Experience Ards and you'll experience it all - whether you're looking for dramatic sea and landscapes, the best in leisure of first class attractions, there's never been more on offer to tempt you to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Located ten miles from Belfast, the Ards Peninsula has Strangford Lough at its heart. The Lough, the largest sea inlet in the British Isles and its internationally renowned wildlife form the focus of the Ards Borough for many visitors. The Irish Sea stretches from Donaghadee to Portaferry with long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for walking and water sports.
Journey back in time with a visit to ancient castles and churches or enjoy the wealth of outdoor activities, from golf and fishing to sailing and horse riding. Discover the water and wildlife of Strangford Lough and learn a little more at Exploris aquarium. Explore Mount Stewart, a National Trust property or simply sit back and relax in restaurants and friendly pubs in the towns and villages.
Below you will find some information to help you plan your break, however long in Ards. Why not have a look at one of the visitor itineraries with suggestions for a day out in the area and if you want to extend your break, accommodation listings can be found in the Ards Visitor Guide 2012/2013.
For more detailed visitor information please visit our new website : http://www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk or refer to the contact details on the Tourist Information Centre section.
Further information is also available from Ards Tourist Information Centre, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards (beside the bus station) Email tourism@ards-council.gov.uk T: 028 9182 6846.
Visitor Guides
Ards Visitor Guide 2013-2014 (Click the image to download the Brochure!)

Ards Events Guide Spring 2013
Ards Events Guide Autumn-Winter 2012-2013
Ards Visitor Guide Front Cover 2012-2013
Destination Strangford Lough - Map - Accommodation 2013
Destination Strangford Lough - Map - Attractions & Activities 2013
Ards Tourism Reference Manual 2013
Town Maps
Newtownards and Portaferry Street Maps
Ulster Scots Information
For more historical information on the Ulster Scots in Ards, please refer to the following guides below or visit http://www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk/Utility-menu/Ulster-Scots
A new Ulster Scots audio tour is also available and can be downloaded via this link :
http://www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk/Utility-menu/Ulster-Scots/Ulster-Scots-Audio-Trail
Additional Ulster Scots Documentation
Ulster Scots Biographies
Ulster Scots Trail Map Front
Ulster Scots Trail Map Back
Guide to researching your Ulster Scots Ancestry
Ulster Scots Towns and Villlages
Titanic
The Comber Andrews Titanic Audio Trail is also available to download via this link :
http://www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk/Utility-menu/Titanic-Trail