Newtownards Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Mount Stewart House and Gardens showing heritage architecture, a garden and a house
Newtownards is a largetown based on the Ards peninsula in Northern Ireland. The fact that it is only10 miles from Belfast,with its two airports and lively cultural scene, makes it a highly convenientdestination for visitors from all over the UK and the rest of the world.

StrangfordLough

Even more appealing than the simple convenience ofits location, however, is the fact that it is also based at the most northerntip of Strangford Lough. This is the largest inletor sea lough in Britain, being linked to the rest of the Irish Sea by just anarrow channel. Its 150 square kilometres of water are home to over 70 islandsand its waters, bays and mud flats play host to a dazzling range of flora andfauna.

The natural diversity of the lough is such that itwas chosen as Northern Irelands first Marine Conservation Zone in 2013. Manysea birds migrate to and from the lough, and its waters are also home toanimals as diverse as basking sharks, common seals and Brent Geese.

Things todo in Newtownard

The shores of Strangford Lough form a naturalplayground for any visitors to Newtownard,offering facilities and activities which can be enjoyed indoors or out, nomatter what the weather. The waters of the lough itself are the most obviouschoice, of course, allowing visitors to take part in activities such assailing, diving and kayaking, with equipment and instruction on hand from a localadventure centre. For those keen on heading out alone, there are alsospecifically marked ‘canoe trails’ and a Strangford Lough Activity Map producedby the Ordinance Survey of Northern Ireland.

To the west of Newtownards,in Scrabo County Park, you’ll find Scrabo Tower, a 125 foot high turreted towerwhich was originally built in 1857. From the car park below you can walk up tothe top of the hill, where the tower is positioned, and mount the steps up tothe top floor to take in stunning views for miles in all directions. Havingconquered the tower, you can then explore the surrounding country park, enjoyingthe rural tranquillity of the woodland walks and disused quarries.

Places to Visitin Newtownards

Slightly to the north of the town itself you’llfind the SommeHeritage Centre, a unique visitor attraction which conveys thereality of the First World War and, in particular, the impact it had on theIrish divisions involved.

Those interested in music will simply have to fitin a visit to the Avalon Guitar workshop. Favoured by artists such as BruceSpringsteen, David Gray and Katie Melua, these are some of the finest handcrafted musical instruments in the world. Book a tour in advance and you’ll getto watch master craftspeople creating highly sought after artefacts beforerelaxing in the guitar lounge and even having a go at playing one of theguitars yourself.

Shoppingand Staying in Newtownards

From the shops in the centre of the town to theindependent craftspeople that have based their studios around the shores ofStrangford Lough, you’ll be able to commemorate your stay in Newtownardsby taking home gifts and souvenirs unique to this beautiful part of the world.

Where to stay in Newtownards

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Ballygowan

While Ballygowan isn't home to many top sights, Rockmount Golf Club and Magherascouse Lough are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ballygowan
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Moneyreagh

Moneyreagh is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Newtownards area, you might plan a trip to Dundonald International Ice Bowl or Ravenhill Stadium.

Moneyreagh
La Mon Hotel And Country Club
La Mon Hotel And Country Club
4 out of 5
41 Gransha Road, Castlereagh, Newtownards, Northern Ireland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹10,858 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
₹10,858
₹13,030 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Newtownards. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (492 reviews)
"Beautiful country retreat, quiet and peaceful"

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

La Mon Hotel And Country Club
Strangford Arms Hotel Newtownards
Strangford Arms Hotel Newtownards
3 out of 5
92 Church Street, Newtownards, Northern Ireland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹9,562 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
₹9,562
₹11,475 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Newtownards. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (169 reviews)
"Stayed 2 nights. Room was unusual in that it was an internal room - no windows! Had we known we probably would have chosen something else but they were booked out. Had a skylight so that stayed open. Room was clean and apart from no windows, was just fine. We ate in the restaurant/bar area. Not bad ..."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2024

Strangford Arms Hotel Newtownards
The Old Schoolhouse Inn
The Old Schoolhouse Inn
4 out of 5
100 Ballydrain Road, Comber, Newtownards, Newtownards, Northern Ireland
The price is ₹9,059 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
₹9,059
₹10,870 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach inn in Newtownards. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Scrabo ...
9/10 Wonderful! (79 reviews)
"Everything a B&B should be . Warm cozy rooms with all the amenities. Proper Irish breakfast .Directed us to a fantastic restaurant . Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2024

The Old Schoolhouse Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dream Apartments - The Obel Building
Dream Apartments - The Obel Building
4 out of 5
62 Donegal Quay, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and SSE Arena ...
7.6/10 Good! (134 reviews)
"Location good. More like a hostel than an apartment. Bed linen smelled of damp and no spare pillows. Blinds were office blinds and did not keep out light at night. Had very little sleep. Would not stay again or recommend to anyone."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2023

Dream Apartments - The Obel Building
Cordia Serviced Apartments
Cordia Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
Lisburn Road,355-367, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (151 reviews)
Great stay
"Very good let us check in earlier, spacious clean and tidy"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Cordia Serviced Apartments
No 1 Luxury Service Accommodation
No 1 Luxury Service Accommodation
3.5 out of 5
98 Roseberry Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this apartment in Belfast. Enjoy free parking, a casino and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and SSE Arena are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
"Property well located to walk into city about 1 mile.Martin very helpful could do with few more cooking utensils ie bowls for oven"

Reviewed on 18 Sep 2024

No 1 Luxury Service Accommodation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Newtownards

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice women

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A good hub to have if your planning to visit Belfast, Bagor or lisburn.

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