Crawfordsburn Beach - Bangor and Holywood Northern Ireland
CRAWFORDSBURN BEACH - Beside Helen's Bay - Bangor and Holywood Northern Ireland. A beautiful beach - great for a long walk. One of the nicest beaches near Belfast. Perfect for a coastal walk - which also leads into Crawfordsburn Forest Park; these are all things to consider and place on your list when it comes to Crawfordsburn beach.
This place is known as Crawfordsburn Country Park and this goes to the different activities that could be done inside there in addition to swimming or just enjoying a walk by the shores of the beach. In this natural retreat which the visitors for this park will enjoy is one of the relaxing destinations that you could head for because it offers two different beaches and they both will guarantee spectacular scenery as well as views across Belfast Lough; so you will win in all the different possible ways.
Enjoying Crawfordsburn beach in county Down is not the only thing that you will manage to experience while being in this park, but you could also get the chance to walk through the peaceful meadows and even those lucky ones might get the chance to see the stunning waterfall.
There are different facilities offered to the visitors in this country park and which include a cafe, an Adidas-approved 5k running trail, a natural play area, and a geology garden. This is not the end of it, but in this park, there is also a wide range of wildlife which include hedgehogs, rabbits, badgers, a large rookery and jays in the wooden glen, grey wagtails, and dippers along the streams and seals, herons, shags, guillemots, and in winter there is also Brent geese which could be seen walking along the park's coastal path; it is a perfect destination for those wildlife watchers who would enjoy spending a couple of hours just inspecting what this park could actually offer them.
Crawfordsburn is also known to be a small village that is located in county Down, Northern Ireland, where the park or where this beach is found, and that is the reason why this village actually attracts lots of tourists and visitors to it; they come to check the country park and at the same time enjoy their times by the beach.
Who out there is not a beach lover? We all probably love the idea of sitting by the beach, enjoying the breeze and just freeing our minds from anything that might be happening inside their, we free it from the hassle of the world, but sometimes those beaches are different, there are those beautiful ones in which one could also enjoy walking between some trees and enjoying the greenery of the place, running through the trails made for such purposes, or watch some of the trees which might be taking their place there, which is exactly the case with Crawfordsburn Beach.
When it comes to Northern Ireland, there are different other beaches which we have also been to and thus would definitely recommend for our followers and which we believe are among the list of the best beaches that one could head to in Northern Ireland and enjoy.
From those beaches which we have been to in Northern Ireland, there is Downhill Beach which also appeared in Game of Thrones movie series ( Portballintrae Beach which is located in county Antrim ( Ballywalter Beach in county Down ( Whiterocks Beach in Portrush ( and Ballygally Beach which is located just on the other side of Ballygally Castle Hotel in which Game of Thrones was also filmed at some point during the movie (
One of the things we prefer about our country is that it appreciates nature and thus in addition to all these beautiful beaches, you will also find place to have a walk, run, or just enjoy looking at the green spaces which are found there.
Crawfordsburn is not far away from Belfast, Northern Ireland, so if your trip to the country will be all about visiting this city, you could still make a plan to go to this country park and not only enjoy the beach, but also enjoy any of the other facilities which we have mentioned that are already found there.
There are lots of things to do in Northern Ireland and some of them are about the different beaches and those parks which are scattered all around the country, we have already been to some of these parks and would definitely mention some of them for those who will need a long list!!
Since this is very close to Bangor, you could check Bangor Harbour ( and Pickie Park in Bangor ( they would give a nice experience and let you spend some nice time as well.
On a scale from 1 to 10, how much are you now excited to visit Crawfordsburn and check this beach?
Some of the best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
A quick glimpse of Crawfordsburn village
Just a passing visit to Crawfordsburn. Sorry I was in a bit of a rush. I'll have to come back to the village another time and cover it properly. Come and see it for yourself.
Crawfordsburn (from Ulster Scots Crawford's burn, meaning Crawford's stream) is a small picturesque village in County Down, Northern Ireland. The village, which is now effectively a commuter suburb, lies between Holywood and Bangor to the north of the A2 road, about 4 km west of Bangor town centre. Bounded to the north and north east by Crawfordsburn Country Park, the village attracts many visitors. It had a population of 531 people in the 2001 Census.
Before the Plantation of Ulster, the area of Crawfordsburn was known as Ballymullan (Irish: Baile Ui Mhaoláin). Crawfordsburn originated in the 17th century as a small settlement on an important routeway along North Down. It was named after a stream which flows through the village. It has retained elements of its 17th-century history along its Main Street including the coaching inn. The Sharman-Crawford family developed the village in the 18th and 19th centuries. Crawfordsburn was promoted as a Victorian tourist attraction, particularly for those visitors using the railway to nearby Helens Bay.
Helen's Bay Beach Crawfordsburn - Northern Ireland
There are two different things which are known to be scattered all around Northern Ireland and forming its beauty, which are the different beaches and the gardens. One of these famous beaches is Helen's Bay which is located in Crawfordsburn Country Park.
Helen's Bay Beach is one of two excellent beaches that are found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. When it comes to the best beaches found in Belfast city, Northern Ireland, we have to mention that Helen's Bay is considered one of the best found there and it is also one of the most popular and most used.
The people of Northern Ireland prefer this beach in Belfast and visit it more often during the summer days because of its gently shelving beach with the excellent water quality that is making it perfect for bathing. It is not just about the beach there, but this park has different facilities offered to the visitors, like picnic parks and a cafe and restaurant, and also gives them the chance to have some quality walks there.
Helen's Bay is known to be a village on the northern coast of County Down, Northern Ireland. It is located within the townland of Ballygrot, between Holywood, Crawfordsburn and Bangor. One of the interesting places to be visited in Helen's Bay is the Crawfordsburn Country Park, on the southern shores of Belfast Lough, where Helen's Bay beach is located, and that of course comes in addition to the other facilities which we have referred to (
Visiting a good beach that one could get the chance to take a bath in and enjoy the good water is the main focus for all those travelling to enjoy their time by the beach, and Helen's Bay Beach is one of those different recommended beaches in Northern Ireland which we will definitely suggest for them to enjoy their times.
There are other beaches scattered all around the country of Northern Ireland which are also considered a good choice to go to, such as the Whiterocks Beach in Portrush ( Crawfordsburn Beach which is located just beside Helen's Bay Beach ( the Ballywalter Beach in County Down ( the Portballintrae in County Antrim beside Giants Causeway ( the Ballygally Beach ( and lots of other options which are found out there in the country but their choice will always fall back according to where they are going to stay.
Going back deeper into history, one will get to know the origin of the name Helen's Bay; it is actually named after Helen, Lady Dufferin, mother of Fredrick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, first Marquess of Dufferin and Ava, and owner of the Clandeboye Estate in Bangor. It is always interesting to get to know more about the names of the towns, cities, beaches, churches, etc. because in most of the times they hold stories behind which one will feel much interested to know more about.
Helen's Bay Beach is known to be a good place for having a dip in the water, but it is also famously visited by local people because it managed to offer spectacular views and scenery over Belfast Lough - so you will enjoy the beautiful scenery, the weather, and forget a little bit about everything else by freeing your mind.
Helen's Bay Beach is part of Belfast Lough ASSI and SAC which was established for the populations on wading birds that spend the winter at the beach. In the summer time, those who head to Helen's Bay Beach could be able to spot Eider Ducks and terns, and in the winter time they might see Porpoises and seals; and some people actually come for these purposes when they hear about them.
Don't worry about visiting Helen's Bay Beach, there are different facilities found there which will make your visit much easier, there are disabled toilets and disabled parking which is just a short distance from the beach, and this includes the cafe with the wheelchair entrance that is available. We always appreciate those places that are prepared for people with disabilities because they make us all feel the same.
There are some other beaches located near Belfast and are also counted among the top beaches in the city, such as Whitepark Bay which is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Belfast, Tyrella which is 55 minutes from Belfast, Ballyholme which is only 30 minutes from Belfast, Cranfield which is 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Belfast, Warrenpoint which is 1 hour away from Belfast and Benone which is 1 hour and 20 minutes away from Belfast, so you have lots of choices to choose from at the end.
Enjoy visiting Helen's Bay Beach which is just 15 minutes away from Belfast and which is one good beach for having a dip in the water or just looking onto Belfast Lough.
The best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
Crawfordsburn Country Park County Down Northern Ireland
A walk in Crawfordsburn Country Park on a sunny morning....
North Down Coastal Path and Crawfordsburn
A walk from Bangor along the North Down Coastal Path towards Crawfordsburn and a quick explore of Crawfordsburn Country Park.
Vlog 3 - Bangor Sea Front with Beach Cleaners Ards & North Down
Our third Vlog covering the clean up efforts of the Beach Cleaners Ards and NOrth Down Facebook group who recently won a few awards for their clean up efforts including the live here love here award for this region.
Lesley was a great help to me setting up and organizing my early clean ups and its great to get involved with other groups in the local area.
We filled 40 bags of litter today and collected everything from stereos, car mats and other large items, as well as bag fulls of small micro plastics and other small waste.
Check out the facebook page facebook.com/clearrippleprojects for more info.
Scenic Coastal Northern Ireland UNITED KINGDOM
Driving just a part of The Causeway Coastal Route.
British Championships 2015/16 Hoylake 30-04-16
Class 3 Land Yachts racing in a fresh breeze on Hoylake Beach in a round of the 2015/16 British Championship series
Restoration of The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn
Learn about the repairs and restoration to The Old Inn (visit us at In 2009 while doing some minor repairs to the 1614 Restaurant, we discovered that the soft foundations laid some 120 years previously were no longer structurally sound. Found in the nick of time we hastily made plans to renovate this side of the building and sadly we had to bring down the gorgeous 1614 Restaurant. We did quite a bit of research as shown in the video and in November 2010 after 11 months of work we unveiled one of Northern Irelands best restaurants, simply called Lewis. Incorporating our existing dining area and adding one of the UK's best appointed open pass kitchens we opened to receive immediate awards from several food guides, including retention of our 2 AA Rosettes. The video clip was used at our launch party and gives a 'warts and all' insight into a project of this scale. We worked closely with the planning office, the DRD and the residents to try and minimize disruption while still hosting more than 200 weddings during the project which we had committed to before the foundation work was discovered. We always keep our promises! We hope you enjoy the video.
// More About The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn //
The Old Inn is among the oldest hotels in Northern Ireland. Offering 4 Star accommodation in County Down, we are the ideal location for dining, weddings, celebrations, and business meetings or conferences. We offer function room hire, meeting room hire, and Northern Ireland wedding packages to suit your unique needs and are known as a top rated wedding venue in County Down. Our award-winning Lewis Restaurant is perfect for foodies seeking to eat in one of the best restaurants in Northern Ireland. If you are looking for great hotel deals in Northern Ireland simply book now! Call us on +44 (0)28 9185 3255 today to see how we can help you.
Donaghadee - County Down, Northern Ireland
Donaghadee has a great landmark in the lighthouse over the pier facing into the Irish Sea. There is a beautiful coastal walk here - also into the town where there is an old moat/castle structure and a great view of the surrounding area. Very close to Bangor and Belfast.
There are some small towns scattered around Belfast that open the eyes of the visitors and tourists who are staying in Belfast and give them the chance to think outside the box and go out of the city to any of these towns if they have some spare time to spend and this is usually a good plan because it will give them the chance to explore more parts of Northern Ireland during their trip.
Donaghadee is one of these different options related to small towns which we have to refer to and mention, it is only 18 miles away from Belfast and only 6 miles away from Bangor - which is not a long distance for someone to go. Donaghadee is a small town situated in county Down, Northern Ireland, that lies on the northeast coast of the Ards Peninsula; it is in the civil parish of Donaghadee and the historic barony of Ards Lower. The history of Donaghadee town and the different attractions that could be seen in it add to the encouragement that fills the visitor's heart and mind about going there.
Donaghadee town was actually featured in the Irish Rebellion of 1798; in the morning of Pike Sunday 10 June 1798, a force of United Irishmen mainly from Bangor, Donaghadee, Greyabbey, and Ballywalter attempted to occupy the the town of Newtownards, they met with musket fire from the market house and they were defeated. In addition to this historical part, Donaghadee harbour is also important when it comes to this town since it has its historical part as well; Donaghadee was used in the period between 1759 and 1826 by couples going to Portpatrick, Wigtown, Scotland in order to get married since there was a daily packet boat going there from Donaghadee harbour.
Of course when it comes to any new place you are visiting, the first thing that you will be doing is searching for the different touristic attractions that you could visit there. When it comes to Donaghadee town, there are a couple of things to consider visiting, such as the Moat, the Harbour and the Marina along with the lighthouse, and there are other minor places to consider such as the Parish Church.
The harbour and the lighthouse of Donaghadee town are famous because that harbour almost dates back to the 17th century and this harbour is well known for its lighthouse - it might be one of the most famous attractions related to this town, it has actually been a haven for ships for years and years.
In addition to the harbour and the lighthouse, there is also the Moat - or as it is also known and referred to the Motte - which was actually built to house the explosives used in building the harbour. The Moat is also one of the most prominent features of the town that dates back to 1818 but today it is now part of a park, giving views across the town and seawards towards the Copeland Islands (
These are the most common things to be done in this small town but there are still other activities which one could also include and which might be a walk by the town that includes the marine walk by The Commons: this is a semi-cultivated open space with bowls, tennis, putting, and an adventure playground. There are also those restaurants, hotels, and bars which you could choose from and enjoy sitting at, one of them is the famous Grace Neill's bar which opened back in 1611 as the King's Arms and which is considered the oldest bar to be found in Ireland.
When you are visiting Donaghadee town, you should always check the events that might be taking place there because you could get the chance to enjoy your time attending any of them. There are also those shops and boutiques which might be offering different products that you could go back home with any of them - make your visit count.
There are some other small towns and cities which are close to Donaghadee - and that of course in addition to Belfast the capital city of Northern Ireland and the one mostly visited ( - from these places, there is Bangor which is the closest to Donaghadee and which is mostly known with its harbour ( there is also Portaferry which is mostly known with its Exploris Aquarium ( and there is also Ballywalter which is considered not far away from Donaghadee (
These were the things we managed to visit in Donaghadee, county Down, and this was the trip we went on and enjoyed. Have you ever been there before? Share with us more of your stories and adventures.
Some of the best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn
This is a video created in Autumn 2012 for showing internally on our Parlour Bar screen, we have always been known for doing special dining and accommodation deals throughout the year, visit us at to learn more.
Shortly after we produced this video the heavy snow came and cut off power to the village of Crawfordsburn and many other places in and out of Belfast, our trusty generator fired into action within ten seconds and The Old Inn was literally like a Moth to a Light! People came from all over for the warmth, light, food and hospitality! we gave beds for the night and kept the bar open (for residents P.S.N.I. !) til the wee hours while snowed in staff insisted on staying all night to bring drinks and food to everyone who had been cut off from utilities. We also went out and picked up some of our 'regulars' who we know live on their own and brought them to the Hotel for comfort and safety. It was such a touching thing for all of the staff to show their true spirit in times of hardship..... Then the lights came on, and everyone scarpered!
Such is life!
// More About The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn //
The Old Inn is among the oldest hotels in Northern Ireland. Offering 4 Star accommodation in County Down, we are the ideal location for dining, weddings, celebrations, and business meetings or conferences. We offer function room hire, meeting room hire, and Northern Ireland wedding packages to suit your unique needs and are known as a top rated wedding venue in County Down. Our award-winning Lewis Restaurant is perfect for foodies seeking to eat in one of the best restaurants in Northern Ireland. If you are looking for great hotel deals in Northern Ireland simply book now! Call us on +44 (0)28 9185 3255 today to see how we can help you.
Aerial View of Groomsport, Donaghadee & Crawfordsburn Country Park
Some views from my DJI Phantom 3 Standard drone in and around County Down, Northern Ireland. I firstly go to Groomsport and fly around the harbour showing views of it and the town itself. I then proceed to Donaghadee and plan to fly around the harbour there. Unfortunately the harbour master advised me I would be unable to fly from there. I then proceeded up the road and flew from there knowing with enough height I would get a view of the harbour. Still having a little charge left on my battery I took the drone to Crawfordsburn Country Park and flew from the beach are there. I'm sure you'll agree the area looks great in the sunshine.
Three Minutes in Bangor, Northern Ireland
Bangor is our local town and it is a great place for a family day out. We show you the 'Best of Bangor' - in under three minutes. What's your favourite place in Bangor? Anywhere we forgot?
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Bangor to Groomsport: The North Down Coastal Path (Northern Ireland)
Walking from Bangor to Groomsport on the North Down Coastal Path (Northern Ireland) following full itinerary as here: Leaving from central Bangor seafront (Bangor Marina and Bangor Eisenhower Pier) and following the Long Hole Harbour along Seacliff Road, past Kingsland, the Royal Ulster Yacht Club and Ballyholme Yacht Club to reach the Bangor suburb of Ballyholme. The path then follows the rather vast Ballyholme Beach to the coastal path past Ballymacormick Point until the Groomport Harbour at the large village of Groomsport. The North Down Coastal Path then continues past Orlock Point until it finally reaches the final exit at Portavoe and the main road towards Donaghadee.
For more on our travels, mostly in Asia, check our website All material is produced by travel bloggers Fanfan and Allan Wilson.
Canford cliffs beach
Small view at Canford Cliffs Beach.
Kerrie & Glen Highlights: The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn
Highlights from Kerrie & Glens wedding at the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn.
Filmed by One Noise Media
onenoisemedia.co.uk
Grey Point Fort, Helen's Bay, Northern Ireland - Part 1 of 2
One of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.
Video 1 of 2 - I fly around the exterior of the base and take a close up look at the two massive 6 inch diameter guns which commanded the entrance to Belfast Lough.
Part 2 here:
Situated in Helen's Bay, Crawfordsburn, Grey Point Fort houses two spectacular guns and a most unusual hands-on military museum. It also hosts a number of special commemorative events during the year.
The Fort was completed in 1907 with at its heart two massive 6 inch diameter guns which commanded the entrance to Belfast Lough. While a key part of Belfast’s defences against naval attack, it proved of limited value during the German air attacks on the city in 1941. There are still two magnificent 23 feet long guns. Visitors can also see the original observation post and three searchlight positions.
Volunteers have created a great museum of military memorabilia, including medals, uniforms, photographs and weaponry from the First and Second World Wars. There is also a unique collection of radio equipment,together with a section devoted to the Titanic.
Coastguards, Helens Bay Drone Flight
Flight over Helens Bay Beach at Coastguards cottages with a DJI Phantom 3. Clear, crisp winter days over the bay. clear blue waters. 2oC
4 Rocky Road, Belfast
House for sale at 4 Rocky Road, Belfast. Details available from michael-chandler.co.uk. Video by Matt Symons Photography
Holywood Town Belfast - Places to Visit in Northern Ireland
Cities and towns, these are the two different places that tourists get attracted to when it comes to visiting a new country for the first time and trying to explore as much of it as possible, or even for the local people who want to get to know more about their own personal country.
Holywood town is part of Northern Ireland, it is located in the metropolitan area of Belfast city in county Down. This town in Northern Ireland is a civil parish and townland of 755 acres, lying on the shore of Belfast Lough, between Belfast and Bangor.
Going back into the history of this old city, one will get to ask about the name which lots of people now pronounce in the same way as Hollywood is pronounced. Back in the old days, the name Holywood was rather Sanctus Boscus, which means Holy Wood, and it was given to this place by the Normans after the woodland surrounding the monastery founded by St. Laseran before 640.
There are different interesting things that might be held in this town, such as the jazz and blues festival which is held there. There are other things that distinguish this town as well, such as the distinctive building known as the Old Priory. Even though this might sometimes be mistaken for the famous Hollywood in the United States of America, it is also considered one of the most visited towns in county Down for the fashion boutiques that it has, the delis and the galleries.
Holywood is also one of Northern Ireland's famous towns and places because it boasts Ireland's only surviving Maypole dating back to 1700 when a Dutch ship ran aground offshore and as a show of gratitude, they erected their broken mast.
We have already mentioned that the jazz and blues festival is held in Holywood, but there is also the annual May Day Celebrations which are considered the main focus when it comes to this town, and this is actually one of the big events in Ards and North Down calendar, when the school children dance around the maypole alongside market stalls and family attractions.
Holywood town stands as one of the beautiful places with a history carried behind which tourists and locals could visit and check what it has to offer - at least we have already mentioned some of the reasons why we believe this is considered a good place to travel to - but there are still other towns that could be visited in county Down as well, such as the Village of Saintfield ( Donaghadee which is 18 miles away from Belfast ( Crawfordsburn ( and Portaferry (
When it comes to the different attractions in county Down, Northern Ireland, there are different things which we should refer to as well in addition to these towns which we have mentioned, such as checking the Whiterocks Beach in Portrush ( Dundrum Castle ( Ballywalter Beach ( Down County Museum ( Tollymore Forest ( and lots of other things to dig deep behind and discover if you got the chance to be in county Down.
Being a place that is not far away from Belfast city, it is also considered a great suggestion for those touring the city to consider making a different kind of plan and add this destination to their list, they will end up visiting another part of Northern Ireland which they might have never thought about visiting before. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in County Down at Cultra, is another touristic attraction that is just next to Holywood which visitors and travelers could also check (
Have you ever been to Holywood in Northern Ireland before? Have you ever realized that there is another Holywood than the one you are used to hear about when it comes to the United States of America? Have you ever been there or ever planned a trip to this beautiful town in county Down? At least now you could make a proper plan and enjoy yourself there.
Holywood in county Down, Northern Ireland, might not be the biggest town to visit or the one with the most attractions, but it is definitely one of the towns close to Belfast that could still offer history along with some attractions that people could enjoy visiting and bring back stories from to their homes and families.
So, are you now planning to visit Holywood and see what this small town getting mixed up with the big US Hollywood actually looks like? Plan your visit as a local or a tourist and let us know your feedback and hear about the stories you will have there in this small town.
Enjoy watching the video about Holywood!
The best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.