Ballygowan Travel Guide
Newtownards
Visit Ballygowan
Popular places to visit

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Belfast: Giant's Causeway, Coast Road & Game of Thrones Tour

Titanic Belfast Entrance Ticket: Titanic Visitor Experience Including SS Nomadic

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

Belfast Interactive Comedy Night: Craic The Gong

1-Day Titanic Quarter & Belfast City Rail Tour
Top hotels in Ballygowan

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
"We had a great stay at the FitzWilliam Hotel in Belfast. The room was very spacious, clean and modern. The bed was very comfortable which I need for my bad back. The breakfast and bar food was very good and the staff could not be any more helpful. Will return in the future."
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026

room2 Belfast Hometel
"The location of the hotel was excellent, and the help of the staff fantastic. It was quite warm when I was there and it was hard to get the room to be a decent temperature for sleeping."
Reviewed on 16 Jun 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre
"Easy check in process. Parking garage was right next door. This was a great place to stay."
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026

Leonardo Hotel Belfast
"Great location, friendly staff. Lovely reception/bar area"
Reviewed on 16 Jun 2026

Maldron Hotel Belfast City
"We had a wonderful stay at Maldron Hotel Belfast. The hotel was clean, tidy, and well maintained, with all the facilities in good working order. The breakfast was delicious, and the location was very convenient for getting around the city. A special thank you to Marcus at the front desk. He was incredibly ..."
Reviewed on 12 Jun 2026

Holiday Inn Express Belfast City by IHG
"The food was good-dinner and breakfast. The dinner menu was very limited but I enjoyed the hamburger. Breakfast was excellent. I’m really glad they had fenced, secure parking in the back because the neighborhood is not safe. The building across the street had broken windows in it. Our section was ..."
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
Where to stay in 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.
