North Down - Bangor, Holywood and Groomsport

Destination

North Down consists of Bangor, Holywood and Groomsport. A diverse and winning mix of picturesque coastline, beautiful countryside, bustling towns and quaint villages, with a superb choice of places to stay along with outstanding local and international cuisine. North Down’s largest town, Bangor, is situated only 12 miles from Belfast and just 30 minutes by train or bus.

What's on Offer

Beach & Amenities

The North Down Coastal Path stretches 16 miles along some of Ireland's finest shoreline and features many beautiful beaches, including Crawfordsburn.

Places to Visit

Within a few minutes walk of Bangor town centre are Ward Park, Castle Park and Bangor Castle Walled Garden, designed by the Ward family in the 1840's.

The borough is home to two award-winning museums. The North Down Museum, located at the Town Hall (Bangor Castle), houses exhibitions from Bangor’s Christian Heritage to Bangor’s history. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum consists of two parts: the outdoor Folk Museum tells the story of life in the early 20th century Ulster and The Transport Museum, one of the finest in Europe, displays Ireland’s largest and most comprehensive transport collection, including a Titanic exhibition.

Other attractions include:
Bangor – Bangor Abbey, Pickie Family Fun Park.
Crawfordsburn village – Crawfordsburn Country Park.
Helen’s Bay village - Grey Point Fort.
Holywood – The Priory and the Maypole.
Groomsport village – Cockle Row Cottages.

Entertainment

Variety is the key to North Down's high quality events and entertainment to suit all ages. Forest parks, beaches, boating, fishing and walking are all widely available.

Shopping

Bangor is a key retail destination and provides an eclectic range of retail outlets that cater for all tastes and Holywood has a selection of unique boutique and speciality shops.

Eating Out

You will be spoiled for choice in the many award winning restaurants serving a large variety of different types of cuisine. You are guaranteed a warm welcome and excellent service in our many pubs and restaurants.

Recreation & Sport

Bangor Castle Leisure Centre is located in the centre of Bangor and offers a wide range of amenities. The nearby Sportsplex is a great all-round outdoor sports venue. North Down has 7 golf courses, driving ranges, 5 sailing and yacht clubs, sea, fly, trout and coarse fishing, diving, birdwatching, boat trips and water sports.

Holiday & Activity Centres

For further information please contact Bangor TIC on 028 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk.

Conference & Business Facilities

SIGNAL Business Centre, 028 9147 3788.
Hotel Conference Facilities, contact Bangor TIC 028 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk

Accommodation

Contact Bangor TIC on 028 9127 0069, email tic@northdown.gov.uk

Getting There

Road

From Belfast, follow signs for the A2 to Bangor, approx. 12 miles.

Rail

Frequent services run from Belfast to Bangor and Holywood. See www.translink.co.uk.

Sea

By Ferry - All major companies sail into the Port of Larne and Belfast. Larne is 35 miles away. Belfast is 12 miles away.
By private boat – Bangor Marina, Northern Ireland’s largest Marina, has 550 berths with 50 visitor berths. It is conveniently located in Bangor town centre.

Air

George Best Belfast City Airport, 028 9093 9093, 20 mins to Bangor.
Belfast Int. Airport 028 9448 4848, 50 mins to Bangor.