Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
A wonderful restaurant in the centre of the beautiful Port William. Extremely popular with locals and tourists alike; booking is strongly recommended. Choose from their wide ranging menu, anything from haggis, steak and gammon to prawns, calamari and the catch of the day.
Fun Days Out
Eddie Irvine Sports is one of the largest indoor karting tracks in Ireland and is owned by the Formula One star Eddie Irvine. This premier sporting facility is open every day and offers a range of activities to keep everyone entertained in this fun and exciting venue. You can choose from a range of activities including, karting, paintballing, football, bubble football, laser combat, snooker and also try your hand at the very realistic virtual Race Experience in one of the 20 linked race simulators. Whatever activity you choose you are assured a fun time and lots of thrills and excitement too. They run a range of special offers so worth checking the website for these deals. The staff are friendly and professional and safety is paramount, before beginning any activity you are given a full safety briefing. They provide all the equipment for the activities so you do not need to take along anything. The karting course is well laid out and really professional and is fantastic fun. Eddie Irvine Sports is a great place to visit for all ages as there is something for everyone, great fun and a laugh to be had here.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
No recommended Cycling & Hiking found within 30 miles of this property.
Golf & Sports
Carrickfergus Golf Club was established in 1926 and has quite an abundant and interesting history, it is located on the edge of Belfast Lough and enjoys superb views across the lough to County Down. It is an 18 hole par 68 parkland course with a good layout that although challenging still offers a fair and enjoyable round of golf, it is a predominately flat course with a number of long holes, deep bunkers as well as some difficult but intriguing water features. The course is well maintained and has some excellent views. A warm welcome is extended at Carrickfergus Golf Club and the staff throughout are very friendly and professional as well as being helpful. The clubhouse is again welcoming and inviting, and very comfortable, the restaurant serves the most delicious food, well cooked and presented, a very high standard, with excellent service and really reasonable prices, could not fault it. The amenities here are very good, with two bars as well as an excellently stocked pro shop on site. The green fees are reasonable and are representative of the caliber of both the course and the facilities.
Nature Reserves
No recommended Nature Reserves found within 30 miles of this property.
Gardens & Woodlands
Logan lies at the South-Western tip of Scotland, and it is unrivalled as the country's most exotic garden. This is a showcase for some truly remarkable flowers.
Bangor Castle Walled Garden is highly regarded and recognised for its highly esteemed horticulture, the gardens are located in Castle Park and extend to 2.5 acres. It is a very popular spot owing to its beauty and charm and the peace and tranquillity if offers. The garden is split into four areas each with a different horticulture theme. The gardens date back to the 1840s when they were designed by the Ward family but, were private and open open to the public and deemed to be a secret garden. Haven been taken over by the council and loving restored they were opened for public view from April 2009 and have been an extremely popular attraction since. The gardens hold many awards and you can arrange a formal tour of these beautiful gardens by appointment. The gardens are open daily and there is no charge for entry. When in bloom the gardens are simply sunning, a riot of colour and the most fabulous floral aromas linger in the air. There is a cafe located nearby that serves a good selection of wholesome food that is well priced, the staff are friendly and the cafe is warm and inviting, a nice place to stop for a coffee and a cake after walking the gardens. Bangor Castle Walled Garden are beautiful regardless of the time of year and make for a very pleasant walk in lovely peaceful surroundings.
Castle Park is an exquisite park that is conveniently situated in the town of Bangor and plays an important recreational role for the people of Bangor. Extending to acres of beautiful woodland and rolling hills there are numerous walks and trails to enjoy in this oasis of peace and tranquillity. Each season offers different things to see as you stroll around, in addition to the resident squirrels and birds. If you call to the North Down Museum you can obtain a Castle park Nature Trail Guide and follow the routes they have set out. Within the boundaries of the park are the Town Hall located in the stunning Bangor Castle, whilst here take a look at the sundial located in the forecourt it is thought to date to the 8th century and be of monastic origin, also worth a look is the Arboretum found on the south side of the Town Hall, here you will find a lovely collection of mature conifers and deciduous trees. Children love all the open spaces that they can explore, run around in as well as the opportunity to climb trees. The 19th century Walled Garden is also worth a visit whilst here, it is very pretty. The cafe located close to the Walled Garden sells a nice selection of beverages and snacks that are not too expensive. The real attraction of Castle Park is the peace and quiet it offers perfect for those who enjoy walks and lovely scenery.
A beautiful park, in the heart of Galloway Forest. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around this beautiful area or simply sit with a good book and a picnic soaking up the stunning scenery. Alternatively spend some time at the excellent visitor centre and pop in for a warm beverage in the tea room.
Crawfordsburn Country Park is a picturesque park that is well maintained, it covers a large area and encompasses two superb golden sandy beaches, peaceful meadows, wooded glens, a beautiful waterfall and gorgeous views of Belfast Lough. The park offers its visitors peace and tranquillity and an abundance of stunning scenery for you to enjoy, it is also home to a variety of wildlife including, hedgehogs, squirrels and badgers and in the coastal waters it is not unusual to see the seals playing in the waves. Children love the vast open spaces and freedom it offers to run around and explore, the opportunity to climb trees or go rock pooling by the waters edge. For the more energetic visitors there is an Adidas endorsed running trail. You can choose from coastal or woodland walks both offer loads to see. Located in the park is a Visitor Centre, where you can obtain any information you need about the park and local area, or hire a mobility scooter. The Cafe is warm and comfy and serves a nice selection of beverages and homemade meals that are tasty and very reasonably priced. Crawfordsburn Country Park offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, get loads of fresh air and relax in its peaceful surroundings without costing a penny, take a picnic or a BBQ and make a day of it regardless of the weather you will have a lovely time here in these wonderful surroundings.
Local Attractions
The Gallery is located on the ground floor of a delightful Edwardian home within the conservation area of Whitehead. It is an unusual environment but works very well, the gallery sits well amongst the grace and charm of the house. The Gallery houses the work of the owner a talented artist who specialises in contemporary and abstract work and two rooms of the house are used to display her work. The Conservatory Gallery exhibition space is allotted to other artists with a different artist on show each month, so it is a continually changing exhibition of works. Open daily from 12.00pm to 5.00pm. There is also the opportunity to have a tour of this lovely house for a small charge of €4 per person, tours can be arranged by email or via their Facebook page, full details are on the website. All art on display is available for sale and there is always a great variety of art on sale covering a vast range of styles and subjects. If in the area do call in to see what is on show you won't be disappointed by the great works or the lovely gallery.
Blackhead Path takes you along a route that extends from Whitehead Boat Club to Sunshine House and is about two to three miles in distance along the Antrim Coast. As you meander along this route you come across beach, coastal and woodland, known as the "Magic Wood" that is home to a variety of wildlife. A particular point of interest along the walk is the Blackhead Lighthouse that is reached by climbing up some steep steps. The remainder of the walk is mixed some sections are pretty level and easy going other areas made up of the craggy coastal path. The area is stunning with some picturesque views out over Bangor and on a clear day you can see for miles with views of the Isle of Man and Scotland. The walk includes some information boards along the way that detail the history of the area and some old photos, that are interesting and informative. Blackhead Path is an ideal walk whatever the weather as it has a number of shelters along the route where you can take cover, it also has lots of local wildlife to see and if you look out over the sea you might see a dolphin, a walk with lovely views that everyone can enjoy.
Brown's Bay - 24.6 Miles (39.4 KM)
Brown's Bay Beach extends to 300 metres and is lined with rocks and loose boulders but is mainly sandy. The beach is vast, both long and wide, it is a quiet and peaceful spot and is found at the northern end of Islandmagee and enjoys a rural setting that gives an escape from the hustle and bustle of it all. You get the most fabulous views out across the horizon where you can see five headlands that stretch up along the Antrim coast. The beach is clean and has public toilets that are also clean. It is perfect for swimming in as the waters tend to be calm and are quite shallow. At times you can spot jellyfish here, examine the rock pools and possibly see seals in the waters. There are nice coastal walks that you can take from here. Although it is popular on a nice day it never gets overcrowded. There is a shop located just along the road where you can buy refreshments. Brown's Bay Beach is a perfect day out for all, families can enjoy the amenities here and everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, it is a heavenly place, that has won the Seaside Rural Award.
Whitehead Public Library is located in Whitehead, Antrim, it is a bright and modern building that houses a vast and varied collection of books, media items, research items as well as equipment available for your use. The library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.00am closing times vary so best to check the website. They also organise a number of literary and fun events, as well as focusing on historic events that are aimed at the local community and all ages again all details are on the website. It has a lovely welcoming atmosphere and the staff are great, really friendly and helpful. You don't have to be a member to get involved with the events and activities they are available to everyone.
The Bank House is located in a classic historic building that once served as a bank, within the centre of the charming and quaint village of Whitehead. It is home a delightful variety and selection of local art and artisan crafts as well as items of stationery and basketry, paintings, ceramics and much more. It also serves as a gallery and has a good selection of works by local artists. The goods are high quality and there are many unusual and and quirky items for sale, you are sure to find something to appeal to all tastes here. It is well laid out and all items are clearly displayed. The store opens Monday through to Saturday from 9.30 am till 5.30pm with late night opening on a Thursday. There is a lovely coffee shop where you can relax with a nice beverage and one of the delicious cakes they sell, so tasty! They organise a range of different events and classes making it a real part of the community. The Bank House has a lovely welcoming atmosphere and the staff are so friendly and helpful too. The Bank House has lots to offer and should not be missed if you are in the area lots to see and even get involved with a real gem of a shop.
Pickie Family Fun park is a well established family attraction in the town of Bangor, next to the Marina. It is in the process of undergoing a big renovation project to improve its facilities. There is lots to keep the whole family entertained here with a Kid's Electric Car Track, Pedalo Swans, Disco Ducks, 18 Hole Links Mini Golf, Water Walkers, Narrow Gauge Railway, Play Park, Splash Pads, some of the attractions are free and others incur a cost. You can also avail of the delightful coastal walk that can be accessed from the park it extends from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east where, you will take in coastline and parkland, you might even see some grey seals frolicking in the waves, a lovely walk on a dry day. The park is open Saturday and Sunday from 9.00am through to 4.00pm, there are a number of family pass options and special offers available so it is worth checking the website for these deals. There is a cafe that is warm and comfy and it serves a nice selection of hot and cold meals and accompanying beverages, the food is tasty and home cooked and offers excellent value. Pickie Family Fun Park makes for a great day out for everyone and with its free attractions doesn't have to be expensive, definitely worth a visit if you are in the area and should also look at taking the walk along the coast.
The Golf Spot is the place to go to stock up on all your golfing equipment. It is a leading golf store stocking all the major names and everything needed for a game of golf from balls and clubs through to clothes and GPS systems, so whether you are a novice or experienced player, it is the only shop you need to visit. There are professional staff on hand who are able to give any advise needed or answer your questions. They are open daily from 9.30am to 6.00pm but Sunday hours are 1.00pm to 5.00pm. The Golf Spot stocks everything that a golfer could require.
Luxe Day Spa offers you the ultimate day of relaxation and pampering in their inviting and sumptuous spa. They are located in the beautiful surroundings of Clandeboye Estate's Blackwood Golf Centre, you will feel a million miles away but you are still conveniently close to the town. Its close proximity makes it ideal for a quick lunchtime visit or enjoy a complete pampering and relaxation session. They offer a diverse choice of therapies and treatments and cater to both men and women. All treatments are carried out by a team of highly qualified and trained therapists. The therapists are lovely, really friendly and attentive and they will discuss your treatment with you prior to commencing. The facilities are excellent there are four sumptuous treatment suites, a relaxation area and their own Luxe Library. A visit to Luxe Day Spa will assure you a lovely memorable experience, where you will be preened and pampered by capable staff in a lovely relaxing environment and leave feeling wonderful.
Mobile Team Adventure concentrate on Outdoor Pursuits and Team Building but, offer a mobile service where, if possible they will bring the activities to a venue near you so you don't have to travel far. They have a large choice of venues that they can recommend to cater for your event. They offer a choice of activities including, paddling, canoeing, kayaking, bouldering, mountain biking, archery, orienteering, camping, abseiling and much more. All staff are highly trained and qualified and safety is paramount. All events are well organised and run and customer satisfaction is paramount to them, they want to ensure you have the best possible experience and this is achieved with their personal touch. Their equipment is the latest and is excellently maintained too. They can offer tailor made packages to all size and age of group and will cater to all abilities. The activities they offer represent great value for money. Mobile Team Adventure share their love of the great outdoors with you making the occasion fun, exciting and memorable, you will go home with a big smile on your face as well as a sense of achievement. If looking to do something new, different, challenging or exciting then get in touch with Mobile Team Adventure and they will make it happen, a great crew.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Tower House - 25.3 Miles (40.5 KM)
Tower House is a 17th century tower that together with the connected Tower House serves as Bangors's Tourist Information Centre, it is located on the seafront. The building has a long and varied history, it was first built in 1637 to serve as a Custom House and is an unusual design for the region, it has had many purposes over the years but is now protected and serves as a reminder of the town's sea-faring history. It is a lovely building that has been well preserved and makes for a great photo opportunity. The tourist centre is open daily except during the winter season when it is closed on a Sunday, you will find the staff to be friendly and helpful and will be able to get all the information you need on the town and local area.
North Down Heritage Centre is a compact museum but has managed to pack a lot into it. The museum is easily located in Castle Park in an old stable block, it covers the history of the Bronze age through to the current day, through a series of rooms. There is is a vast collection of items and artefacts, pictures and photos and lots more covering all eras of history, there are permanent as well as temporary exhibits. Some of the items of particular importance here are the Bronze Age Ballycroghan Swords, the Bangor Bell and the Raven Maps, the sole entire folio of Plantation time maps in Ireland. The exhibits are well displayed and very informative. Another attraction is the little cinema that shows films of Bangor during the 40's and 50's, very interesting. The museum is open Tuesday through to Sunday, as well as bank holiday Mondays and all Mondays in July and August, there is no charge for entry and it is accessible to all. There is a Museum Shop that sells a nice range of gifts, toys and souvenirs as well as a choice of books covering local history. The Museum Cafe is warm and comfy and serves a great selection of beverages as well as lunches and snacks, homemade and well priced. The staff are lovely, really friendly and helpful and happy to impart their knowledge about the museum and local points of interest etc. North Downs Heritage Centre is a terrific little museum, it holds loads of interesting items and information and certainly worth a visit.
Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Centre is located in a traditional thatched Ulster-Scots farmhouse that was constructed in the 1750's and is ideally situated close to the picturesque town of Boneybefore. The cottage itself is unique in that it was one of twelve of these style of cottage built at this time and was occupied by the same family until 1979, they came here from Scotland. Today the cottage has been sympathetically renovated to its original state complete with traditional features such as open fireplace, wattle and daub walls and hanging crane and has simple but again traditional furnishings. The house comprises of two rooms set up historically and the third room has a video presentation. The centre serves to focus on the life of Andrew Jackson who was the 7th president of the United States of America, his parents emigrated from the area in 1765. You will find a notable collection on his life and career. In the ground of the cottage you will find the US Rangers Centre, a museum devoted to the men of the first battalions of the exclusive American Army Unit the US Rangers a unit that were based here in 1942 during WWII. There are a number of displays that consist of documents, uniforms and photographs as well as other material relevant to this renowned combat unit. There is no admittance charge to this lovely attraction. The guides are in costume, are very friendly and knowledgeable and will happily explain the items on display and answer any questions that you might have. The cottage only opens at certain times so best to check the website or call in advance to arrange an appointment to see the cottage. A charming and interesting way to see the history of this battalion and the humble beginnings of an American president.
Somme Heritage Centre is a museum that serves as an educational facility and tourist attraction, to represent the enormous numbers of Irish men that took part in the Great War serving with the British Army. You will find out the reasons why the young men went to fight in the war. Guided tours run on the hour, every hour and last approximately one hour, you will find the guides to be really friendly and they are also very knowledgeable, they are very animated in telling the history and really bring the experience to life, they pitch the tour at just the right level. You are taken back to 1910 and on a virtual journey where you go from the recruitment process right through to the trenches, you get a real insight into what it would have been like to be here, complete with sound, there are also audio visual presentations. Younger visitors get the opportunity to dress up in old uniforms and there is an extensive collection of artefacts relating to World War I and II many having being donated by relatives. The centre is open daily throughout the year but with extended opening hours in July and August. There is no entrance charge to the museum but there is a separate charge to do the tour. There is a shop where you can purchase related books and merchandise. The cafe serves a nice selection of snacks, light dishes and beverages, produce is all home made and very tasty and excellent value for money, it is a lovely bright, clean and welcoming cafe. Somme Heritage Centre is a great museum, very interesting and informative and the interactive experience will appeal to all ages, not to be missed if you are in the area.
Steam Train Rides are located at Whitehead Excursion Station, being the home of RPSI, Ireland's last existing mainline steam engineering depot. This is where all the locomotives and carriages associated with the RPSI's Northern Ireland stock are housed. In addition it is where all repair and maintenance work is carried out as well. Located here is a station building, a platform and a short running line for the purpose of shunting stock and public presentations. Located in the station is a small shop but this only opens on Summer Steam days, it sells a nice selection of railway themed souvenirs. Past the station are the sheds that keep the engineering equipment and everything else necessary to keep Irelands mainline steam fleet trains, as well as cranes and engines. RPSI do a fantastic job in keeping these wonderful machines working and operating. A ride on one of these gorgeous trains will take many on a trip down memory lane, with the lovely clunk sound the doors make when they close, the old style carriages and windows are lovely, with all the rich wood and the noise the steam makes is wonderful, not the mention the sound of the whistle, for younger visitors it a unique and new experience. The cost to take a steam train ride is very reasonable, great value for money. They operate special local as well as all over the island of Ireland tours, so there is a trip to suit everyone. In addition they run special days throughout the year and it is definitely worth keeping an eye out for these on their website, especially if you have children whether or not they are interested in trains, there is loads to amuse and entertain them. The staff throughout are amazing, so friendly, helpful and knowledge, they really enhance the whole experience and they are all volunteers. Whatever your age or interest you can't help but enjoy a trip on a steam train as the thunders down the tracks, it is a relaxing and mesmeric experience.
Mount Stewart House is a neo-classical house dating to the 18th century and is positioned on the east shore of Strangford Lough, and was the home of Lady Londonderry during the early 20th century, the family had an important role in British and Irish social and political life. The house has being undergoing a substantial and sympathetic restoration to bring it back to its original glory, charm and elegance. The house is home to a number of wonderful features, important family portraits, family treasures, artefacts, stunning furnishings and new features include, the Londonderry loan and silver collection display. You get a real glimpse into how the family and others lived in this period. The grounds are equally stunning and unusual and are well thought and designed and represent the great skill of Edith, Lady Londonderry with their vibrant colours and rich textures, offering a place of peace and tranquillity. They have been voted as one of the foremost ten gardens in the world. The mild climate of Strangford Lough permits impressive degrees of planting experimentation and ensures a large variety of plants flourish here. The formal areas have a distinct Mediterranean appearance and are reflective of an Italian villa landscape, the wooded areas are home to plants from all around the world. Visitors can enjoy the the gorgeous landscaped and informal grounds that encircle the beautiful lake walk, there are a number of interesting sculptures, the grounds are enthralling and offer different perspectives in each season. You can stroll around the gardens on your own or take a guided tour should you want to learn more about these stunning gardens. The gardens are open daily and the house is generally open daily from April through to November, and on weekends from November through to March, there is an admittance charge and they also offer a family ticket. The Bay Restaurant offers excellent home cooked food, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the prices are great value for money. There is also a shop that sells a nice selection of gifts, there is also a secondhand book shop or you can purchase garden plants and ornaments. The staff throughout are fantastic, very friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the the house and family and can answer any questions you have. Mount Stewart House should not be missed it is a simply stunning property the gardens are breathtaking and definitely something you should see.
A fascinating priory to visit, with an extremely long and complex history. Built, re-built, restored, converted and added to over almost sixteen centuries, this age old site has seen its share of worship and war and is well worth a visit. The excellent visitor centre provides information on the architecture, history and religion of the priory over the years.
St. Nicholas Church was constructed in the 12th century and is more than 800 years old and is a beautiful and charming church that is really well maintained. It is an impressive landmark on the landscape with its sharply pointed tower as well as being of historic importance to the town of Carrickfergus. There are numerous features to the church including the beautiful stained glass windows, crooked aisle that was purposely built this way, the nave, the Gardner memorial, carved stones from the nearby ancient Abbey, ancient Piscina and much more. It is an intriguing and interesting church. It is a very welcoming congregation and the church is still open for worship to this day, it is also open to those who are interested in the religious architecture of this charming building. The church members are lovely, really friendly and helpful and have a great knowledge about the church and its history so can answer many question. The church has limited opening but, is open most days throughout the summer for visitors but you can arrange a tour outside of this period by appointment. There is a guidebook available to buy for £5.00 that contains all the information and history about the church. Outside and adjacent to the church is is a cemetery and burial ground it is interesting to walk through here examining the inscriptions on the ancient gravestones, many are no longer legible. St Nicolas Church is a stunning church with so much history and things to see during a visit, you will be enthralled by this beautiful and historic building. .
Carrickfergus Castle is a prominent and dominant feature on the landscape, this Norman castle enjoys a prominent position on the northern shore of Belfast Lough and the surrounding landscape is picturesque. Today it is still as imposing as it was when first built more than 800 years ago, its purpose to serve as fortified military stance for the town. The castle has a rich and varied history and withheld many attacks right up to World War II, when its military role ended in 1928. It is a fantastic example of a mediaeval structure in Ireland and today it serves a reminder of the times gone past and gives a real insight into the history of both the castle and the town. Within you will find historical displays in addition to cannons dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the rooms are representative of how they would have been. You are free to roam around at your own pace, using the map provided, there are information boards, interactive exhibits as well as video presentations, in the audio visual centre. You can also take a guided tour on specific days to get a full run down on the history of the castle, the guides are friendly and extremely knowledgeable and pitch the tour at the right level to keep you entertained. There are great views across the lough of the town and on to Scotland. The castle is open daily throughout the year although, it has longer opening hours from Easter to September, there is a small admittance charge but represents great value for money. Staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and will gladly give you a full history of the castle as well as answering any questions you might have. They operate a number of activity days and events during the year, these are worth checking out, especially great for children. Carrickfergus Castle is a stunning example of a Norman Castle, full of history and set in a beautiful spot, well worth a visit.
Flame is the sole preserved Victorian gasworks in Ireland, and is located in Carrickfergus. These gasworks first opened in 1855 and were the towns suppliers of gas produced from coal for more than one hundred years. It ceased making gas in 1967, thereafter it was used to deliver the gas piped from Belfast until 1987 when it was finally closed, now our power comes from electricity and natural gas. It was revolutionary at the time and provided homes with the power for heat and light for all those years. It gasworks underwent a restoration project and now serves as a visitor attraction and is one of only three preserved gasworks in England and Ireland. It has the prestige of having the largest set of retorts (what the gas was made in) in Western Europe as well as a vast assortment of gas appliances, gas related books, journals and documents. There are visual displays in addition to the memorabilia. A tour last for about ninety minutes and during the tour of these fascinating works you will see first hand the clever way in which, gas was taken from the coal. You will have the opportunity to climb the gasholder where you will get a great view of the town. The museum is operated solely by volunteers, you will find them to be most friendly and helpful, as well as passionate and knowledgeable on the whole process and functionality of the gasworks. There is no admittance charge to the museum and it is open everyday except Saturday May through to September from 2pm to 5pm, you can arrange to see the gasworks outside of these times by prior arrangement, but note it doesn't open in the winter. They run a number of events throughout the year so keep an eye out for these. Flame will appeal to all people it is a unique, fascinating and insightful museum and one of the best tours around, you learn so much from a visit, highly recommended.
