The Ards Peninsula is bounded on the west by tranquil Strangford Lough and on the east by the rough Irish Sea. The shore of the lough from Newtownards to Portaferry is crowded with historic houses, decaying ruins, and spectacular lake views. Several wildlife preserves maintain the fauna and fragile ecosystems of the lough—the area supports 80% of all the species found along Ireland’s coast. On the Irish Sea side, minnow-sized fishing villages dot the shore.
Ulsterbus leaves Laganside Station in Belfast to cruise the length of the peninsula, stopping in almost every town. Trains roll no farther than Bangor. From the south, a ferry crosses frequently between Strangford and Portaferry. Biking is another excellent and fairly painless way to see the Ards Peninsula.
At the head of the Strangford Lough lies Newtownards, Ards borough’s capital city. This relatively quiet town falls in the shadows of the iconic Scrabo Tower, provides a wealth of information on its ...more
 |
 |
 |
 |
For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
Facebook
Twitter
You Tube
Foursquare
Newsletter
RSS Feed
Overview