Explore the Local Area
There is so much to see and do in the Ards Peninsula. This area boasts beautiful trips and restaurants and more info can be found in the guide book in the property.
Historical National Trust Properties
Mountstewart and Castleward (of Game of Thrones fame) are close by.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/mount-stewart
Nearby Villages
The nearest village, Ballywalter is one and a half miles and makes a lovely walk along the beach from the bungalow.
Donaghadee is a must with its distinctive lighthouse and shops, it is the film location for the series, Hope Street.
Greyabbey is a small village located on the eastern shores of Strangford Lough. Greyabbey is the best example of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster. Visit the many quaint antique shops.
Take a trip to Portaferry - The town has a Ferry (Portaferry-Strangford Ferry) that operates daily between the villages of Portaferry and Strangford. The Anglo Norman Savage family, established the original ferry in 1188, making it the longest existing ferry service in the world. Visit Portaferry Castle, Exploris Aquarium or take part in the heritage trail.
https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/explore/heritage-trails/portaferry-heritage-trail
Family Fun
Castle Espie
Get up close to Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic waterbirds, bats and migrant birds whilst taking in stunning estuary views at Castle Espie, a magical place for people of all ages offering adventure for everyone. With a secret swamp, natural play area, walks and trails and an outdoor duckery, there’s something for all the family to enjoy.
Ark Open Farm
See lots of cute and cuddly rabbits, chicks, guinea pigs, pet lambs, kid goats and ponies to ride. You can get up close and have lots of interaction, supervised by friendly and helpful staff. The Ark Farm is unique, being the nly one of its kind specialising in animals no longer seen in Northern Ireland’s fields.
Exploris
Located in Portaferry, you can explore the marine life of Strangford Lough then continue to the colourful coral reefs of the tropical oceans and the depths of the Amazon Rainforest where you can see its reptilian inhabitants. Visit the endangered but playful otters and observe the conservation work in action at the nursery seal pens.
Restaurants/ Eating Out
You will be spoilt for choice, here are a few…
Firebox Pizza, Ballywalter
Talbot’s Catch, Ballyhalbert
The Quays, Portavogie
Saltwater Brig, Kircubbin
Tge Lobster Pot, Strangford
Harrison’s, Greyabbey
Alchemy, Greyabbey
Wildfowler, Greyabbey
Captain Jacks, Portaferry
Salthouse, Portaferry
Trying Something New
Eden Pottery- Come along and paint your own pottery. Tea room available.
https://edenpotteryshop.co.uk/
Echlinville Distillery- A genuine farm distillery, all Echlinville’s new make spirit is distilled from barley grown, harvested and floor malted on their distillery farm near the shores of Strangford Lough.Distillery tours available.
https://echlinville.com/experiences/
