Newtownards is a town within the local government district of Ards, County Down, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. It sits around sixteen kilometres from the eastern part of
Belfast and on the northern side of Strangford Loch. Its earliest known history dates back 545 AD when a monastery named Movilla was founded within its territory. The town is famous for its cultural heritage, local arts and sports. Newtownards is home to the Ards Rugby Football Club, the proposed UNESCO world heritage site Mount Stewart and the celebrated 1987 rock band called Winter.
Top Attractions within and nearby Newtownards
Ards Arts Centre lies within the impressive restored Georgian Town Hall within Conway Square, Newtownards, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. It has two galleries for local, national and international exhibitions and a book club. It also offers arts classes and venue for events and leisure. Kindly visit its official website www.ardsarts.com for more information.
Belfast Castle is a historical building renowned for its beautiful Scottish baronial architectural style and charming interior design. The castle was the 9th Earl of Shaftesbury's present to the city and is now a sought after venue for wedding receptions, corporate events and dining. Its antique shop and restaurant are both locals and tourists favourite.
Belfast Botanic Gardens is located within College Park along the Botanic Avenue of the city of Belfast. It is a Victorian heritage and is one of the tourists, students and workers favourite places to meet up. It occupies 28 acres of land and features a wonderful collection of plants. Its facilities to date include the Palm House, the Tropical Ravine, giant bird feeders, flower beds, rose garden, rockery, alpine garden, sculptures, specimen trees, shrub borders, bowling green and pavilion.
Crumlin Road Gaol or
Her Majesty's Prison (HMP) was a prison built during the Victorian era and is situated along Crumlin Road of Belfast City. Its history of imprisonment and execution lasted for one hundred fifty years. The former prison facility was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon and was built sometime in between the years 1843 and 1845. The site now serves as one of the city's major tourist attractions.
Mount Stewart House and Gardens can be found at Portaferry Road, Newtownards BT22 2AD. Mount Stewart is an 18th century neo-classical house with additions made during the 19th century. There is much to see here including unusual and much celebrated gardens, the 'Temple of Winds' banqueting hall, 2500 items of family memorabilia and the picturesque lake.
Scrabo Tower sits on the western part of the Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. It was built sometime in 1867 to commemorate the brave Warring Charlie or Charles Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry who served as one of the generals of the Duke of Wellington during the Napoleonic Wars. The tower and its grounds are popular with both the town's locals and tourists for the relaxing and scenic views the site offers.
Somme Heritage Centre is situated at 233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. The centre features extensive exhibits that shows and tell people about the awful happenings during the times of war. Amongst the venue's highlights are wartime artifacts and a chance to hear stories from the veterans. Visit
www.irishsoldier.org for more information.
