It's been a while since we have posted a blog, things have been strange but we reckon like us you are ready to start planning your staycation. We all know how lucky we are to live in Northern Ireland, its not often we take the time to enjoy it.
Experience Northern Ireland like a tourist and soak up the beautiful scenery, indulge in the local food & drink, immerse yourself in unrivalled experiences and most importantly feel the warm welcome that the Northern Ireland has to offer.
INFORMATION ABOUT RE-OPENING
Under current government restrictions, Whitethorn Cottages are temporarily closed. If you wish to make a reservation for later in the year please continue on our website where you can view our availability/booking calendar.
. Check-in can now only take place on Friday or Tuesday.
. Friday check-in is for a minimum 3 night stay.
. Tuesday check in is for a 2 night stay.
. Visitors wishing to stay 5 nights or longer will be accommodated, as a priority. Visit our website for more information and to book
ACTIVITIES Near Whitethorn Cottages
There’s no reason to ever be bored when staying in Northern Ireland. Lots to Do and See in North Down and Ards
Start your day with a walk.
Try the Coastal Path, Bangor BT20 5ED Start your day with a seaside walk along Belfast Lough. Make sure you visit the Eisenhower Pier, which is located to the north of Bangor Marina at Bangor Lifeboat Station and is home to a colony of black guillemots who annually nest in the harbour wall. These are known affectionately as "Bangor Penguins". Before departing for the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower inspected the 30,000 American soldiers and sailors. They gathered in three huge US Navy battleships (the Nevada, Texas and Arkansas) in Belfast Lough off Bangor. Follow the coastal path to Ballyholme where you can stop off for a coffee and relax in the village atmosphere.
Bangor's Walled Garden
This is considered by many to be a secret garden and is divided into four different sections, each with its own horticultural personality. It also boasts two unique pieces of sculpture inspired by the borough's maritime history. The Ward family designed the Bangor Castle Walled Garden in the 1840s. It was previously unopen to the public and is a real hidden gem!
Take a day to visit Donaghadee
Donaghadee is located at Northern Ireland's closest point to Scotland and on most days the Scottish coast is visible to the naked eye. One of the most prominent features of the town is the Motte, or the Moat as it is known. The Moat dates back to 1818 but the site was previously used as a defensive position in the Bronze Age. Later it was improved and also provided protection against the Viking raids. Today the Moat is part of a park, giving views across the town and seawards to the Copeland Islands and, on clear days, to the Scottish coast and the Isle of Man. Donaghadee’s iconic lighthouse stands guard on the harbour keeping ships right in times of trouble with its beam and fog horn. This was a critical factor in the development of the town. Up until the middle of the 19th century Donaghadee was the province’s principal port before Belfast became the major city. The town is home to several popular pubs and eating venues making it a perfect spot to enjoy a hearty lunch and a pub crawl! Make sure you visit Grace Neills which is considered to be one of Ireland’s oldest pubs. Established in 1611, the bar carries the name of Grace Neill, who was given the bar as a wedding present by her father, Hugh Jamison. Grace was known to be a friendly woman with a strong spirit. She would frequently smoke a clay pipe and often greet customers coming into the pub with a hug and a kiss on the cheek and she reputedly is still a resident!
Five minutes to Newtownards
Head into the bustling town to enjoy a delicious lunch in the various eateries and why not indulge in some retail therapy in the independent shops and boutiques?
Ards Blair Mayne Leisure and Wellbeing Complex, Newtownards, BT23 4DB 028 9181 2837
Finish your day with a relaxing trip to the newly opened £30million complex. Chill out in the Vitality pool, relax on heated loungers, ease muscle tension in the Sauna or the less humid samarium. Enjoy the sensory experience of the aroma Steam room, breathe in the benefits of the Salt Grotto and finish off with a rainforest shower!
On Down the peninsula
Rewind with a trip to Mount Stewart which is a neo-classical family home with some of the most
unique gardens in the world.
Voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and
planting artistry bearing the hallmark of its creator. Lady Londonderry’s passion for bold planting
schemes coupled with the mild climate of Strangford Lough allows rare and tender plants from across
the globe to thrive in this celebrated garden.
Each of the formal gardens exudes a distinct character and appeal and further afield visitors can enjoy
the beautifully landscaped and informal grounds surrounding the picturesque lake walk. You can
stroll through the gardens or avail of one of our guided garden tours (with one of the knowledgeable
gardening team) to the formal gardens and beyond.
Come and see how the recent £7million restoration has transformed the house including new rooms
on show, the opportunity to see nationally and internationally significant family portraits, stunning
silver collections and other family treasures.
Head towards Belfast
Ulster American Folk Museum
Take a step back in time and explore 30 exhibit buildings which tell the story of Irish emigration in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries through a walking tour with costumed guides and traditional crafts. Travel between the Old World and the New World on the full-sized replica immigrant ship. For more information and to book tickets click here.
Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
Why visit one museum when you can visit two all in the one place? The Folk Museum contains replica buildings showing the 20th century rural way of life, while the Transport Museum features planes, trains and automobiles as well as a Titanic exhibition. Visit their website for more information and to book tickets.
Titanic Belfast and the Cranes
You’ve heard a lot about the Titanic (and maybe even seen the movie) but this is a must do when in Belfast. From interactive displays, to recreations of cabins and of course the famous grand staircase Titanic Belfast has it all. And while you’re in the Titanic Quarter why not take in the Titanic Dock and Pump-House, SS Nomadic or HMS Caroline. For more information and to book tickets click here.
For more ideas on Activites just email us. There are 10 golf clubs with a 14 mile radius!
INFORMATION ABOUT RE-OPENING
Under current government restrictions, Whitethorn Cottages are temporarily closed. If you wish to make a reservation for later in the year please continue on our website where you can view our availability/booking calendar.
. Check-in can now only take place on Friday or Tuesday.
. Friday check-in is for a minimum 3 night stay.
. Tuesday check in is for a 2 night stay.
. Visitors wishing to stay 5 nights or longer will be accommodated, as a priority. Visit our website for more information and to book
