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Newtownards
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Newtownards, or Ards
as it is locally known, lies at the most northern tip of Strangford
Lough, 16 km east of Belfast, on the Ards Peninsula.
Scottish settlers arrived to Ards in large numbers during the Ulster
Plantation and from this Newtownards grew. Due to the shallow mud of
Strangford Lough, Newtownards never developed as a port. Rather
Newtownards became a market town, with the fine Market House (now
the town hall) in Conway Square built in 1770.
Today the town is a hive of arts and craftspeople. Ards Borough
Council has taken a leading role in promoting arts and crafts in the
locality, with the very successful ‘Creative Peninsula’- a showcase
of creative flair from around Ards and beyond.
One of the most recognisable symbols of Newtownards is Scrabo Tower.
The landmark 100ft tower is clearly visible on any approach to the
town. It stands on a hill at the centre of Scrabo Country Park,
offering panoramic views over Newtownards, Strangford Lough and
beyond. The Tower houses two floors of displays and a climb of 122
steps takes the visitor to the open viewing level.
The Somme Heritage Centre is situated a little north of the town,
and is the Somme Association’s flagship project. The Centre is a
unique visitor attraction of international significance showing the
awful reality of the First World War, and its affects on the
community at home.
Just across from the Somme Heritage Centre, The Ark is Ireland's
first rare breeds farm and is home to more than 80 rare species of
cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, ponies, ducks, poultry and llamas in 40
acres of countryside. Other attractions include picnic sites, play
areas and a tea room.
Newtownards Saturday market in Conway Square is packed full of local
produce.
On the east shore of Strangford Lough, a few miles outside
Newtownards and near Greyabbey, stands Mount Stewart, the 18th
century home of the Londonderry family. The 98 acre garden at Mount
Stewart is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the British
Isles and earned it a World Heritage Site nomination. |
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Newtownards Holiday Homes - County Down, Ireland