Ballygowan Travel Guide
Newtownards
Visit Ballygowan
Popular places to visit

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 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.

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 lively bars or top-notch restaurants 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 top-notch restaurants 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

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

Titanic Belfast Entrance Ticket: Titanic Visitor Experience Including SS Nomadic

Giants Causeway & Castles Tour from Belfast: Guided tour

Giant's Causeway, best of Northern Ireland Including Titanic from Belfast

Belfast City Highlights & Giant’s Causeway Day Tour from Dublin
Top hotels in Ballygowan

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
An excellent hotel! Wonderful breakfast and generous little touches like chocolates with the turndown service. Friendly staff and an excellent concierge.
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026

Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Todo perfecto
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026

Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Premier inn without the purple. Disappointed given the 4 star rating. Nothing in the room stood out. Award for the world’s worst door stop in the bathroom placed right in front of the toilet ensuring everyone leaves with a broken toe. Single bed which is not child friendly which you almost need a ...
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026

room2 Belfast Hometel
The room was really nice - we moved rooms because we had an adjoining door in ours and you could hear absolutely every move from next door (worth asking about this if booking). Would certainly stay again.
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026

Moxy Belfast City
Restaurant was very basic. Didn't try the breakfast. Close to bars and restaurants. Bed was just average for comfort. Misha in reception, however, was extremely helpful and made the experience positive.
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026

Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre by IHG
the hotel was great the breakfast was fantastic and room was so nice and was so clean
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026

