Things to do

Discover Local Adventures

Sandycove Holiday Homes and Parks are located within a few miles of Ballywalter Village. A charming coastal village on the eastern shore of the Ards Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland, renowned for its wide sandy beach, historic harbour, and strong Ulster-Scots heritage. Situated approximately 15 miles southeast of Newtownards, the village offers a blend of natural beauty and fascinating local history. Ballywalter Beach is a popular destination for families and walkers, featuring expansive sands, rock pools, views across the Irish Sea, and facilities including a children’s play area, slipway, and public amenities. At the southern end of the village, the historic 18th-century Lime Kilns provide a scenic vantage point with panoramic coastal views. Nearby, Ballywalter Park, a magnificent Grade A* listed country house built in the Italianate Palazzo style, stands as one of Northern Ireland’s finest stately homes and can be visited by appointment. The surrounding area is rich in attractions, including the restored Ballycopeland Windmill and Eden Pottery in Millisle, the picturesque harbour town of Donaghadee, and Portaferry, home to Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and the ferry crossing to Strangford. Visitors can also explore nearby historic landmarks such as Whitechurch graveyard and the impressive ruins of Grey Abbey, making Ballywalter an ideal base for discovering the heritage and scenery of the Ards Peninsula.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Mount Stewart is a historic estate located on the Portaferry Road, approx. 5 miles from from Ballywalter and has remained a cherished family home of the Londonderry family while adapting through the generations. Renowned for its world-class gardens, created by Edith, Lady Londonderry in the early 20th century, it combines artistic design with an exceptional plant collection and is considered one of the finest gardens in the world. The estate’s demesne, acquired by the Stewart family in 1744, features historic woodlands, farmland, orchards, architectural landmarks, and thriving wildlife, including one of the last strongholds of the native red squirrel. Overlooking Strangford Lough is the Temple of the Winds, an eighteenth-century Grade I listed building designed by James “Athenian” Stuart in 1786, inspired by the ancient Tower of the Winds in Athens and originally built as a banqueting hall and scenic focal point of the estate.

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Donaghadee

Donaghadee is a picturesque and vibrant coastal town on the Ards Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland, less than 10 mins drive from Ballywalter. Renowned for its scenic beauty, rich maritime heritage, and welcoming community, it is a popular destination for coastal walks, water-based activities, and seaside dining. The town’s iconic harbour, designed by John Rennie and built in the 1820s, features a striking lighthouse and stone pier that offer beautiful views across the coastline. Overlooking the town is The Moat, a historic park with a camera obscura and panoramic vistas stretching across the Irish Sea towards Scotland and the Isle of Man. Donaghadee is also home to Grace Neill’s, reputed to be Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1611, and the Copeland Distillery, which produces locally crafted gin and whiskey inspired by the nearby Copeland Islands. The town’s strong seafaring traditions are reflected in the preserved Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat, cared for by the Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company. Visitors can enjoy the Donaghadee Town Trail, peaceful coastal walks at the Commons, and nearby attractions such as Ballycopeland Windmill and Millisle Beach Park, making Donaghadee an ideal destination for exploring the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

Copeland Distillery, Donaghadee

Founded in 2016 in Donaghadee, County Down, the Copeland Distillery is one of Northern Ireland’s leading craft distilleries, operating from a beautifully repurposed cinema on Manor Street near the town’s historic harbour. The distillery produces a range of award-winning Irish whiskeys, gins, and rums, crafted using locally sourced botanicals, fruits, and three bespoke copper stills named Betty, Hessie, and Pam. Its whiskey portfolio includes acclaimed Single Malt and Pot Still expressions, made with a variety of mash bills and matured for extended periods to develop exceptional character and quality. The distillery’s gin range features classic, navy-strength, and fruit-infused varieties that have received international recognition, while its small-batch rums are inspired by the coastal heritage of the region. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the 6,500-square-foot facility, which includes production areas, a coffee shop, and dedicated spaces for events and tastings, offering a unique insight into the craft of distilling in Northern Ireland.

Copeland Distillery

Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary and Rescue Centre

Located on the shores of Strangford Lough in Portaferry, just 30 mins from Ballywalter, Exploris Aquarium offers an exciting journey through marine life from around the world. Visitors can explore native species from the lough and Irish Sea, learn about the area’s Viking heritage, and walk through an underwater glass tunnel in the impressive Ocean Tank. The Tropical Ocean zone showcases vibrant coral reefs and over 100 species, while outdoor attractions include Asian short-clawed otters, a seal sanctuary, penguins, a second otter family, and Hector the capybara. Families can enjoy the interactive stamping trail, aquatic-themed soft play area, kiddie rides, and outdoor picnic spaces. The aquarium also features The Kraken Restaurant, serving freshly made locally sourced food, and a visitor information centre providing maps and guidance on local attractions. Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Exploris combines education, conservation, and family-friendly entertainment in a unique coastal setting.

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Greyabbey Village

Greyabbey is a charming and historic village located on the eastern shores of Strangford Lough, approximately three miles from Ballywalter in County Down. Best known for the impressive Grey Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of the Anglo-Norman leader John de Courcy, the village is home to one of the finest examples of early Gothic architecture in Ulster. Often regarded as Northern Ireland’s antique capital, Greyabbey attracts visitors with its collection of independent antique shops, galleries, and courtyards filled with vintage furniture, collectables, and unique treasures. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Strangford Lough, the area offers scenic coastal walks, abundant wildlife, spectacular sunsets, and fascinating historical features, including ancient Neolithic stone fish traps. The village also boasts a welcoming selection of cafés, tearooms, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for visitors, walkers, and cyclists exploring the Ards Peninsula.

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