Explore Ards Peninsula Beaches and Coastline

The Ards Peninsula often just referred to as "The Ards" is a peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland, that separates Strangford Lough from the North Channel of the Irish Sea on the north-east coast of Ireland and contains the most easterly point on the island of Ireland. The main towns on the peninsula are in the north Newtownards and Donaghadee whilst in the south you have Portaferry.


Why not check beaches nearby as we have 15 beaches in Down. You can even take a look at our list of Down dog friendly beaches or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.

Ards Peninsula Down Coast Map

Ards Peninsula Down Coast Search Bar

Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:

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Want some ideas on where to visit?

Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:

Things to see and do

Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough is the biggest sea lough or lake in the United Kingdom. It flows into the Irish Sea at the Strangford Narrows but apart from that, is landlocked. There is over 15 000 acres of shore, islands, wetlands, marsh and woodlands here for wildlife to enjoy and it’s a lovely day out in the country if you’re a keen Read more…
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Scrabo Tower

Scrabo Tower, built-in 1857 and dramatically perched above the market town, the tower was built as a memorial to the Third Marquis of Londonderry. The tower stands in Scrabo Country Park surrounded by beautiful woodland walks and parkland. A climb of 122 steps will take visitors to the open viewing level which gives spectacular views across Strangford Lough, the Mourne Read more…
Copeland-Islands

Copeland Islands

The Copeland Islands is a group of three islands consisting of Lighthouse, Mew and Copeland Island. The Copeland Islands Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) is located in the north Irish Sea, north of Donaghadee, County Down, Northern Ireland and comprises a group of three islands, The Great Copeland, Lighthouse Island and Mew Island. The islands are important sites for Read more…
Mew-Island-Lighthouse

Mew Island Lighthouse

The Mew Island Lighthouse replaced the original lighthouse on Lighthouse Island in 1884. the lighthouse is currently active and was converted to automatic operation with the lighthouse keepers permanently withdrawn in 1996.   Read more…
lifeboat

Portaferry lifeboat station

Portaferry lifeboat station was established in 1980 and operates an inshore lifeboat. Station open by appointment only. Read more…
Donaghadee-Harbour

Donaghadee Harbour

Donaghadee is probably best known for its lighthouse and harbour, which has been a haven for ships since at least the 17th century. The harbour consists of two independent piers running north-westwards out to sea; parallel nearer the shore, they converge at the outer ends to form a harbour mouth 46 m (150 feet) wide. At low tide the water Read more…
Mount-Stewart-House-and-Gardens

Mount Stewart House and Gardens

Mount Stewart House and Gardens is an 18th Century mansion house owned by the Londonderry family and situated just a little way from Greyabbey. The estate is 98 acres and the house itself is well worth a visit as it houses one of the most exclusive collections of art collected from all over the globe complemented by incredible gardens that Read more…
Things to see and do

Exploris Aquarium

Exploris Aquarium is located on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough. Read more…
Ballyhalbert-beach

Ballyhalbert Beach

Ballyhalbert beach is sandy in a small village with a harbour on the east (Irish Sea) coast of the Ards Peninsula between Ballywalter and Portavogie. Just past the harbour is mainland Irelands most easterly point – Burr Point. Ballywalter also has a nature reserve, an old castle mound and the ruins of an old church. Read more…
Ballywalter-beach

Ballywalter Beach

Ballywalter beach is actually two beaches but it is the long south sandy beach that draws most visitors, with rock pools and never too crowded. Ballywalter is a village situated on the east (Irish Sea) coast of the Ards Peninsula. Facilities include small playground nearby, grass areas behind the beach, car parking and toilets. Read more…
Landscape and Nature

Lighthouse Island

A light station was established on Lighthouse Island in the early 18th century and a lighthouse built in 1815. It has been inactive since 1884 when the lighthouse was abandoned in favour of the Mew Island Lighthouse, but the ruined stump of the 16 m (52 ft) stone tower remains. The ruins of the keeper’s house have been rebuilt to Read more…
lifeboat

Donaghadee lifeboat station

Donaghadee lifeboat station was established in 1910 and operates an all weather lifeboat. Station open by appointment only. Read more…
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