Ballygowan Travel Guide
Newtownards
Popular places to visit

Mount Stewart House and Gardens
The historic house has some of the most interesting gardens in Northern Ireland and an extensive exhibition of ancient relics and artwork.

Mount Stewart
Built in the 18th Century, Mount Stewart is a handsome neoclassical house and garden on the eastern edge of Strangford Lough in County Down in Northern Ireland. Once the seat of the Marquesses of Londonderry, the Vane-Tempest-Stewart dynasty, who bought the estate in 1744, this National Trust-owned property is a must-see for anyone interested in history or horticulture or who likes nothing better than to spend time appreciating beautiful and calm surroundings.

Scrabo Tower
Located on the North Down coast just west of the town of Newtownards, the looming Scrabo Tower is an imposing sentinel in the Northern Irish countryside. Built in 1857 as a memorial to the third Marquis of Londonderry, the turreted tower is constructed from dark stone and resides on a hill 540 feet above sea level. The tower itself is 125 feet high, affording visitors with unbeatable views over the countryside and coastline beyond.

Scrabo Country Park
Explore the great outdoors at Scrabo Country Park, a lovely green space in Newtownards. Visit the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

Nendrum Monastic Site
Find out about the history of Newtownards with a stop at Nendrum Monastic Site. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.
Magherascouse Lough
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Magherascouse Lough during your travels in Newtownards.
Things to do

From Belfast: Giant's Causeway Full-Day Guided Trip

Guided Day Tour of Giant's Causeway from Belfast by Comfortable Coach

Titanic Belfast Entrance Ticket: Titanic Visitor Experience Including SS Nomadic

Belfast: 1 or 2-Day Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway Day Tour from Belfast

From Belfast: Giant's Causeway Guided Day Tour With Castles
Top hotels in Ballygowan

Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Very comfortable— although drinks were quite expensive
Reviewed on 1 Nov 2025

Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Best hotel I’ve stayed at in Belfast
Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

room2 Belfast Hometel
Clean hotel and room, good location!
Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Everything was just amazing will definitely go back me and my friend go to Belfast at least twice a year we have stayed in lots of hotels but none of them has the friendliness that your hotel has everything about your hotel and all your staff is next to none thank you for everything amazing people ...
Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

Clayton Hotel Belfast City
The room itself was comfortable and clean. However, the TV didn’t work (no channels), and although reception said someone would come to fix it, no one ever showed up.
Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Express Belfast City by IHG
Room spotless, very comfy bed, staff very friendly
Reviewed on 31 Oct 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Ballygowan

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.
