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 | Eventbrite

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

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.

National Walking Month: AND Walking Week | 13-17 May 2025 | Along the County Down coastline

#WalkThisMay and enjoy free, guided walks. For details check We're going on a trail hunt by Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks | Eventbrite

When:	What's happening:	Where to meet with ///whatthreewords as required
Tuesday 13 May 10-12noon	History & Heritage walk and talk on the Coastal Path	Holywood Seapark; 11-17 Ballymenoch Park, Holywood BT18 0LL ///magazines.autumn.vitamins
Tuesday 13 May 2.30pm or/and 4pm	Our Siren Song guided Storywalk - Strangford-Portaferry journey, stories, discussions and pennants.	Strangford Quay meet at ///vanilla.advantage.coverage. Group on 3.30pm ferry to Portaferry. 4pm regroup at Exploris Aquarium
Wednesday 14 May 3.30-5.30pm	Our Siren Song guided Storywalk - Cloughey to Portavogie journey, stories, discussions and pennants.	Cloughey Pavillion at Bowling Club
Thursday 15 May 1-4pm	Our Siren Song guided Storywalk - Ballyhalbert to Ballywalter journey, stories, discussions and pennants.	Burr Point, 1-11 Sandylands, Ballyhalbert, BT22 1BT
Saturday 17 May 4-5pm	Our Siren Song guided Storywalk - Millisle beach journey, stories, discussions, rowing boats and pennants.	South Beach Millisle BT22 2FE ///browsers.dwell.grips

People are welcome to join for part of the long walks along the coastline, transport to start or meeting points along the coast will be available

Activities and events: June 2025

NOW SOLD OUT |Outdoor Mindfulness Sessions | Bangor Castle Walled Garden | Various dates June and July

Join us for *free* outdoor mindfulness sessions throughout June and July in Bangor Castle Walled Garden.

Follow the breath, body, and the beat of the music to uncover new layers of self-understanding, in this guided musical, meditative journey all held in the borough's beautiful outdoor spaces.

Each free 1-hour session includes live music played on a melodic RAV drum, plus carefully curated playlists of pre-recorded music supported by hand-made drums, shakers, and other musical instruments.

Meditation is guided with a focus on mind-body connection, to support emotional regulation. Perfect for both newcomers and the experienced alike, offering either a first feel for this kind of practice, or an opportunity to let go and immerse deeply in a guided outdoor session.

Activities and events - July 2025

Love Parks Week | 25 July - 3 August | Various locations

Love Parks Week is an annual campaign that celebrates parks, green spaces, and the dedicated volunteers and workers that look after them all year round.

These vibrant, living spaces bring communities together and provide an opportunity to connect with nature in the heart of our cities, towns, and neighbourhoods.

We will be running some family friendly events to celebrate the week: details still to be confirmed, please check back.

Love Parks Week - Ards and North Down Borough Council

Activities and events: August 2025

Wild Days Out | Fridays in August 8^th, 15^th and 22nd | Various locations

Family friendly events giving you the opportunity to interact with the natural world through a variety of activities: last year there was foraging, bird identification, mini-beast hunts and more.

What's in store for this year? We're still working on the details but sure to be a great opportunity to get out into the fresh air and away from those screens!