Events, experiences and inspiration for how to spend your time in Ards and North Down

[Ards and North Down Borough Council]

Your guide to the year ahead in Ards and North Down, with focus on January

Visit Ards and North Down Friday 9 January Happy New Year! Enjoy our January 2026 edition, offering inspiration for time well spent. Relax and reconnect in Ards and North Down.

New Year, New Adventures! Have you started to think about where to take your next adventure this year? What about getting away from it all here in Ards and North Down. Let us inspire you... Visit our Website

Journey Through our Place Discover Ards and North Down in 2026. Find out what makes our place unique. Come, relax, explore, and relish time away from the everyday. Whether it's a day trip, a weekend break, or a stay that's a little longer, you can look forward to... 😍 Stunning scenery 🌿 Serene landscapes 🥰 Warm welcomes and heartfelt hospitality 🍴 Field to fork freshness 📚 Stories, centuries old, of a history so rich 🚣‍♀️ Adventures and experiences ❤️ Memories to cherish Ards and North Down is a destination for all. The perfect escape. Best experienced in person. Explore our places here 'Journey Through Ards and North Down' - Instagram Reel here

Events and Experiences

What's On Find out what this month has in store for you - tours, performances, events and experiences to keep any winter blues at bay. View What's On Calendar These listings are updated frequently by local providers throughout the year, so be sure to check in for new events and experiences regularly.

Burns, Whisky & Words: A Whisky Tasting Experience 25 January Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra Explore three single malt Scotch whiskies, each chosen for its deep connection to a defining chapter in Robert Burns' life, paired with a whisky-led canapé created by The Edible Flower, and accompanied by a carefully selected Burns poem to deepen your connection to the whisky and Burns. Entertainment included. Book now Trú 30 January The Portico of Ards, Portaferry Irish folk trio TRÚ blends ancient mythology with contemporary sound. Their newest music has garnered acclaim, drawing comparisons to Gomez, The Beatles and "The Beach Boys on Whiskey" (RTÉ). The band's heritage is traditional, with a contemporary edge.  Book now

Rediscovering - Tiny Threads Big History - Labour, Linen and Lace Exhibition | Discovery Hub Ards Visitor Information Centre, Newtownards A special collaboration between Ards Historical Society and stunning lacework by Mrs Unagh McCullough, founder of ABLE (Ards Bobbin and Lace Enthusiasts) this exhibition showcases tradition, fine design and local artistry. Surrounded by natural beauty, the Ards Peninsula continues to inspire artists today — and this exhibition beautifully links our artistic past with the present. Find out more

Late Night Art Bangor Last Thursday of every month* Next one - 29 January 6pm - 9pm Visitors can enjoy an art-based open house such as exhibitions, demos and workshops across the city centre, with more local businesses open late in support such as gift shops and eateries. Find out more via the event founders: Boom Studios, The Court House Bangor and Seacourt Print Workshop. *excluding December Find out more

Looking ahead

Celtic Saints: A Journey Through Time and Tradition Saturday 7 February £35 Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Ireland's patron saints at North Down Museum, Bangor with Brigid Watson of Sustainable Journeys Ireland. Upon arrival you will savour traditional refreshments associated with Saint Brigid, including homemade pancakes, delicious oatcakes, and local honey. Brigid will then guide you through the art of crafting Saint Brigid's crosses using sustainable materials gathered on her farm offering a hands-on experience that connects you to centuries-old traditions. As you create your own cross, discover the enduring significance of this practice in Irish culture. The experience then delves into the life of Saint Columbanus, Bangor's revered Christian leader, exploring the shared qualities of these two influential figures. Reflect on their lasting impact and relevance in today's world, gaining insights that bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary life. This engaging journey through Celtic spirituality promises a meaningful exploration for adults seeking connection with Ireland's rich cultural tapestry. This experience is suitable for those aged 10 years and over. Book now

Arts and Culture

Music in the Chamber: Ards CCÉ Thursday 19 February Bangor Castle Starts 8pm The young musicians of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann invite you to a joyful celebration of Irish traditional music in the beautiful setting of Bangor Castle. Bursting with energy, talent, and a deep love for their musical heritage, these rising performers are marking an extraordinary milestone as Ards CCÉ approaches its 50th anniversary in July 2026. It's an especially exciting year as Belfast prepares to host the world-renowned Fleadh Cheoil, with the Ards branch proudly collaborating with Belfast City Council to help shape this global celebration of culture. This special event offers a heartfelt showcase of their skill, spirit, and community pride — an evening sure to leave audiences smiling and inspired. Book now

Young Aspects 27 February - 1 March Bangor Venues The Young Aspects Festival celebrates creativity, imagination and storytelling for young people of all ages. Taking place across Bangor, the festival offers an inspiring weekend of workshops, author events and hands-on activities designed to spark a love of reading and writing. The full programme will be available from the Aspects Festival website from Thursday 22 January. Find out more

Ards International Guitar Festival 15 - 19 April Newtownards The Ards International Guitar Festival is back, celebrating 30 years of guitar inspired gigs and free fringe events! Expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical and contemporary music for guitar aficionados. Full programme and tickets available from Thursday 5 February, 12noon. Find out more

Explore more

Locations of Interest Sir Samuel Kelly Project Based in Donaghadee, this exhibit, hosted by Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company (NIC 105987), promotes the heritage and culture of our part of the Ards Peninsula, conserving the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat and keeping alive her story. The 'Kelly's courageous crew rescued 33 people from the worst maritime disaster in the Irish Sea since the Second World War. Visit the Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat and see the exhibition about Donaghadee lifeboats and the loss of MV Princess Victoria on 31 January 1953, and hear the story from our tour guides who are happy to show you around. Find out more

Connect with nature this season Winter walks in the Ards and North Down region of Northern Ireland offer a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the crisp, fresh air during the colder months. The area is blessed with stunning coastal landscapes, tranquil woodlands, and picturesque trails that are perfect for exploring in winter.  Use our Blog article as your guide to create a wish list of go-to places this season. Read more

Self Guided Town and Village Walking Trails Explore at your own pace with these handy downloadable trail guides. These guides are also available from our Visitor Information Centres in Bangor and Newtownards. Bangor | Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay | Holywood Comber | Newtownards | Donaghadee Village Trails of the Ards Peninsula Download Guides

Go on a scenic adventure... The Mourne Coastal Route This self driving trail, takes you on a journey from Belfast via North Down, The Ards Peninsula, the County Down coastline, to Mourne Mountains, and on to the city of Newry, through some of the most scenic views in all of Ireland.  Find out more

Moved by Nature 2026 Calendar A calendar to inspire you in ways to enjoy our natural surroundings in Ards and North Down. Explore Calendar

Borough Markets

FOOD | ARTISAN MARKETS Monthly: First Thursday of every month Comber Farmers' Market 9am until 1.30pm First Saturday of the month, April to December The Market on the Square, Portaferry Weekly: Every Wednesday Bangor Market, behind Asda 8am until 1pm Every Saturday Newtownards Market, Conway Square 8am until 4pm Find out more

Grant Aided Events

Every year, Ards and North Down Borough Council are pleased to support a programme of Tourism events and Community events which are grant-aided. Whether you are interested in cycling, sailing, music or art, plus festivals for all the family, save the dates: Tourism Events Feel Good Festival Organised by The Portico of Ards 1 - 31 March 2026 The Portico of Ards, Portaferry More information on these events coming soon!

Community Events 2026 The Creative Holywood Festival Organised by Holywood Shared Town 5 - 9 March 2026 Find out more All event details are subject to change.

Plan your Trip

Visitor Information Centres The Visitor Information Centre team is here to help you make the most of your time in Ards and North Down. From itinerary planning, directions to unique spots, learning more about the history of the place and more, Visitor Advisors are here to help with informnation on Ards and North Down as well as all of Northern Ireland. The two centres, in Bangor and Newtownards, are great spots for souvenir shopping and also provide a great range of locally made quality crafted gifts. Plan your Trip

Information on Electronic Travel Authorisations to Northern Ireland (ETAs) ETAs are being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status. People arriving in the UK, including Northern Ireland, need to enter in line with the UK’s immigration framework, including obtaining an ETA if required. Go to this page Electronic Travel Authorisation for information on Is the ETA a type of visa? | Who needs an ETA? | What date do I need an ETA from? | How much does an ETA cost? | Do I need an ETA to visit the Republic of Ireland? | How do I apply for an ETA?

More of interest

Latest Blogs Discover recent inspirational blog articles - gather hints, suggestions and tips they offer so that you can make the most of your time in Ards and North Down. View Blogs

Visitor News Here are just some of our recent news stories you might have missed... Hope Street is back on the beat as it returns for series 5 City will be home to the largest bronze sculpture on the Island of Ireland by end of 2026 Culloden Estate amongst Condé Nast Travellers 11 best hotels in Belfast

Things to note   Offers All offers are limited in availability and subject to the provider's terms and conditions which are available when booking. Photography and filming Ards and North Down events will be photographed and filmed. Images may be used in Ards and North Down Borough Council promotional material and on promotional channels including web, social media, and printed publications. During the events if you do not want your image to be used, please inform our event staff. Subject to change All information is correct at the time of issue. However, event details may change at short notice, so please check with event organisers or premises where possible. All effort is taken to ensure that information is correct at the time of issue. However, event details and programming may be subject to change. Always be Drink Aware We are aware that some events featured on our website have elements that include alcoholic beverages, we would always encourage responsible and safe alcohol consumption. For more information, visit the Drink Aware website.

Contact Us Marketing, City Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT County Down, Northern Ireland Email: mark...@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk Copyright 2026 - Ards and North Down Borough Council Update Your Preferences   |   View Online   |   Unsubscribe   |   Privacy Policy