Newtownards Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mount Stewart House and Gardens showing heritage architecture, a garden and a house
Newtownards
Newtownards
Mount Stewart House and Gardens which includes autumn leaves and forests
Newtownards

Newtownards Travel Guide Video

Newtownards is a largetown based on the Ards peninsula in Northern Ireland. The fact that it is only10 miles from Belfast,with its two airports and lively cultural scene, makes it a highly convenientdestination for visitors from all over the UK and the rest of the world.

StrangfordLough

Even more appealing than the simple convenience ofits location, however, is the fact that it is also based at the most northerntip of Strangford Lough. This is the largest inletor sea lough in Britain, being linked to the rest of the Irish Sea by just anarrow channel. Its 150 square kilometres of water are home to over 70 islandsand its waters, bays and mud flats play host to a dazzling range of flora andfauna.

The natural diversity of the lough is such that itwas chosen as Northern Irelands first Marine Conservation Zone in 2013. Manysea birds migrate to and from the lough, and its waters are also home toanimals as diverse as basking sharks, common seals and Brent Geese.

Things todo in Newtownard

The shores of Strangford Lough form a naturalplayground for any visitors to Newtownard,offering facilities and activities which can be enjoyed indoors or out, nomatter what the weather. The waters of the lough itself are the most obviouschoice, of course, allowing visitors to take part in activities such assailing, diving and kayaking, with equipment and instruction on hand from a localadventure centre. For those keen on heading out alone, there are alsospecifically marked ‘canoe trails’ and a Strangford Lough Activity Map producedby the Ordinance Survey of Northern Ireland.

To the west of Newtownards,in Scrabo County Park, you’ll find Scrabo Tower, a 125 foot high turreted towerwhich was originally built in 1857. From the car park below you can walk up tothe top of the hill, where the tower is positioned, and mount the steps up tothe top floor to take in stunning views for miles in all directions. Havingconquered the tower, you can then explore the surrounding country park, enjoyingthe rural tranquillity of the woodland walks and disused quarries.

Places to Visitin Newtownards

Slightly to the north of the town itself you’llfind the SommeHeritage Centre, a unique visitor attraction which conveys thereality of the First World War and, in particular, the impact it had on theIrish divisions involved.

Those interested in music will simply have to fitin a visit to the Avalon Guitar workshop. Favoured by artists such as BruceSpringsteen, David Grey and Katie Melua, these are some of the finest handcrafted musical instruments in the world. Book a tour in advance and you’ll getto watch master craftspeople creating highly sought after artifacts beforerelaxing in the guitar lounge and even having a go at playing one of theguitars yourself.

Shoppingand Staying in Newtownards

From the shops in the centre of the town to theindependent craftspeople that have based their studios around the shores ofStrangford Lough, you’ll be able to commemorate your stay in Newtownardsby taking home gifts and souvenirs unique to this beautiful part of the world.

   

Where to stay in Newtownards

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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.

Moneyreagh
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Ballygowan

While Ballygowan isn't home to many top sights, Balmoral Golf Club and Rockmount Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ballygowan
Strangford Arms Hotel Newtownards

Strangford Arms Hotel Newtownards

3 out of 5
92 Church Street, Newtownards, Northern Ireland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,115 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿4,115
฿4,938 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Newtownards. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (190 reviews)
"Very good service, clean & comfortable hotel with a lovely Bistro Bar attached. I don’t visit Ards very often but would stay here again the next time I did"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Strangford Arms Hotel Newtownards
La Mon Hotel And Country Club

La Mon Hotel And Country Club

4 out of 5
41 Gransha Road, Castlereagh, Newtownards, Northern Ireland
The price is ฿3,903 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
฿3,903
฿4,684 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Newtownards. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (535 reviews)
We'll be back!
"We were so impressed by this hotel. Fabulous room, very comfortable and spacious. The pool was great but mostly it was the welcoming and accommodating staff who made our visit so special. They were so helpful. We got room service instead of eating in the restaurant and it was fabulous. The Operations ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

La Mon Hotel And Country Club
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

5 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The price is ฿6,668 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿6,668
฿8,001 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,013 reviews)
"Loved everything about this hotel, from the staff to the location to the gorgeous room to the great food."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
4 bed House - Private Garden - Free Parking

4 bed House - Private Garden - Free Parking

2 out of 5
Newtownards, Northern Ireland
Stay at this residence in Newtownards. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Scrabo Tower and Dundonald International Ice Bowl are ...
4 bed House - Private Garden - Free Parking
The Ulsterville Residences

The Ulsterville Residences

3 out of 5
56 Ulsterville Avenue Lisburn road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and Windsor Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Host is great. Very responsive and accommodating. 5 stars! Area isn’t the best appearance wise but to be fair no issues encountered."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

The Ulsterville Residences
No 5 by Warren Collection

No 5 by Warren Collection

2 out of 5
5 Eglantine Pl, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this aparthotel in Belfast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and Lord Kelvin Statue ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Stayed here for two nights, beautiful property and spotlessly clean."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

No 5 by Warren Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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