North Down Coastal Path

Ballyholme is a part of Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is a seaside area on Ballyholme bay, the lesser known, though larger of Bangor's two bays, the mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along the shore of Ballyholme bay is used all year round by windsurfers who come from all over Northern Ireland to skim along its waves in the breeze.

The terraces of handsome houses along the Esplanade provide a pleasant backdrop to bracing walks along the promenade towards Ballymacormick Point, a National Trust Wildlife Preserve.

Located on the southern shores of Belfast Lough, Crawfordsburn Country Park boasts stunning views along its 3.5km of rugged coastline.

Visitors can enjoy Spectacular scenery and guided trails, two excellent beaches, a deep wooded glen with a beautiful waterfall, pond and wildflower meadows with excellent views of Belfast Lough and Grey Point Fort - a coastal battery and gun emplacement dating from the 1900s.

Few coastal villages can compare with Groomsport for scenic charm, tranquil beauty and historical heritage, with beautifully landscaped picnic and play areas around the harbour, the sandy beaches, quality pubs and restaurants.

One of the main attractions for the visitor in Groomsport is Cockle Row, the old fishermen's thatched cottages that were officially opened in May 1997 after four months of complete refurbishment. The cottages have not lost their original charm with the heritage cottage depicting what Cockle Row would have been like around 1910. Throughout the summer months, the cottages host a variety of entertainment every weekend afternoon.

The town of Holywood is a welcoming gateway to North Down, located on the shores of Belfast Lough. Visitors will be impressed by the variety of unique and specialist shops, restaurants and cafes and a cluster of historical and welcoming pubs.

Dominating the centre of the town is Ireland's only remaining Maypole, which dates back to 1700. An annual May Day Fair is held with market stalls, entertainment and traditional dances by local children around the Maypole, Holywood also hosts an annual Jazz and Blues Festival in June.

Several wooded parks surround Holywood offer spectacular panoramic views of the City of Belfast and across the Lough to Carrickfergus.