Ballygowan Travel Guide
Newtownards
Visit Ballygowan
Popular places to visit

Mount Stewart House and Gardens
The historic house has some of the most interesting gardens in Northern Ireland and an extensive exhibition of ancient relics and artwork.

Scrabo Tower
Located on the North Down coast just west of the town of Newtownards, the looming Scrabo Tower is an imposing sentinel in the Northern Irish countryside. Built in 1857 as a memorial to the third Marquis of Londonderry, the turreted tower is constructed from dark stone and resides on a hill 540 feet above sea level. The tower itself is 125 feet high, affording visitors with unbeatable views over the countryside and coastline beyond.

Mount Stewart
Step into a world of elegance and beauty at this 19th-century stately home, as renowned for its stunning grounds as for its opulent interiors.

Nendrum Monastic Site
Find out about the history of Newtownards with a stop at Nendrum Monastic Site. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this relaxing area.

Scrabo Country Park
Explore the great outdoors at Scrabo Country Park, a lovely green space in Newtownards. Visit the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.
Magherascouse Lough
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Magherascouse Lough during your travels in Newtownards.
Things to do

Shore Excursion: Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast Port

Guided Day Tour of Giant's Causeway from Belfast by Comfortable Coach

Giants Causeway and Castles from Belfast: Guided Tour

From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour

1-Day Titanic Quarter & Belfast City Rail Tour

Giant's Causeway, best of Northern Ireland Including Titanic from Belfast
Top hotels in Ballygowan

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
"Great restaurant! Wonderful staff."
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026

Leonardo Hotel Belfast
"Loved the history of the building food was good loved the place"
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026

Moxy Belfast City
"Nice property in an average location. Rooms were quite good. Breakfast was good, but not great."
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026

room2 Belfast Hometel
"Friendly and helpful staff. Great location. Facilities in the room were great, everything spotless and a joy to relax in the room and be self sufficient. Will definitely stay again"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre
"It was a wonderful experience, everyone was so nice and the breakfast was delicious!"
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026

Maldron Hotel Belfast City
"I booked this hotel at short notice following a flight cancellation. The room was tastefully decorated and spacious. I was initially delighted to be allocated a room on the 12th floor; however, the view was largely obscured by a taller office building directly opposite, so there was little to see ..."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Ballygowan
Moneyreagh
Moneyreagh is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Newtownards area, you might plan a trip to Ballyalloly Lough or Dundonald International Ice Bowl.
