun for little ones to burn off energy; with adventure play, a zip wire, a tall tree house, a wobbly bridge and tree swings to enjoy, they will be spoilt for choice! wwt.org.uk/castleespie Castle Park Bangor, BT20 4BT A walk through this wooded wonderland is an exhilarating experience throughout the seasons. Obtain the Castle Park Nature Trail Guide from North Down Museum, located in the grounds of Castle Park with Bangor Castle (Town Hall), and follow the arrowed pathways Drumawhey Junction Railway Donaghadee, BT21 OLZ This is a miniature railway operating steam, petrol and diesel hydraulic and electric locomotives. The line is the longest 7 1/4 gauge railway in Ireland drumawhey.com For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

32 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Exploris Aquarium The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry BT22 1NZ A sunken galleon, friendly sharks, super cute seals and an otter family, all star in Northern Ireland s only aquarium located on the shores of Strangford Lough. You will enjoy a diver s view of marine life from around the world. Get hands on with our native species as you tickle the belly of a small shark and feel the spikes on a sea urchin; take in the colourful coral reefs of the Tropical Ocean and see if you can find Nemo and Dory before entering the smugglers cove where sharks circle above you. Don t forget to explore the dark depths of the Reptile filled Rainforest where our snappy crocodile and green gecko hide explorisni.com Glastry Nature Reserve Ballyhalbert, BT22 1BL Consisting of several lakes formed by digging clay for the nearby Glastry Brickworks, the site is approximately 40 acres. These flooded clay pits are now managed by the National Trust as a wildlife reserve. There is a carpark and pleasant walks around the lakes on the south side of Victoria Road Glen Lyon Park Holywood, BT18 9BX A quiet spot on Church Road in Holywood, this Park offers eleven acres of woodland along the steep banks of the quaintly named Twistle Burn. Perfect for a relaxing family walk Happy Town Indoor Play Newtownards, BT23 8NN A large family entertainment centre, soft play suitable for children zero to 11. Happy Town is a fully themed imaginary town with resident characters, Mayor Tumbledown and Naughty Norris the mischievous school boy happytown.uk.com Kingsland Play and Picnic Area Bangor, BT20 5HD Follow the Seacliff Road past the Long Hole, along the rocky panoramic shoreline to beautifully landscaped Kingsland near Ballyholme and Royal Ulster Yacht Club. Play a round on the elevated Pitch and Putt course with its breathtaking views of Ballyholme Bay and the Antrim Coast or enjoy a game of tennis. There s also a playground and picnic area Kiltonga Nature Reserve Newtownards, BT23 4FY The reserve is located half a mile outside Newtownards town. Mallards, little grebe, moorhens and coots are always present. A pathway around the lakes allows for closer inspection of the birds, suitable for pushchairs and disabled access.

33 PAGE 30 Make Cafe Newtownards, BT23 4EN Girls and boys of all ages can play with a massive collection of Lego and Duplo bricks and sets, Brio trains, Playmobil worlds, masses of Mega Blocs and more. From chunky Duplo cars and farmyard favourites for the wee ones, to Lego Cities and beyond, even adults can challenge themselves to 4000 piece Lego masterpieces make-cafe.com Pickie Fun Park Marina Gardens, Bangor Promenade, BT20 5AG Pickie Fun Park is one of the top ten visitor attractions in Northern Ireland. The park provides a fun day out for all and features an eighteen hole minigolf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train, children s play area, children s electric car track, splash pads and café. Winter seasonal opening: Saturday and Sunday only 9am-4pm pickiefunpark.com Redburn Country Park Holywood, BT16 1YP Featuring 7km of pathways Redburn Country Park is set on a hill above Belfast Lough with spectacular views. Those energetic visitors who climb to the top of the Country Park will be rewarded with spectacular views of Belfast and the south Antrim hills Snakes n Ladders Indoor Play Bangor, BT20 3JN Snakes n Ladders is one of Northern Ireland s largest soft play centres with play frames, a baby and toddler section, go karts, 5-a-side football pitch, party rooms and a cafe snlplay.com Thunder Eddie Irvine Sports Bangor, BT19 7PG BMX, skate and scoot! Or try your skills at DJing and Breakdancing too. Designed with progression in mind, the park features Ireland s only RESI-Ramp accompanied with training foam pit. With half pipes, jump boxes and a mini pump track for ages of 4 years thunderactionsports.com/ thunder-park Ward Park Bangor, BT20 4LG Ward Park covers an area of 37 acres and among its attractions are a children s playground, all weather hockey pitches, cricket pitch, bowling greens, putting green and tennis courts. It also has a chain of small lakes providing wildfowl sanctuary with many interesting specimens and dry pens containing a large variety of exotic birds. Facilities must be booked via Bangor Sportsplex For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

34 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Get Active There are lots of opportunities to get active in Ards and North Down with excellent indoor and outdoor leisure facilities. Follow one of our walking or canoe trails to explore more. The area boasts many prestigious golf courses including Ireland s oldest - The Royal Belfast, Rory McIlroy s Holywood home club and Kirkistown Castle Links.

35 PAGE 32 OPENING END 2018 Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex Newtownards, BT23 4LX Representing an investment of more that 30M, this centre will deliver the most modern and advanced leisure amenities including: contemporary gym, luxury spa, six lane main pool and minor pool, a splash play area for toddlers and young children, a soft play area and adventure zone, covered astro turf area, diversity playzone, pump track and wheelpark. This centre will replace the current Ards Leisure Centre leisureardsandnorthdown. com Ards Leisure Centre Newtownards, BT23 4EJ Ards Leisure Centre has three swimming pools (including a paddling pool), a fitness suite, fitness classes and a gym and a soft play area. Closing end 2018 due to new centre opening leisureardsandnorthdown. com Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex Bangor, BT20 4TH The Complex offers an excellent choice of sporting and leisure activities including leisure waters with flumes and sidewinder slide, three swimming pools a health suite, squash courts and children s soft adventure play area bangoraurora.com Bangor Sportsplex Bangor, BT19 1LU The range of facilities available makes this a great all round venue including grass pitches, a floodlit all-weather astro turf pitch and an eight lane athletics track leisureardsandnorthdown. com Bed and Bike Northern Ireland Comber, BT23 5JW Guided cycle routes that will take you off the beaten track bedandbikenorthernireland.com Birr House Riding Centre Holywood, BT16 1UA Established in 1974 Birr House Riding Centre provides riding lessons, pony days and weekly courses birrhouseridingcentre.com Comber Leisure Centre Comber, BT23 5DY The centre offers a range of leisure facilities including a fitness suite, a health suite, a sports hall and children s soft play area leisureardsandnorthdown. com Eddie Irvine Sports Bangor, BT19 7PG Open all year round, Eddie Irvine Sports has one of Northern Ireland s largest indoor purpose built karting tracks and is home to indoor 3G field turf pitches. Eddie Irvine Sports also offers a wide range of professional soccer coaching sessions suitable for all ages eddieirvinesports.com For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

36 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Field of Dreams Bangor, BT19 7QE Choose from clay target shooting, target archery (indoors & outdoors), archery, golf, orienteering and coarse fishing fieldofdreamsni.com Ganaway Activity Centre Millisle, BT22 2LZ Ganaway can offer a range of personal development and team building activities such as high level ropes course, low level ropes course, archery, climbing and abseiling, kayaking and laser clay pigeon shooting ganaway.co.uk Gransha Equestrian Centre Bangor, BT19 7QD A British Horse Society approved riding school and livery yard, facilities include 2 large indoor arenas, an Antwerp Arena and a 30 jump cross country course. The all-weather Derby Arena has a superb water complex and sunken lane granshaequestrian.com Heli-Power Newtownards, BT23 8SG Helicopter pleasure flights of County Down, Belfast, Stormont and Titanic areas. Prices on request. Helicopter pilot license training and one-off trial flight lessons are also provided helipower.co.uk Hollow Farm Shooting Ground Ltd Comber, BT23 5SA Hollow Farm Shooting Ground has a huge range of fun activities such as clay pigeon range with skeet, Olympic skeet, compact sporting and Down the Line Island Boat Charters Donaghadee, BT21 0HE The skipper has over 30 years experience in and around the Copeland Islands and is also a keen birdwatcher and member of the Copeland Bird Observatory Ireland Off-Road Experience Bangor, BT18 1RN Offroading (4x4) from half day sessions for one, to entire company days out ni-offroad.com Kayakshack Newtownards, BT23 4GL Kayak hire. A roof rack is required for Kayak hire. Buoyancy aids are provided Kirkistown Motor Racing Circuit Kircubbin, BT22 1AU Featuring car racing, motorbike racing, kart and superkart racing, sprints, autotesting, duathlons, cycle races and track days for both cars and motobikes. Lots of spectating points. Great facilities. Cafe at main events kirkistown.com Londonderry Park Newtownards, BT23 8SG Londonderry Park provides modern pitches and facilities for sports and an outdoor area. There are facilities for playing football, hockey, cricket and bowls leisureardsandnorthdown. com

37 PAGE 34 Mobile Team Adventure Newtownards, BT8 7SP Outdoor Pursuits and Team Building activity packages and courses to corporate clients, as well as small businesses, adult groups, youth groups, schools, community groups and individuals mobileteamadventure.co.uk Northern Ireland Microlight Flying Newtownards, BT23 8SG NI Microlights is an independent Flight Training School operating from the Ulster Flying Club at Newtownards Airport offering a comprehensive range of Microlight related services including trial flights and Full National Private Pilots License (NPPL) nimicrolights.co.uk Portaferry Sports Centre Portaferry, BT22 1ND Enjoy sports facilities, fitness classes, a sports hall and outdoor training centre. (Open Monday to Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday 9am- 6pm, Sunday 1pm-6pm.) leisureardsandnorthdown. com Queens Leisure Complex Holywood, BT18 9HL Queens Leisure Complex features a range of activities and sports facilities for all the family leisureardsandnorthdown. com Ulster Flying Club Newtownards, BT23 8SG Ulster Flying Club offer a service to the public where one can take air experience flights, flying lessons to PPL, NPPL, IMC and Night Ratings, to small JARFCL syllabus. Qualified pilots can also hire an aircraft from a fleet of high quality aircraft, C-172 s and C152 s. Microlight Flight Training and Helicopter Flight Training is also available For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

38 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Golf Ardminnan Golf Course Portaferry, BT22 1QJ Situated in a scenic spot overlooking the Irish Sea, this nine hole treat is perfect for starting a day s touring with a quick round featuring water hazards, challenging holes and other parkland pleasures Bangor Golf Club Bangor, BT20 4RH A charming but challenging 18-hole Championship course set in parkland with picturesque views of Ballyholme Bay bangorgolfclubni.co.uk Blackwood Golf Centre Bangor, BT19 1GB Blackwood Golf Centre is situated in the heart of the beautiful parklands of the Clandeboye Estate. Few facilities in Northern Ireland boast an 18-hole par 3 course and a driving range where you can develop your skills, along with an outstanding Championship course blackwoodgolfcentre.com Bradshaw s Brae Golf Centre Newtownards, BT23 4TS Bradshaw s Brae Golf Driving Range is the oldest in Ireland, established in The driving range consists of 16 covered floodlit bays, 10 new outdoor bays and a professional teaching bay. It also includes a putting green and bunker Carnalea Golf Club Carnalea, BT19 1EZ Long on history and challenges, this 18-hole course, divided into two nines by the Bangor to Belfast rail line, covers an area of approximately 88 acres carnaleagolfclub.com Clandeboye Golf Club Conlig, BT23 7PN Boasting two excellent courses - the Dufferin and the Ava. The vistas from the Dufferin over Belfast Lough and Scottish coast and Strangford Lough from the Ava create the perfect golfing ambience. The Championship Dufferin course offers a demanding test cgc-ni.com Donaghadee Golf Club Donaghadee, BT21 0PQ Situated on the North Down Coast, at the mouth of Belfast Lough, with stunning views across to the Copeland Islands. The course is 18-hole par 71 and part links donaghadeegolfclub.com Groomsport Golf Centre Groomsport, BT19 6LX Groomsport Golf Centre has 16 inside floodlit bays and over 100 yards of outside hitting bays. Qualified PGA professionals, Neil Dunlop and Gareth Graham, are on hand for lessons, custom fitting and sales advice groomsportgolfcentre.com Helen s Bay Golf Club Helen s Bay, BT19 1TL The nine hole course is a good test of accurate golf and has been enjoyed by members and visitors alike for its challenging course, welcoming atmosphere and wonderful views helensbaygc.com

39 PAGE 36 Holywood Golf Club Holywood, BT18 9LE A parkland course set in the hills of County Down. Holywood is well known for its most famous home grown player; European and world touring professional Rory McIlroy. The Club is very proud to be associated with Rory and have a special area within the Clubhouse paying homage to his career and achievements so far holywoodgolfclub.co.uk Kirkistown Castle Golf Club Cloughey, BT22 1JA Kirkistown Castle Golf Club is a unique Irish Links golf course and clubhouse situated on the eastern shores of County Down, on the beautiful Ards Peninsula kirkistowncastlegolfclub. com Mahee Island Golf Club Comber, BT23 6EP Sited on Mahee Island and with a breathtaking view of Strangford Lough, the course is parkland with well-manicured greens. Undulating fairways and tricky approach shots make this a fair test of golf maheegolf.com Royal Belfast Golf Club Craigavad, BT18 0BP Royal Belfast Golf Club lays claim to the title of the oldest golf course in Ireland. Royal Belfast provides a stern golfing challenge. At the heart of its varied challenges is the constant requirement for accuracy rather than length, providing all levels of golfer with a fair test of golf. The numerous bunkers and subtly sloped greens ensure that posting a low score is indeed a difficult feat royalbelfast.com Scrabo Golf Club Newtownards, BT23 4SL Renowned for its narrow, gorse-bordered fairways, accurate driving is essential, no more so than at the 424m par 4 1st hole which Christy O Connor Senior described as one of the best opening holes in Ireland scrabogolfclub.com For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

40 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Itineraries Ideas to inspire your stay Route 1 1 STOP 1 Start your day in the busy town of Newtownards, home to our Visitor Information Centre (VIC) and an array of independent and high street stores and cafes. Our expert VIC advisors will happily advise you on how best to start your journey of exploration, providing helpful maps and guides to keep you right. With Ards Crafts on site, you can also purchase a range of local, unique handcrafted gifts. STOP 4 Next, venture further along the peninsula to Greyabbey, perhaps stopping at one of the local eateries on route for a midmorning coffee and scone. Or explore the village itself, which is renowned for its quaint antique shops before taking time to explore Grey Abbey: the best example of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster. Download the heritage trail straight to your phone; at the touch of a button, you can listen to the story of Greyabbey s 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. 4 STOP 5 For gin and whiskey lovers, the next stop is a must: Echlinville Distillery. The distillery is on the grounds of Echlinville Estate, founded by the Echlin family in Learn about the art of whiskey, gin and poitin making in one of the distillery s tasting tours; look out for Echlinville s popular gin evening events or consider sitting down to an afternoon tea with a difference. Be sure to book your tour in advance at echlinville.com 5

41 PAGE 38 2 STOP 2 Then head to Scrabo Tower, located just minutes outside the town centre in Scrabo Country Park; it provides the perfect vantage point for a picturesque view across Strangford Lough and the area you will be exploring. The tower was built in 1857, after the potato famine. The scenes from the top are well worth the 10-minute climb to the site. STOP 3 From here drive along the Ards Peninsula to Mount Stewart, a wonderful 19thcentury 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 6 After a little whiskey, having whet your appetite, finish your day in Donaghadee. Here you will find charming cafes, much loved pubs and award-winning restaurants that are receiving rave reviews for their tasty and inventive dishes. Sample some of our famous local seafood or sit down to a more traditional dinner built around our staple spuds. Finish the day with a night-time stroll to view Donaghadee Lighthouse. 3 6 For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

42 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Route STOP 1 Begin today in Comber - the home of great taste - where you can enjoy the local crafts and artisan food scene, with many local shops selling unique, handmade goods. Ards and North Down is home to the greatest concentration of professional artists and craftspeople in Northern Ireland, so you are bound to find something arty that inspires you. Then tantalise your taste buds with homegrown foods and locally brewed drinks; eat in one of our cosy cafes 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 famous for its award-winning produce that includes fresh breads, delicious jams, chutneys and vegetables. STOP 2 From Comber travel to Castle Espie, a wetland reserve managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. The reserve has incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and a fascinating visitor centre that you ll not want to miss. With the centre providing views of almost the entire population of the world s Brent geese wintering on Strangford Lough, you ll want to bring your camera! 5 STOP 5 From here venture to Killinchy. Continue today s crafty theme and take time to visit Sea Snail Studio, offering a collection of jewellery, stationery, textiles and framed works. Then stop in The Crafty Fox, a local shop that stocks beautiful handmade gifts.

43 PAGE STOP 3 Next head to Lisbane, a small village between Balloo and Comber home to The Old Post Office Tea Rooms. The building dates back to the 1840s and was restored to create a charming eatery that offers a unique dining and hospitality experience. It is the perfect place to refuel! STOP 4 Journey a short distance to Mahee Island which boasts breathtaking views of Strangford Lough or enjoy 18-holes on the island s golf course. While on the island take time to explore Nendrum Monastery. Founded in the 5th century by St Machaoi, some remains of this Christian Monastery can still be seen, and it is believed to be the best example of a pre-norman monastic site in Northern Ireland. STOP 6 Home to Balloo House, Daft Eddy s and the Poacher s Pocket, the Killinchy area is a foodie haven for tonight s dinner. If you fancy slightly more casual cuisine, Balloo House is an awardwinning restaurant and beautiful country pub with a rich history. It was originally a coaching house bought by the McConnell family in 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. 6 For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

44 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Route STOP 1 Start your day in Bangor. A walk along the North Down Coastal Path - which provides fabulous views of one of the finest shorelines on the Island - and a coffee in one of the town s cafés will wake you up before you delve into the town s rich history. STOP 2 Visit Bangor Abbey where you can learn about Christian heritage. Download the Bangor Christian Heritage Trail app straight to your mobile to hear all about its rich history, such as how it grew to become one of the most important seats of learning in Ireland 4 STOP 4 Next, journey to Holywood via the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Here you can experience what life was like in Northern Ireland over 100 years ago in the folk park, and explore one of the most comprehensive transport collections in Europe where you ll find majestic locomotives, horse-drawn carriages, vintage motorbikes and rare cars.

45 PAGE 42 3 STOP 3 Then head to North Down Museum to discover the region s history. Northern Ireland s most visited small museum tells the story of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day through a series of rooms, each dedicated to a 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. STOP 5 Renowned for its speciality boutiques and café scene, Holywood town - which is home to pro-golfer, Rory McIlroy - is the perfect place to while away a few hours. The town s award-winning brasseries and restaurants - several of which feature in the prestigious Michelin guide - are the perfect places to end a few days well-spent. Treat yourself to a threecourse meal made from locally sourced ingredients and indulge in a glass of something special A perfect end to a packed stay! 5 For further information go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

46 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Autumn/Winter Events September to February In Ards and North Down we are proud to have an extensive and varied events programme. Whether you are a foodie, a nature lover, explorer, historian or a family looking to enjoy time together, there s something for you. Keep in touch with the latest news and events: visitardsandnorthdown.com OUR E-NEWSLETTER! Keep up to date with news and events in Ards and North Down, sign up to our ezine at visitardsandnorthdown.com

47 Key PAGE 44 Free Visitor Information Centre

48 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 September Monthly Market Comber Farmers Market: First Thursday in the month St Mary s Parish Church car park, BT23 5DU 9am 1pm Portaferry: Market on the Square First Saturday in the month Portaferry Market House, BT22 1LN 10am 1.30pm Weekly Markets Bangor: Wednesdays Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD 7am 1pm Newtownards Saturdays Conway Square, BT23 4NP 8am 4.30pm Saturday 1 to Sunday 30 September Aspects Literature Festival Bangor, various locations aspectsfestival.com Cost: Ticket prices vary Saturday 1 September Car Bazaar Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 9am 12noon nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: To participate 5 Car, 10 Van, 15 Trailer; To attend Admission Free. For entry to House, Gardens and Demesne: Normal admission, see website. Members Free Until Saturday 1 September Bangor Worldwide Missionary Convention Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor, BT20 4LN Mornings 11.30am, Evenings 7.30pm worldwidemission.org Cost: 15, 5 (Under 25 s) This event is grant aided by ANDBC Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages Groomsport Harbour, BT19 6JR Entertainment 2pm-4pm Cottages open 11am-5pm Sat: Tales of the Wild Animal Roadshow and traditional crafts. Sun: Re-enactments and Ulster-Scots Agency entertainment including archery, children s crafts, blacksmith Eamonn Higgins and music from Ben Healey visitardsandnorthdown. com

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50 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 September Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September Conversations Festival Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 10am-5pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free Booking essential for various talks. Wednesday 5 September Little Ducklings Day WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am-11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: 5 (Ad), children free. Booking essential Thursday 6 September to Sunday 9 September Donaghadee Lights Up Throughout Donaghadee, BT21 Building on last year s success this event has just got bigger and better. Bringing you musical headliners Brian Kennedy and Eddi Reader, food, boat and historical tours - you won t want to be anywhere else this weekend. Some events require booking. Concert free visitardsandnorthdown. com Saturday 8 September North Down Collective: Handmade Arts and Crafts Market Holywood Old School Church Road, Holywood, BT18 9BX 10am-4pm northdowncraftcollective. com Saturday 8 September Live Music: Sestina: Media Vita in the Midst of Life Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 7.30pm porticoards.com Cost: 15, 5 (U25yrs) Sunday 9 September Open Art at Project 24 Queen s Parade, Bangor, BT20 3BJ 2pm-4pm project24ni.com Brian Kennedy

51 Eddi Reader - Donaghadee Lights Up PAGE 48

52 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 September European Heritage Open Days Every year, during the second weekend in September, many historic properties open their doors to the public. It s a great opportunity to explore buildings, some of which are not normally open to the public, with many organisations hosting free events and tours. Discover the built heritage of Ards and North Down Saturday 8 September Ballywalter Park Ballywalter, Newtownards, BT22 2PP 10am 5pm ballywalterpark.com Saturday 8 September Mount Stewart Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 10am 5pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart (Donations welcome) Saturday 8 September North Down Museum and Bangor Castle Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, BT20 4BT 11am 3pm northdownmuseum.com Saturday 8 September Living History Grey Abbey ruins Greyabbey BT22 2NQ 1pm 5pm discovernorthernireland. com/events Saturday 8 September Family Fun at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre The Stables, Castle Street, BT22 1NZ Entertainment 2pm 4pm Centre open 10am 5pm Captain Jack Nautical Knot Workshop, Wonderful Wildlife Crafts and Planting Seeds Workshop visitardsandnorthdown. com All information correct at time of going to print. Some events require booking. To avoid any disappointment visit discovernorthernireland.com/events Portaferry Market House

53 PAGE 50 Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages Groomsport Harbour, BT19 6JR Entertainment 2pm 4pm Cottages open 11am 5pm Sat: Jazz music and traditional crafts. Sun: Rope making, crafts and Soda Shirley visitardsandnorthdown. com Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September Ballycopeland Windmill Millisle, BT22 2DS 30-minute tours from 10am 4.30pm. Tours must be pre-booked discovernorthernireland. com/events Sunday 9 September Living History, Newtownards Priory BT23 7NY 1pm 5pm discovernorthernireland. com/events Ballycopeland Windmill

54 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 September Friday 14 September Ballywalter Ulster-Scots Festival Concert: A night of music, dance and storytelling Ballywalter Presbyterian Church Hall, BT22 2PJ 7.30pm Friday 14 to Sunday 16 September Commonwealth Shooting Federation (European Division) Comber and Newtownards 9am 6pm nifss.co.uk This event is grant aided by ANDBC Wednesday 19 to Sunday 30 September Aspects Irish Literature Festival Bangor, various locations aspectsfestival.com Cost: Ticket prices vary Friday 21 September Bat Night with Donna Allen WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 7pm 9pm wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: (Ad), 7.50 (Ch U16). Booking essential Saturday 15 September Movie Night: Finding Dory Exploris Aquarium, Castle Street, Portaferry BT22 1NZ Doors open 6pm Screening 7.15pm approx explorisni.com Cost: Normal admission, see website Saturday 15 September Shane Todd - Hero Stand Up Tour of Ireland 2018 Portico Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 7.30pm porticoards.com Cost: 14

55 PAGE 52 Friday 21 September Bat Night with Donna Allen WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 7pm-9pm wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: (Ad), 7.50 (Ch U16). Booking essential Friday 21 September Holywood Culture Night Holywood town centre, BT18 9AE Starts 6pm holywoodculturenight.com Cost: Free Friday, 21 September Friday Night Live: The Knotty Pine String Band Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP 8pm ardsarts.com Cost: 7, BYOB, no spirits please Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September Planter s Seminar Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 11am 6pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Two-day ticket, 85 incl Sunday lunch. Booking essential Wednesday 26 September Bird Watching Morning WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am 11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free. Booking essential Friday 28 September Live Music: The Iconettes Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 7.30pm porticoards.com Cost: 15 Saturday 29 September Bangor 10k Starts 11am from Castle Park, nr Town Hall, BT20 4BT; End point: Ward Park, BT20 4AJ northdownac.co.uk/bangor- 10k-2/ Bat Night

56 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 September Saturday 29 September Red Squirrel Day Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Guided walks and activity sessions at 10am and 12noon nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free. Booking essential Sunday 30 September Jazz in the Gardens Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 2pm-4.30pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free Jazz in the Gardens, Mount Stewart

57 PAGE 54 October Monthly Market Comber Farmers Market: First Thursday in the month St Mary s Parish Church car park, BT23 5DU 9am 1pm Portaferry: Market on the Square First Saturday in the month Portaferry Market House, BT22 1LN 10am 1.30pm Weekly Markets Bangor: Wednesdays Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD 7am 1pm Newtownards: Saturdays Conway Square, BT23 4NP 8am 4.30pm Wednesday 3 October Little Ducklings Day WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am 11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: 5 (Ad), children free. Booking essential Thursday 4 October World Animal Day Exploris Aquarium, Castle Street, Portaferry, BT22 1NZ 10am-4pm explorisni.com Cost: Normal admission, see website Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 October Big Brent Event WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10am-5pm wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free Saturday 6 October Warrior Assault Obstacle Course Race Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex, 3 Valentine Road, BT20 4TH 9am Phone or check website for prices bangoraurora.com Monday 8 October World Octopus Day Exploris Aquarium, Castle Street, Portaferry BT22 1NZ 10am 4pm explorisni.com Cost: Normal admission, see website Friday 12 October Music in the Chamber: Connla Town Hall, Bangor Castle, Castle Park Avenue, BT20 4BT 8pm ardsarts.com Cost: 10, incl refreshments

58 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 October Saturday 13 October North Down Collective: Handmade Arts and Crafts Market Holywood Old School Church Road, Holywood, BT18 9BX 10am-4pm northdowncraftcollective.com Saturday 13 October The Big Draw: Make, Build, Play 2 West Street, Newtownards, BT23 4EN 2pm and 4pm ardsarts.com Saturday 13 October Live Music: Jules Maxwell and Deleyaman Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 7.30pm porticoards.com Cost: 15 Saturday 20 October Quinntessence Theatre Company presents Cracks The Web Theatre, Newtownards, BT23 4DE Time: 8pm ardsarts.com Cost: 8 ( 4 for groups of ten or more) Sunday 21 October Reptile Awareness Day Exploris Aquarium, Castle Street, Portaferry BT22 1NZ 10am 5pm explorisni.com Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 October Dark Side of Ballycultra tours Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU nmni.com/uftm Cost: Varies, see website Friday 26 October Friday Night Live: Brendan Popplestone and Silver Fish Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP 8pm ardsarts.com Cost: 7 BYOB, no spirits please Friday 26 October and Saturday 27 October Murder Mystery Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 7pm 10pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: 45, over 18 s only. Booking essential Saturday 27 October Spooky Halloween The Ark Open Farm, Newtownards, BT23 7PH 11am 4pm thearkopenfarm.co.uk Cost: Check the website Saturday 27 October Seapark Fireworks 4pm 9pm Fireworks 8pm Packed with fun, the children s fun fair, tasty treats on offer from a great selection of food stalls and live music by local band The Jukes, make for a great way to spend a Saturday night. A highlight of the evening is always a spectacular show of fireworks over the shores of the Lough. Wrap up warm and bring a torch visitardsandnorthdown. com

59 PAGE 56 Image: Brent Geese Saturday 27 October Haunted Hub at Project 24 Queens Parade, Bangor, BT20 3BJ 6pm 8pm project24ni.com Saturday 27 October Live Music: Nosferatu with organist Richard Hills Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 7.30pm porticoards.com Cost: 15, 5 (U25yrs) Saturday 27 October Brent Watch Strangford Lough, meet Greyabbey Car Park BT22 2RU 11.30am 1.30pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Booking essential (Donations welcome) Saturday 27 to Wednesday 31 October Halloween at Mount Stewart Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 11am 3pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free

60 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 October Saturday 27 to Wednesday 31 October Spellbound Festival WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10am 5pm wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free Saturday 27 October Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse North Down Museum, Town Hall, Bangor, BT20 4BT 8pm-11pm northdownmuseum.com Cost: 10 Sunday 28 October Halloween Ghost Trains Drumawhey Junction Railway, Four Road Ends, Donaghadee, BT21 0LZ 1pm 5pm drumawhey.com Cost: 3 (Ad), 2.00 (Ch) Children dressed in Halloween costume go free Sunday 28 October Halloween Fun at Cockle Row Cottages Groomsport Harbour, BT19 6JR Entertainment 1pm 4pm Cottages open 11am 5pm Tales of the Wild Animal Roadshow, Plant and Play, creepy crafts and Ulster Scots Agency entertainment visitardsandnorthdown. com Sunday 28 October Live Music: Kris Drever with Jon Blek Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 7.30pm porticoards.com Cost: 15 Monday 29 October Red Squirrel Walk and Talk Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 9am 11am nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Varies, see website. Members Free Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 October Halloween Movie Night: Jaws Exploris Aquarium, Castle Street, Portaferry, BT22 1NZ Doors open 6pm Screening 7.15pm approx explorisni.com Cost: Normal admission, see website Wednesday 31 October Halloween at Cultra Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU 10am 4pm nmni.com/uftm Cost: Varies, see website Wednesday 31 October Bird Watching Morning WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am-11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free. Booking essential

61 PAGE 58 November Monthly Market Comber Farmers Market: First Thursday in the month St Mary s Parish Church car park, BT23 5DU 9am 1pm Portaferry: Market on the Square First Saturday in the month Portaferry Market House, BT22 1LN 10am 1.30pm Weekly Markets Bangor: Wednesdays Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD 7am 1pm Newtownards: Saturdays Conway Square, BT23 4NP 8am 4.30pm Various dates in November National Portrait Gallery Exhibition Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Open 11am-3pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members free. Saturday 3 November Tastings at the Temple: Whiskey and Poitin Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 7.30pm 10.30pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: 50, over 18 s only. Booking essential Sunday 4 November Autumn Walk Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 11am 1pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: 10 (Ad), 5 (Ch). Booking essential Wednesday 7 November Little Ducklings Day WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am 11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: 5 Ad, children free. Booking essential Wednesday 7 November Wireless Mystery Theatre presents Mary Shelley s Frankenstein Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, BT23 4NP 8pm ardsarts.com Cost: 10 Friday 9 November Live Music: Karen Underwood and Band Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 7.30pm porticoards.com Cost: 15 Saturday 10 November North Down Collective: Handmade Arts and Crafts Market Holywood Old School Church Road, Holywood, BT18 9BX 10am-4pm northdowncraftcollective. com Saturday 10 November Have a go: Stonewalling Orlock Point, Groomsport, BT19 6LS 10am 2pm Organised by Mount Stewart. For information contact Ranger (Ranger s office) nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart (Donations welcome)

62 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 November Tastings at the Temple - 3 November

63 PAGE 60 Saturday 10 November Model Railway Day Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU 10am 5pm nmni.com/utfm Cost: Varies, see website This event is grant aided by ANDBC Friday 16 November Live Music: Edelle McMahon Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP 8pm ardsarts.com Cost: 7 BYOB, no spirits please Saturday 17 November Ulster Siamese and All Breed Cat Club 38th Annual Championship Show and Artisan Fair Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Valentine Road, Bangor, BT20 4TH 10am 4.30pm usabcc.co.uk Cost: 2 (Ad), 1 (Ch), U5 yrs free This event is grant aided by ANDBC Saturday 17 November Bangor Christmas Switch On Bangor Seafront and Project 24, BT20 5ED Market 12noon-7pm. Switch on and fireworks 5.30pm. There will be plenty of festive inspired fun on offer at Bangor s seafront area; with children s funfair, food and craft market, all leading up to the big switch on of the Christmas Tree lights in McKee Clock arena followed by the muchanticipated fireworks display of the year over the marina waters (best viewing spots, along the coastal path and promenade) visitardsandnorthdown. com Friday 23 November Newtownards Christmas Switch On Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP 7pm. Festive themed entertainment that is sure to make for a terrific evening of fun with family and friends welcoming the Christmas season to the town; with a children s parade and Santa plus the switch on of the Christmas tree lights in the Square visitardsandnorthdown. com Saturday 24 November Holywood Christmas Switch On Town Centre, BT18 9AE 4.30pm. Seasonal fun and entertainment with the switch on of the Christmas tree lights visitardsandnorthdown. com

64 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 November Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November Christmas Craft Market North Down Museum, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, BT20 4BT Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun 12noon-4.30pm northdownmuseum.com Wednesday 28 November Bird Watching Morning WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am 11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free. Booking essential Thursday 29 November Comber Christmas Fair in the Square Comber, BT23 5DT 4pm 8pm ardscommunitynetwork. com Friday 30 November Santa Experience Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD For times check website nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Check website (Further dates in December) Friday 30 November Creative Peninsula s Christmas Fayre Ards Arts Centre Conway Square Newtownards, BT23 4NP 10am-5pm artsarts.com Friday 30 November The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! By Squash Box Theatre Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 7pm For children aged porticoards.com Cost: 5

65 PAGE 62 December Monthly Market Comber Farmers Market: First Thursday in the month St Mary s Parish Church car park, BT23 5DU 9am 1pm Portaferry: Market on the Square First Saturday in the month Portaferry Market House, BT22 1LN 10am 1.30pm Weekly Markets Bangor: Wednesdays Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD 7am 1pm Newtownards: Saturdays Conway Square, BT23 4NP 8am 4.30pm Various dates in December National Portrait Gallery Exhibition Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Open 11am-3pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members free. Various dates throughout December Christmas at Cultra Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, BT18 0EU Times vary nmni.com/uftm Cost: Varies, see website Every Saturday and Sunday in December Santa at Pickie Funpark Marine Gardens, Bangor, BT20 5AG 2pm-4pm pickiefunpark.com Every Saturday and Sunday in December *Except Sat 29 and Sun 30 Here Comes Santa WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10am-5pm wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: Charge applies, check website. Booking essential Saturday 1 December Creative Peninsula s Christmas Fayre Ards Arts Centre Conway Square Newtownards, BT23 4NP 10am-5pm artsarts.com Saturday 1 December The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! By Squash Box Theatre Studio 1A, Bangor, BT20 4JP 2pm and 7pm For children aged porticoards.com Cost: 5 Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December Santa Experience Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD For times check website nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Check website Sunday 2, 9 and 16 December Santa Special Trains Drumawhey Junction Railway, Four Road Ends, Donaghadee, BT21 0LZ 12noon 4pm drumawhey.com Cost: 3 (Ad), 2 (Ch) Children train ride followed by meet and greet with Santa 10

66 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 December Christmas at Ulster Folk and Transport Museum Wednesday 5 December Little Ducklings Day WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am-11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: 5 Ad, children free. Booking essential Thursday 6 December Melisma The Chamber, Bangor Castle, BT20 4BT 8pm ardsarts.com Cost: 10 Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 December Santa Experience Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD For times check website nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Check website Friday 7 December Baby s First Christmas Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Suitable for U2yrs old. Visits between 12noon and 2pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: excl prosecco, incl prosecco Children under 2 free. Booking essential

67 PAGE 64 Friday 7 December Murder She Got Wrote Off: Christmas Special Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP 8pm ardsarts.com Cost: 10 Friday 7 and Saturday 8 December The Carol Ship on Strangford Lough Portaferry/ Strangford, BT pm-9.30pm portaferryand strangfordtrust.org Cost: Free onshore. Normal ferry charges apply, see: nidirect.gov.uk/articles/ strangford-ferry-fares This event is grant aided by ANDBC Friday 7 and Sunday 9 December Donaghadee Christmas Celebrations Town Centre, BT21 0HE Fri from 6pm Sun from 2.30pm For details, see website visitdonaghadee.com Saturday 8 December North Down Collective: Handmade Arts and Crafts Market Holywood Old School Church Road, Holywood, BT18 9BX 10am-4pm northdowncraftcollective. com Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December Merry Fish-mas Exploris Aquarium, Castle Street, Portaferry BT22 1NZ 10am-5pm explorisni.com Normal admission, see website Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December Movie in the Hub at Project 24 Queen s Parade, Bangor, BT20 3BJ Seating 3.30pm Screening 4pm project24ni.com Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 December Santa Experience Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD For times check website nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Check website Thursday 13 December Christmas Night at the Movies, with singer Michelle Baird The Queen s Hall, Newtownards, BT23 4EN 8pm ardsarts.com Cost: 10 Friday 14 December Ulster Orchestra: Brass on your Doorstep Bangor Abbey, Bangor, BT20 4JE 7pm ardsarts.com Cost: 10 (Ad), 6 (Ch) Friday 14 December Baby s First Christmas Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Suitable for U2yrs old. Visits between 12noon and 2pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: excl prosecco, incl prosecco Children under 2 free. Booking essential

68 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 December Saturday 15 December Junior Rangers Woodland Experience Skillen s Wood, Greyabbey Organised by Mount Stewart. 10am-2pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Free (Ad), 5 (Ch). Booking essential Wednesday 19 to Saturday 22 December Santa Experience Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD For times check website nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Check website Friday 21 December Baby s First Christmas Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Suitable for U2yrs old. Visits between 12noon and 2pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: excl prosecco, incl prosecco Children under 2 free. Booking essential Wednesday 26 December Bird Watching Morning WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am-11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free. Booking essential

69 PAGE 66 January Weekly Markets Bangor: Wednesdays Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD 7am 1pm Newtownards: Saturdays Conway Square, BT23 4NP 8am 4.30pm North Down Museum Various dates in January National Portrait Gallery Exhibition Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Open 11am-3pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members free. Tuesday 1 January New Year s Day Walk Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD 11am 1pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: 10 (Ad), 5 (Ch). Booking essential Wednesday 2 January Little Ducklings Day WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am 11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: 5 Ad, children free. Booking essential Saturday 12 January Have a go: Coppicing Killynether Wood, Newtownards, BT23 4SJ Organised by Mount Stewart 10am 3pm. For information contact Ranger: nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount-stewart (Donations welcome) Friday 25 January Live Music: Derek Ryan Portico, Portaferry, BT22 1LE 7.30pm porticoards.com Cost: 25 Wednesday 30 January Bird Watching Morning WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am 11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free. Booking essential

70 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 February Monthly Market Comber Farmers Market First Thursday in the month St Mary s Parish Church Car park, BT23 5DU 9am 1pm Weekly Markets Bangor: Wednesdays Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD 7am 1pm Newtownards: Saturdays Conway Square, BT23 4NP 8am 4.30pm Various dates in February National Portrait Gallery Exhibition Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Open 11am-3pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members free. Wednesday 6 February Little Ducklings Day WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am-11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: 5 (Ad), children free. Booking essential Saturday 9 February North Down Collective: Handmade Arts and Crafts Market Holywood Old School Church Road, Holywood, BT18 9BX 10am-4pm northdowncraftcollective. com Wednesday 27 February Bird Watching Morning WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am-11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free. Booking essential

71 PAGE 68 March Monthly Market Comber Farmers Market First Thursday in the month St Mary s Parish Church Car park, BT23 5DU 9am 1pm Weekly Markets Bangor: Wednesdays Asda Carpark, BT20 4SD 7am 1pm Newtownards: Saturdays Conway Square, BT23 4NP 8am 4.30pm Various dates in March National Portrait Gallery Exhibition Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT22 2AD Open 11am-3pm nationaltrust.org.uk/ mount stewart Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members free. Wednesday 6 March Little Ducklings Day WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am-11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: 5 (Ad), children free. Booking essential Saturday 9 March North Down Collective: Handmade Arts and Crafts Market Holywood Old School Church Road, Holywood, BT18 9BX 10am-4pm northdowncraftcollective. com Wednesday 27 March Bird Watching Morning WWT Castle Espie, Comber, BT23 6EA 10.30am-11.30am wwt.org.uk/wetland centres/castle espie Cost: Normal admission, see website. Members Free. Booking essential

72 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Exhibitions Ards Arts Centre Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP Gallery open Mon-Thurs 9am 4.30pm, Fri 9am 4pm, Sat 10am 4pm, Sun Closed ardsarts.com Ongoing exhibitions all year round. See website for details.

73 Key PAGE 70 Free Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD Mon-Fri 9.15am 5pm Sat 9.30am 5pm visitardsandnorthdown.com The Space Saturday 1 Saturday 29 September History of the Great Ardes and Newtown An Exhibition by Ards Historical Society on the history of Newtownards Saturday 6 Saturday 27 October Meet the Maker Like Minded An exhibition showcasing the work of members of North Down Craft Collective. Saturday 3 to Saturday 24 November Meet the Maker - Monumental An exhibition showcasing the work of Ellen Cunningham s ceramics. Saturday 1 to Saturday 22 December Meet the Maker Exhibition Series: Tis the Season The annual Christmas exhibition of unique and inspired handcrafted Christmas decorations, designed and made by local Craftespeople. Presented in a winter wonderland, this is an ideal opportunity to purchase a unique, handcrafted and inspired piece for your home or tree. Saturday 5 Saturday 26 January The Princess Victoria Disaster and the Sir Samuel Kelly An exhibition by Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company Saturday 2 to Saturday 23 February Echlinville Distillery Exhibition

74 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 North Down Museum Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, BT20 4BT See website for seasonal opening times northdownmuseum.com The Long Gallery Wednesday 5 September to Sunday 4 November Bangor Football Club Centenary This year marks the 100th anniversary of Bangor Football Club! Come along and explore its long history through a range of images, programmes, memorabilia and stories. Wednesday 7 November to Sunday 27 January God is on Leave WW1 Exhibition This moving exhibition by artists Leslie Nicholl and Colin Corkey highlights local men who were killed or injured in the First World War. It is a tribute to all those who served and commemorates their sacrifice.

75 PAGE 72 The Community Gallery Until Sunday 16 September Bangor Art Club An exhibit using all mediums, by a talented and enthusiastic local group established in Tuesday 18 September to Sunday 14 October Super Seasiders An exhibit by Alan O Neill. In honour of the 100th anniversary of Bangor Football Club, this local artist has painted a selection of players, staff and supporters of the club. These unique portraits will be accompanied by video of Alan interviewing each subject about their memories of the club over the years. Tuesday 16 October to Sunday 11 November A War Encapsulated in Stone Preserving the memory of the people involved in the fighting during the First World War, was at the heart of a desire in the 1920s. To find a way to mark their participation in such a large-scale, world-changing event was incredibly important. Holywood artist Rosamund Praeger was at the heart of the movement. This exhibition explores the WW1 monuments and memorials she created across Northern Ireland. Tuesday 13 November to Sunday 9 December Octus Art: STORIES Octus Art is a group of eight artists each of whom has recently completed their Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at SERC in Bangor. This is their first exhibition as a collective. STORIES reflect how each of the artists have been affected by his or her individual experience within the borough. Tuesday 11 December to Sunday 6 January The Essence The exhibition will capture glimpses of local scenery, history, poems and tales of the local area within Co Down. The artists have created work that dips into the history of buildings, tales and scenery using various mediums which complement the gallery area. Each artist specialises in print, ceramics and felting, using colours and textures which grasp the essence of nature and create a sense of ambiance of the local area.

76 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 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 crafts, souvenirs and free literature. They should be your first port of call! Ards VIC 31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD Jan-Jun & Sept-Dec: Mon-Fri 9.15am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-5pm; Jul-Aug: Mon-Fri 9.15am-5.15pm, Sat 9am-5.30pm. Closed Sundays. Bangor VIC 34 Quay Street, Bangor BT20 5ED Seasonal Centres Jan-Apr & Sept-Dec: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9.15am-5pm, Wed 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun closed. May-Aug: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9.15am-5pm, Wed 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm. Groomsport VIC Cockle Row Cottages, Main Street, Groomsport, BT19 6GH Easter Sunday, Apr & May - Sat & Sun only: 11am-5pm; 1 June - first Sunday in September - open daily: 11am-5pm. Portaferry VIC The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry, BT22 1NZ Good Friday - last Friday in September: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm.

77 PAGE 74 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 Transport Translink Public Transport: translink.co.uk Strangford Lough Ferry Service: TEXT: Ferry to for updates Belfast International Airport: belfastairport.com George Best Belfast City Airport: belfastcityairport.com P&O Ferries: poferries.com Stena Line Ferries: stenaline.co.uk

78 EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 Accommodation From cosy B&Bs to ultra-modern self-catering, luxury hotels to budget hostels, there is something for every taste and pocket. Get the best out of your stay in the borough, whether it be for an overnight stay, weekend retreat or weeklong break... Pick up a free copy of our Ards and North Down Accommodation Guide from one of our Visitor Information Centres or download it at visitardsandnorthdown.com

79 EXPLORE AND UNWIND Area map overleaf

80 Helen s Bay Crawfordsburn Bangor Newtownards Conlig Trails & Routes Strangford Lough Canoe Trail East Coast Canoe Trail Comber Greenway Cycle Trail Strangford Lough Cycle Trail North Down Coastal Path Lecale Way St Patrick s Trail (main route) Trail leading to other associated St Patrick s Trail sites Mourne Coastal Route Comber/Andrews Titanic Trail Ulster Scots Driving Tours Great Wars Trail Film Locations Access points to the Lough Strangford Lough Ferry Service Sailings every 30 minutes nidirect.gov.uk/ articles/strangfordferry-fares Strangford Portaferry Departs on the hour and the half hour. Portaferry Strangford Departs at quarter past and quarter to the hour. 2 miles 3.2 km This is map is based upon Crown Copyright and 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 SMS text message alert service: Passengers can register to receive SMS text message service updates. You can: Text FERRY to to register Text STOP to to stop Text messages are free in the UK In-depth literature on these trails, routes and must-sees are available at your nearest Visitor Information Centre or visitardsandnorthdown.com We have three Apps available to download for FREE from your preferred store: Bangor Christian Heritage Discover Ards and North Down Greyabbbey Village Heritage Trail

81 Ards Visitor Information Centre 31 Regent Street, Newtownards County Down BT23 4AD Bangor Visitor Information Centre Tower House, 34 Quay Street Bangor BT20 5ED PICK UP OUR OTHER FREE GUIDES visitardsandnorthdown.com