Parks Activities and Events

Our Parks service offers a varied programme of activities and events throughout the year in our parks and open spaces. These activities and events are usually free of / minimal charge and aim to encourage residents and visitors to spend time in our borough, making the most of nature and its benefits for our health and wellbeing.

From educational walks and talks to opportunities for play, there is something for everyone.

Some of these events are ticketed via Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks Events - 12 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

If you have any queries about these events, please contact andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Activities and events - April 2025

Awake the Garden |  Saturday 5 April, 11am - 4pm | Walled Garden, Castle Park, Bangor

Awake the Garden returns to Bangor Castle Walled Garden!

Join us on Saturday 5 April, 11am to 4pm, for a free, family-friendly celebration of spring, featuring garden workshops, live music, craft activities, storytelling, and more.

Explore Biodiversity: discover the thriving wildlife in the garden with interactive biodiversity show-and-tells. Don't miss our tree expert's guided walk through Castle Park to uncover the secrets of its beautiful trees!

Join us for a day of fun, learning, and springtime activities in the beautiful Bangor Castle Walled Garden! Check out the exciting lineup:

All Day activities include:

• Create your own flower posies or hair clips, and Bee Hotels with our Apprentices
• Show and Tell - Moths in the garden with our Natural Environment Officers
• Facepainting
• Visit Phelim's Bees and his Mobile Bee Hive
• Veg growing demonstrations
• Spring Planting and craft

Plus plenty more!

11am - 2pm | NI School of Falconry

11:30am and 2:30pm | Castle Park Tree Walk with our Tree and Woodland Officer, Dylan (Meet at the main entrance)

There will be live music too! Don't miss out! A perfect day out to celebrate the awakening of the garden . See you there! 

Spring Trails and Walks | Various dates, times and locations

These events are ticketed: please register your place at We're going on a trail hunt by Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks | Eventbrite

• Our Siren Song: Art Making Walk with Anne-Marie Taggart |Saturday 5 April, 10am-12noon | Cloughey Pavillion at bowling club
• Our Siren Song: Artist led Walk |Tuesday 8 April, 1.30 - 3.30pm | Groomsport Boathouse
• Crawfordsburn Waterfall walk with Photography Fran Kennedy | Wednesday 16th April, 2-4 pm | At Crawfordsburn Country Park, Woodland café - 32 Bridge Rd S, Helen's Bay, Bangor BT19 1JT \ ///input.title.composers https://w3w.co/input.title.composers 

Workshop events with Field Studies Ireland | 17 April - 2 May 2025 | Cairn Wood | **Note event date change**

Ards and North Down Borough Council is joined by Field Studies Ireland who are delivering FREE hands-on workshops across various dates:

To book please click on the link: Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks Events - 12 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Tickets are limited; please book only if you can attend. 

Hop Into Spring with the Trail of the Easter Bunny! |12 - 24 April, 11am - 3pm| Various locations

Various locations | 11am - 3pm | FREE for all the family

• Saturday 12 April | Portaferry | Rope Walk
• Monday 14 April | Bangor | Ward Park
• Tuesday 15 April | Killinchy | Play Park
• Wednesday 16 April | Newtownards | Londonderry Park ** THis date cancelled due to Yellow Weather Warning in effect**
• Wednesday 23 April | Holywood | Sea Park
• Thursday 24 April | Donaghadee | The Commons

Follow the clues and embark on a magical adventure to uncover sweet treats hidden by the Easter Bunny! 

Heritage & history walk on the North Down Coastal Path | Tuesday 15 April, 10am - 12pm | Meet at Pickie Park Cafe

Join Moira O'Rourke, as we head along the coastal path towards Crawfordsburn and back, returning by 12 noon.

This guided walk will take you on a journey through time, exploring the fascinating stories and landmarks that define this beautiful stretch of coastline. From ancient sites to tales of maritime history, the North Down Coastal Path is steeped in culture and tradition.

This event is ticketed: find out more and register your place at We're going on a trail hunt by Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks | Eventbrite 

Park Orienteering in Bangor and Newtownards | 14 and 17 April | 11am - 3pm | **Note event date change**

Ards and North Down Borough Council is joined by NI Orienteering who are delivering free activities for all the family to enjoy this Easter. 

Maps and friendly instructions to set you on your way to exploring new places.

• Ward Park, Bangor | 14 April 2025
• Londonderry Park, Newtownards | *Changed from original publicised date: now taking place on 17 April 2025 *
• 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (last starter 2:30pm)

 Free Event | For more information: Contact NI Orienteering Development Officer Ric Gamble Tel: 07717 297676 Email: rgamble@britishorienteering.org.uk or ANDPlay@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Upcoming activities and events - May 2025

International Dawn Chorus Day | Sunday 4 May | 4.45am Stricklands Glen

Calling on early risers to join us on International Dawn Chorus Day

Taking place on the first Sunday of May, International Dawn Chorus Day is the worldwide celebration of nature's greatest festival!

If you want to bathe in the incredible sounds of the dawn chorus set your alarm and join us at 4.45AM SUNDAY 4TH MAY, at STRICKLANDS GLEN CARPARK, with our expert guide David Thompson.

As the sun rises David will walk slowly around the woodland identifying individual bird songs as they join the chorus.

This is a free event, to book your place please e-mail ANDBIODIVERSITY@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or alternatively contact Noeleen Farry, Biodiversity Officer on 0300 013 3333

Please bring a small torch if you can, however torches will be made available on the morning. Parking is restricted within Stricklands Glen carpark, please consider parking within proximity of the site and walking to the carpark.

This event will be one of hundreds held across the world and is perfect for those who just want to enjoy the experience as well as for those would like to learn a few identification tips! Binoculars are not essential. Be sure to dress in appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.