Explore Ards Peninsula

Stretching south from Donaghadee along the Irish Sea coast to Portaferry, before following the shores of Strangford Lough back north towards Greyabbey, the Ards Peninsula offers a distinctive mix of coastal villages, open countryside and waterside living.
Communities including Millisle, Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert, Portavogie, Cloughey, Portaferry, Kircubbin and Greyabbey each have their own character, while remaining connected by the peninsula's coastline and rural landscape.

Coastal & Outdoor Life

The coastline is one of the peninsula's defining features. Millisle and Ballywalter offer long stretches of beach, while the route south takes in Ballyhalbert, Portavogie and Cloughey before reaching Portaferry at the entrance to Strangford Lough.
Walking, cycling, sailing and other watersports are all part of life around the peninsula, with plenty of quieter coastal routes and countryside to explore. At Burr Point near Ballyhalbert, the peninsula also reaches the most easterly point on the island of Ireland.

Fishing Villages & Local Character

The villages of the lower peninsula retain strong individual identities. Portavogie remains an important working fishing harbour, giving the eastern side of the peninsula a longstanding connection with the sea and local seafood.
Further south, Portaferry has an attractive waterfront setting overlooking the Narrows of Strangford Lough and is linked by ferry with Strangford village on the opposite shore.
On the western side of the peninsula, villages such as Kircubbin and Greyabbey enjoy a different outlook, with views across Strangford Lough and easy access to the surrounding countryside.

History & Places to Explore

The peninsula has a rich heritage, with historic buildings and landmarks found throughout its villages and countryside.
Grey Abbey, founded in the 12th century, remains one of the area's best-known historic sites, while the nearby Mount Stewart estate and gardens are among the most significant visitor attractions on the shores of Strangford Lough. Greyabbey itself is also known for its historic streetscape and antiques shops.
At the southern tip of the peninsula, Portaferry is home to Exploris Aquarium, while its harbour, waterfront and historic townscape make it one of the peninsula's main centres.

Village Amenities & Community

Each of the peninsula's villages provides its own mix of everyday amenities, local shops, schools, community organisations and sports clubs.
Larger villages such as Millisle, Ballywalter, Portavogie and Portaferry act as local hubs for their surrounding rural areas, while residents can also travel north towards Newtownards and Bangor for a wider range of shopping, employment and services.
The result is an area that can appeal particularly to those looking for village or countryside living while remaining within reach of the larger centres of Ards and North Down.

Local Highlights

Spend a summer afternoon on Millisle or Ballywalter beach, follow the coast through Ballyhalbert and Portavogie, explore the shoreline around Cloughey, or continue south to the harbour and waterfront at Portaferry.
Returning north along Strangford Lough brings a completely different landscape, passing through Kircubbin and Greyabbey, with peaceful lough views, historic sites and Mount Stewart nearby.
With two contrasting coastlines, a collection of characterful villages and some of County Down's most attractive rural scenery, the Ards Peninsula offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of local community.