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Get Ready to Explore with greensandanchors
Discover whats on in our amazing local area
Knit like a Viking
6 Apr | Kircubbin
Under the instruction of your host Christine at Kiri Cottage Crafts guests will weave together creations, Viking style, all made using Christine’s own hand spun wool. So, if you have ever wanted to have a go at a unique creative experience – now is the time!
Wee Birds Art Workshop
14 Apr | Comber
Families will be welcomed by Marianne from Boom! Studios, based in Bangor, who will lead a "Wee Birds" art session. This is a mixed media session using collage to create birds inspired by the WWT Castle Espie wildlife and landscape.
SUP, Sauna and Swim
21 Apr | Whiterock
Enjoy the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation at Strangford Lough Activity Centre's exclusive SUP Paddleboard events, in collaboration with Sudor Sauna.
Stunning and serene, Strangford Lough sets the stage for a day of aquatic exploration and rejuvenation.
Felting with Bees in The Walled Garden
27 Apr | Helen's Bay
Enjoy what is sure to be a fascinating talk about the importance of Black Irish bee conservation and their role in nature, then join local crafter Karen Stevenson who will guide you step by step in the creation of a bee-autifully detailed piece of felted 2D bee themed artwork.
Mrs Maker's Mucky Ducks
6 May | Comber
Let their imaginations run free in mucky ducky land! Using the beautiful setting and wildlife at WWT Castle Espie as their inspiration, children will create a fabulous rubber ducky keepsake under the guidance of local artist Kerrie, aka Mrs Maker.
From Grain to Griddle
11 May | Millisle
This experience, in a unique setting, will bring to life the traditions of the story of bread-making.
Visitors will make their own traditional Irish soda bread, getting insight into the history and mythology of milling grain in bygone years. Includes tour of the heritage site and access up the windmill.
Historical Walking Tour
11 May | Holywood
Visit the Old Priory Church where you will hear fascinating tales about the graves of some of Holywood’s most famous citizens, continuing on to the graveyard, before heading a short distance into the town itself, looking at some of the landmarks connected with some of the graves.
History, Heritage and Hampers
18 May | Helen's Bay
Well-Spring at Mount Stewart
18 May | Newtownards
With The Sound Healing Spa
Electric Picnic
19 May | Whiterock
With Strangford Lough Activity Centre
Historical Walking Tour
25 May | Newtownards
With Experience and Explore NI
Monoprinting with Plants
30 May | Bangor
At Seacourt Print Workshop
Bangor D-day Boat Trip
1 and 2 Jun | Bangor
Do you know about the crucial role Bangor had to play in preparation for the D-Day Normandy Landings? Step aboard the Ocean Crest as we commemorate 80 years of this momentous time in history with a guided tour of Bangor Bay.
Boat and Bakes
7 Jun | Strangford Lough
Take a scenic, historical and at times fast boat trip down Strangford Lough, soaking in the myths, legends and folklore of the largest sea inlet in these islands, followed by Scandinavian-inspired baked treats from one of NI’s finest artisan kitchens in Portaferry, Fjord Bakery
Tea with the Bees and Cake with the Cows
8 Jun | Groomsport
A unique farm experience hosted at Ballyboley Dexters farm, Orlock, set on the North Down coast. Enjoy a guided walk through the fields, meet the herd and the bees, then relax with a Farmhouse Tea, surrounded by spectacular views.
Greyabbey Estate Garden Tour
8 Jun | Greyabbey
Wellness at the Wetlands
9 Jun | Comber
with WWT Castle Espie and The Sound Healing Spa
Trad and Tide Strangford Lough
16 Jun | Portaferry
Trad and Tide Bangor Bay
16 Jun | Bangor
Summer Solstice Voyage of Discovery
20 Jun | Portaferry
Historical Walking Tour
22 Jun | Comber
Scene to Studio: Painting the Walled Garden
22 Jun | Bangor
with artist Jenni Robinson at Boom! Studios and Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Jenny Watts Boat Trip
7 Jul | Bangor
Join Brian Meharg, author of the children's book "Jenny Watts Legend" and skipper of the Ocean Crest, as he invites you aboard to hear the story of infamous smuggler, Jenny Watt while enjoying a cruise around beautiful Bangor Bay, off Belfast Lough.
Gardens and Gin
27 Jul | Newtownards and Kircubbin
Calling all Gin enthusiasts! Need a tonic this summer, then hop on-board our escorted coach tour, new for 2024. First stop, Mount Stewart Estate, Then it’s on to the award-winning Echlinville Distillery, to discover the story of Ireland's first farm distillery.
Gothic Abbey and Physic Garden Tour
27 Jul | Greyabbey
Step back to 1913 with tour guide Steve Fota, as you enter one of Ireland's most impressive examples of early Cistercian architecture, Grey Abbey. Explore the physic garden of herbs and plants grown by the Cistercians to produce medicines.
Paws for Gin
4 Aug | Donaghadee
Discover the history of Donaghadee on this dog friendly walking tour. After the tour enjoy a gin cocktail, or a soft drink, in the Pier 36 Beer Garden. Your four-legged friend will receive a pawsome goody bag.
Step Back in Time
17 Aug | Bangor
Step back in time with Tour Guide Leanne Briggs and uncover stories of Bangor's fascinating past, from early Christianity to the viking era and more, taking in beautiful surrounds of Castle Park and the Walled Garden along the way.
Strangford Lough Boat Trip
24 Aug | Portaferry
Enjoy the splendour of Strangford Loughs scenery and fascinating wildlife. See where St Patrick first came ashore, view landscapes used in "Game of Thrones" filming, all while being entertained by local traditional Irish musicians.
Noble at The Walled Garden
6 Sept | Helen's Bay
A unique dining experience in the enchanting setting The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay, serving as the backdrop for a gastronomic journey brought to you by the Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded Noble restaurant, Holywood.
Apples, Oh My!
7 Sept | Cultra
Join this beautiful autumnal experience at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra in collaboration with Lightfoot Bangor, for a unique apple harvest lunch.
Sunrise in the East
7 Sept | Portavogie
Watch the sunrise from the Eastern most point of the island of Ireland, departing from and returning to Portavogie Harbour, which is an attraction in itself as it is one of the main fishing ports in the province and is a seafood lover's paradise.
Gardeners' Delight
7 Sept | Ballywalter
Paws for Gin
15 Sept | Bangor
Letterpress Postcards
26 Sept | Bangor
At Seacourt Print Workshop
Cast Away in Bronze
28 Sept | Millisle
With Lake and Oak Coppersmithing
Mrs Maker's Spooky Masquerade
30 Oct | Comber
Come along to a fun filled, creative Halloween experience at WWT Castle Espie. Little Ones are invited to join local artist Kerrie, aka Mrs Maker, and get into the Halloween spirit by creating masks of your favourite animals or your crazy imaginary creatures!
[Photo for illustration purposes only]
Spirits of the East Coast
31 Oct | Donaghadee
Join Nicky Jones of Experience & Explore NI, on a spooky Halloween jaunt around Donaghadee. Hear some ghoulish tales as we wander through the haunted streets of the old harbour town. Settle your nerves post tour with a Copeland Gin cocktail, or a soft drink alternative, when you return to Grace Neill's, famed as Ireland's oldest pub, with its own spooky stories to tell!
November, December, and January 2025
Screenprinted Garlands
28 Nov | Bangor
The Christmas lights are on in Bangor so time to get inky with screen print, and make and assemble your own handmade garland, perfect to string up on a wall, or gift to a loved one.
Alpaca and Tree Planting Experience
7 and 8 Dec | Carrowdore
This beautiful family experience is the perfect opportunity to spend quality family time doing something completely different, from meeting the Alpacas of Eastwell Farm to planting a family tree that you can watch grow through every visit.
New Year's Day Historical Walking Tours
1 Jan '25
Donaghadee | Newtownards
Explore the rich and varied history of Newtownards or Donaghadee led by knowledgeable tour guides. Fascinating tours and it's something different to do on New Year's Day.
What's On in Ards & North Down, Northern Ireland (visitardsandnorthdown.com)