From pubs and charity shops to museums and golf clubs, there is plenty to love about the town of Holywood, County Down.
Just minutes from Belfast, you’ll find Holywood, County Down. The town first became popular as a seaside resort in the 19th century, and this tradition continues today, with Holywood being located near several beautiful beaches.
But the beaches aren’t the only reason to visit Holywood. With this guide to the area’s excellent bars, well-stocked charity shops, museums, and golf clubs, we help you get the most out of your visit to Holywood, County Down.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting Holywood, County Down:
- A car is the handiest way to travel, but it’s not strictly necessary. You can reach Holywood by train from either Belfast’s Lanyon Place station (ten minutes) or Bangor Train Station (about 30 minutes).
- Holywood is just a four-minute drive from Belfast City Airport, making it an easy and affordable taxi transfer from the airport.
- If you have access to a bike, the hills around Holywood make for a tough but rewarding cycle.
- Make sure you have room for the treasures you’re bound to find at one of Holywood’s great charity shops!
Best activities – what to do in Holywood, County Down
Charity shops
Holywood is a small town but has a high concentration of excellent charity shops.
Along High Street, you’ll find shops in support of Oxfam, Cancer Research UK, Save the Children, Red Cross, Assisi Animal Sanctuary, Marie Curie, and Self Help Africa.
These shops are packed full of great clothes, ornaments, and trinkets that attract people from near and far looking for unique pieces at wallet-friendly prices. Be prepared to spend a few hours looking through the rails in these great charity shops.
There is also a bookshop for Concern Worldwide, just around the corner on Church Road.
Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum
One of the best things to do, especially for families, in Holywood, County Down, is to visit the Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum.
The Ulster Folk Museum features a collection of heritage buildings, dating from as long ago as the 19th century, through which in-character guides will demonstrate ways of living and working in Ireland throughout history.
The Ulster Transport Museum, on the other hand, has a huge collection of trains to tell the story of transport in Ulster.
There are also permanent exhibitions on the Titanic and on the DeLorean car, produced in Belfast and made famous by the Back to the Future film series.
Address: Cultra, Holywood BT18 0EU
READ MORE: The 25 best things to do in Northern Ireland (NI Bucket List)
Beaches
Holywood, County Down, is in close proximity to some of the best beaches in Northern Ireland that are ideal for kicking back on a sunny day, having a relaxing afternoon stroll, or watching the sun go down on a summer’s evening.
Seapark Bay Beach is a mere three-minute drive from the town. Further along the coast, you’ll find Farmhill Bay Beach and, even further still, the beautiful Helen’s Bay Beach.
RELATED: Helen’s Bay, Co. Down: visit info, what’s nearby & more
Golf
As home to one of Ireland’s greatest golfers of all time – Rory McIlroy – it should come as no surprise that Holywood boasts two excellent golf clubs: the Holywood Golf Club, where McIlroy earned his stripes, and the Royal Belfast Golf Club, the oldest golf club in Ireland.
Both of these renowned clubs are open to visitors, so make sure to pack your clubs before visiting Holywood if you fancy getting in a game during your stay.
READ MORE: The 10 best golf courses in Northern Ireland
Hotels – where to stay in Holywood, County Down
Culloden Estate and Spa
This is certainly the most expensive accommodation option, given that the Culloden Estate and Spa is one of the top luxury spa hotels in Northern Ireland, but splashing out will afford you one of the most opulent stays possible.
The Culloden offers 98 beautiful rooms, many of which have stunning views over Belfast Lough, an excellent spa, and three restaurant options serving only the finest local produce.
Address: Bangor Rd, Holywood BT18 0EX
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, is a little outside Holywood but is one of the best hotels in the area.
A sister hotel of the renowned Galgorm, anyone familiar with the famous County Antrim hotel will know what to expect at the Old Inn.
Its pièce de resistance is undoubtedly the intimate and cosy Treetop Spa, equipped with a heated pool, steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi, among other features.
Address: 15-25 Main St, Crawfordsburn, Bangor BT19 1JH
MORE: Our experience of The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn
Other options
Nearby Bangor and, in particular, Belfast, open up a whole range of accommodation options to suit any visitor to the area.
You can make your stay as expensive as your budget allows and still be within easy reach of Holywood by either car or public transport.
Pubs – where to drink in Holywood, County Down
The Dirty Duck Alehouse
The Dirty Duck Alehouse is a great little spot for a few pints and a bite to eat in Holywood, County Down. Its cosy outdoor area overlooking the water makes it a particularly lovely place to enjoy a drink in the summer.
With excellent local and international drinks, an extensive food menu, and attentive staff, what’s not to like about this great pub?
Address: 2-4 Kinnegar Rd, Holywood BT18 9JN
The Maypole Bar
Renowned for its pint of Guinness, the Maypole Bar is one of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems.
This old-school bar is loved by locals and welcoming to visitors, and is a must-visit when staying in Holywood, or anywhere in the North Down district for that matter!
Address: 55 High St, Holywood BT18 9AB
Alexander’s & Co.
Alexander’s & Co. is a gastropub specialising in wines, ales, and food made with local produce.
Alexander’s & Co. really comes alive on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy the weekend in the main bar, which showcases local artists, or head upstairs for some excellent cocktails and small plates accompanied by live music and DJs.
Address: 57 High St, Holywood BT18 9AQ
Notable mentions
Cafes: Holywood, County Down, is also home to some great cafes. Get your caffeine fix along with a sweet treat from the likes of Joxer, Homebird Café, or Lynchpin.
Restaurants: While there aren’t many restaurants in Holywood, those that the town has are well worth a visit.
Highlights include Lemongrass for Pan-Asian cuisine and Coast for a casual dinner. Little Wing is the go-to for pizza, while the Ruddy Duck is a beloved fish and chips shop.
Redburn Country Park: For nature enthusiasts, take a walk through Redburn Country Park and enjoy forest views as you ascend to sweeping views of Belfast Lough and beyond at the top of the hill.
Crawfordsburn Country Park: Taking a stroll through the woods and beaches of Crawfordsburn Country Park is an excellent way to spend an afternoon in Holywood.
Your questions answered about Holywood, County Down
Is Holywood Catholic or Protestant?
Holywood, County Down, has a greater Protestant community than Catholic. The 2021 census showed that 50% of the population was Protestant, while 16% identified as Catholic. The remaining 34% either were of other faiths or of no religion.
Is Holywood Belfast a nice place to live?
Just a stone’s throw from Belfast and with plenty of excellent beaches and scenery, Holywood, County Down, is a lovely place to live!
What is in Holywood?
Despite its size, you’ll find plenty of nice cafes and restaurants in Holywood, as well as some good bars and excellent charity shops for clothes and antiques at very attractive prices.
