The Ards Peninsula is one of Northern Ireland's most beautiful and overlooked destinations — a narrow finger of land between Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea. Here's your guide.
The Ards Peninsula stretches 23 miles from Bangor in the north to Portaferry in the south, with Strangford Lough on its western shore and the Irish Sea on the east. Largely overlooked by tourists, it offers spectacular coastal scenery, ancient heritage, and exceptional birdwatching.
Getting There The A20 from Newtownards takes you down the eastern spine of the peninsula. Alternatively, take the ferry from Strangford to Portaferry for a scenic approach from the south.
Key Stops
Scrabo Tower Overlooking Newtownards, Scrabo Tower (1857) is a Victorian monument to the third Marquess of Londonderry. The short but steep climb rewards with panoramic views across Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula.
Kircubbin & Greyabbey The small village of Greyabbey contains remarkable 12th-century Cistercian abbey ruins in excellent condition, set in beautiful grounds.
Mount Stewart One of the National Trust's jewels — Mount Stewart is an early 19th-century house with perhaps the finest gardens in Northern Ireland. The formal gardens were created by Lady Edith, Marchioness of Londonderry, and feature formal Italian gardens, a Spanish garden, and a lake garden.
Portaferry The village at the southern tip of the peninsula has the excellent Exploris Aquarium, fantastic seafood, and stunning views across the Strangford narrows. The ferry to Strangford is a lovely way to complete a circular route.
Ballyhalbert & Ballyquintin Point The windswept southern tip of the peninsula, Ballyquintin Point, is an RSPB reserve excellent for seabirds. The beaches at Ballyhalbert are beautiful and largely deserted.
Strangford Lough The western shore of the Ards Peninsula borders Strangford Lough, where Castle Ward (Game of Thrones Winterfell) and Nendrum Monastery Island are located.
Exploring the Ards Peninsula Our Strangford Lough and Ards Peninsula private tour from Belfast covers the key highlights in a comfortable full day. Contact us for details and pricing.