Crawfordsburn Country Park County Down Northern Ireland
A walk in Crawfordsburn Country Park on a sunny morning....
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.
Bangor Abbey Co Down Northern ireland
I've stopped off to have a look round the Abbey in the seaside town Bangor Co Down Northern Ireland.
Bangor Abbey was established by Saint Comgall in 558 in Bangor, and was famous as a Christian teaching and learning centre for hundreds of years. The name Bangor was sometimes written Beannchor'. It was also called the Vale of Angels, because, according to a popular legend, St. Patrick once rested there and saw the valley filled with angels.
Saint Comgall was born in Antrim in 517, and educated at Clooneenagh Co Clare and Clonmacnoise County Offaly. The spirit of monasticism was then strong in Ireland. Many sought solitude the better to serve God, and with this object Comgall retired to a lonely island. The pleadings of his friends drew him from his retreat and he went on to found a monastery of Bangor.
Under his rule, which was rigid, prayer and fasting were incessant. Food was scant and plain. Worship held the foremost place in the life of the community. It is clear that music was a prominent feature of the worship of the Bangor monks. Crowds came to share his penances and his vigils. They also came to be taught from the Scriptures.
Bangor Abbey is regarded as one of the most important of the early Northern Irish monastic sites, second only to Armagh. Within the extensive rampart which encircled its monastic buildings, students studied scripture, theology, logic, geometry, arithmetic, music, and the classics. Mo Sinu moccu Min was the fifth abbot of Bangor. It is thought that he tutored Columbanus.
Bangor was a major center of learning—called the Light of the World—and trained many missionaries. Carthach of Lismore studied at Bangor, as did Fintan of Doon. Saint Mirin was a prior at Bangor before leaving to found Paisley Abbey in Renfrewshire. Columbanus and Gall went off to Continental Europe in 590 AD and founded the famous monasteries of Luxiell (France), St Gallen (Switzerland) and Bobbio (Italy).
Like many early Irish monasteries, Bangor was destroyed and rebuilt on many occasions. Being near the sea it was probably plundered by Viking raiders. It was in such a poor state that when St. Malachy became Abbot of Bangor in 1121 he had to build everything anew. In 1469, the Franciscans had possession of it, and a century later the Augustinians, after which, at the dissolution of the monasteries, it was given by James I to Sir James Hamilton who repaired the church in 1617 and was buried in it when he died in 1644. It appears that stone from the abbey was used in the construction of the new church. All that remains of the Abbey ruins is St. Malachy's Wall. The present Tower of the church dates back to the 14th century.
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.
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.
Grey Point Fort, Helens Bay, Bangor
Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles. Situated in Helen's Bay, Grey Point Fort houses 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.
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.
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.
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.
Boarzell by Drone | Sussex | Britain & Ireland | Oliver's Travels
Boarzell holds a wonderful location nestled amongst beautiful East Sussex countryside, just minutes from the sleepy village of Hurst Green. The grand manor house is bursting with charm and character and with 20 acres of private gardens and woodland, it offers a wealth of wonderful onsite facilities and is just an hour from exciting London.
The manor house is adorned with original features, the antiques and period wooden panelling helps to give Boarzell an impressively regal feel, while the elegant yet comfortable interiors will make guests feel instantly at home. Boarzell’s spacious interiors can comfortably accommodate up to fifteen guests across eight well-appointed bedrooms.
A sweeping drive through thick woodland opens out to reveal the impressive Grade II listed property, the wow factor continues as you step through the front door and arrive in the elegant entrance hall. The grand hallway leads off to the formal dining room, which makes the perfect place to enjoy a special, celebratory meal with your loved ones and the formal reading room. On the other side of the entrance hall, is the lovely and bright kitchen area complete with large breakfast table and vast windows which allow guests to enjoy the countryside views even on the chilliest of mornings. Leading on from the kitchen is a further sitting room, this makes the perfect spot to sit back in one of the opulent sofa’s while enjoying your favourite film after a busy day exploring the surrounding area.
Upstairs, on the first floor is the opulent master bedroom, guests are bound to argue over this room with its luxurious en-suite bathroom and private balcony. Also on this level, two bedroom one super king and a small double bedroom, both of which come complete with en-suite shower rooms. There is one further small double bedroom and a twin room. The bedrooms on this level share the use of a luxurious family bathroom which boasts a large freestanding bathtub, perfect for a warm soak after a long countryside stroll! Upstairs on the second floor, is a king-size double bedroom complete with en-suite shower room, and second twin and single rooms as well as a further family bathroom.
Boarzell’s real magic can be found outside, the extensive gardens are completely private, and guests will instantly feel a million miles from any hustle and bustle. French doors lead from the kitchen out on to the terrace, this makes the perfect spot to dine al fresco or simply enjoy a quiet sundowner while admiring the astonishing views over magnificent East Sussex countryside. The children are bound to enjoy splashing around in the private swimming pool, while the adults may prefer to relax pool side with a good book or enjoy some healthy competition on the private tennis court!
A beautiful beach walk from Holywood to Cultra in County Down Northern Ireland
Went on a wee walk along the beach on a fine Spring afternoon on the beautiful County Down coastline from Holywood to Cultra in Northern Ireland. What a beautiful country old Ireland really is.
Grey Point Fort, Helen's Bay, Northern Ireland - Part 2 of 2
One of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.
Video 2 of 2 - I take a look at the military radio display, all of which, I was informed, is fully working.
Part one 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.
Two Minutes in Helens Bay, Northern Ireland
This one is personal, guys! We are taking you home! We live in beautiful Helen's Bay, County Down in Northern Ireland. Today, we're taking you out for a tour to show you what our little community has to offer. We might even get the big guns out to convince you to stop by ...
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Northern Ireland December 2015 | GoPro
Just a little video I put together of my time spent in Northern Ireland
Song: Sigur Ros - Logn
Instagram: shawnabowles
Autumn Northern Ireland
Autumn - Northern Ireland
Another one of my seasonal videos, this time Autumn. I had a wonderful time exploring the many forests and parks around the Counties of Down and Antrim in Northern Ireland over the past 2 years. I didnt want it to end.... Discovering and learning about the different types of fungi was challenging but fascinating. The one fungi that eluded me was the fairy tail mushroom - Fly Agaric. There is always next autumn...I'll be on its trail...
The places visited where - Tollymore Forest Park, Crawfordsburn Country Park, The Glens of Antrim waterfalls - Ess-na-Crub and Ess-na-Larach. Antrim Castle Gardens, Minnowburn and Lagan Towpath, Crumlin Glen, Ormeau Park Belfast, Gleno waterfall, Stormont grounds, Hillsborough Parish Church and Belvoir Forest.
Best viewed at HD 1080p. Thanks for watching.
All imagery and video produced by ©Bernie Brown and covered under copyright.
Please visit for more examples of my work and also the rest of my videos on Youtube. Most pictures are for sale and in most formats.
MUSIC:
Composer: Nicolai Heidlas
Title: 50-New-Cities
Contact -
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.
Intro to 'the local project' community forest Jan Alexander
Documenting a community forest project in Co. Leitrim, Ireland
In March 2005 I initiated a proposal which was jointly supported by Crann (the Irish word for 'tree' and also a Irish Tree NGO) and The Dock (County Leitrim Art Gallery).
In this project and exhibition, I brought together the voices and images of local people who volunteered to plant broadleaf woodlands 10-12 years ago in an innovative Crann Project in South Leitrim, Ireland.
Ireland's native forest cover is minimal, forests were lost many centuries ago. Commercial forestry is large scale business consisting predominantly of non-native conifer monocultures.
The Crann 'local project' was an opportunity for people to act at a local level in addressing issues about international deforestation amidst Ireland's almost total dependence on imported tropical woods. The project is an example of a community forestry approach, where sustainable methods are employed, both for ecological and economic long term benefits.
The film and photographs documented the beginnings of a new local wood culture in County Leitrim that is suitable for transferring to other areas in Ireland.
Jan Alexander, Crann founder is now Chairperson of ProSilva ('for forests') Ireland, see prosilvaireland.org. Jan for the past 6 years has been part of this EU organisation of leading foresters who are committed to sustainable, real 'continuous cover forestry', managed using 'close to nature' principles.
How to pronounce “Bangor (N Ireland)” city/town name in UK
In this video you learn how to pronounce “Bangor (N Ireland)” to sound like a native English speaker.
Make sure you listen carefully and try repeat after.
Checkout other videos which help you learn and master pronunciation of English accents of towns/countries and cities in UK.
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Martello Tower or Windmill Stump at Holywood Co Down?
I'm a few miles from home over in old Holywood in the recently designated Holywood Conservation Area.
Just past Brook Street off Holywood's Victoria Road and in to the left stands this strange ancient neglected tower. On Google Maps it is labelled, The Martello Tower but is it a genuine Martello Tower? The superb terrace of nearby grand houses is called Martello Terrace. So is it a Martello Tower or not?
Whatever it is tower or stump it is surely sad to see that it has been allowed to fall into this totally sorry state. Is it not part of olde Holywood history?
I found a pictorial and written record about this old windmill stump in 'From cradle to grave, the buildings that share our lives'.