Ballygowan Travel Guide
Newtownards
Visit Ballygowan
Popular places to visit

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.

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.

Nendrum Monastic Site
Find out about the history of Newtownards with a stop at Nendrum Monastic Site. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this relaxing area.

Scrabo Country Park
Explore the great outdoors at Scrabo Country Park, a lovely green space in Newtownards. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable 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

Giants Causeway & Castles Tour from Belfast: Guided tour

Titanic Belfast Entrance Ticket: Titanic Visitor Experience Including SS Nomadic

Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway Day Tour from Belfast
Top hotels in Ballygowan

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
A Very clean room, dining area spotless. As for staff Very friendly and excellent service. This is the hotel to be in when in Belfast.
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Great stay
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026

Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Good clean hotel!
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

room2 Belfast Hometel
The hotel and room was very clean but the bed was very uncomfortable, breakfast was very good and situated in a brilliant location but to the rear of the hotel there is a flat roof on an adjacent building where all the seagulls congregate so don’t expect a lie in as they wake you up very early.
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

Moxy Belfast City
Amazing
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre by IHG
Had an executive room which came with a mini fridge stocked with soft drinks, water, and chocolate and refilled each day. Breakfast was great. Hotel is in a good location, slightly out of town but means it's much quieter! Very easy to get to all the main attractions. Staff were very friendly and ...
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026


