Out and About A city break in the quiet of the country

Fifteen minutes to Belfast, five minutes to a quiet coastal path and a good three wood to a golf course. Perfect.

This is an unusual place. Rarely do the simple, gentle pleasures of the country sit quite so close to the urban attractions of a city. Belfast is booming. Tourists are flocking. The Titanic is big news again and restaurants, bars, theatres and venues are alive with culture, music, food and drink.

You are also close to a quiet stroll along the rocky shores of Crawfordsburn and Helen's Bay; the ancient history of Bangor Abbey and St. Patrick's Trail; the culture and heritage, flora and fauna of the wonderful Ards peninsula; the long and wonderful Ulster Way and the quiet picturesque charms of Strangford with its lough, harbour, pubs, restaurants and Game of Thrones locations.

This is a vibrant area with arts events and festivals throughout the year – the Open House Festival, Camerata, Holywood Music Festival and an abundance of events courtesy of the Borough Council and National Trust. So much to do and see and all from your beautiful base at Clandeboye Lodge.

City Life

Belfast is alive with tourism and nightlife. Titanic Belfast has become one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions and the city is flourishing. By day, it is a mecca for shoppers with Victoria Square leading the way ably supported by a mixture of high street names and independent retailers and a host of cafés and bistros. By night, it comes alive with Gin Bars, restaurants, traditional pubs all full of locals and visitors after evenings at cinemas, theatres, music venues and art galleries – a truly modern city with a unique personality.

Attractions

So many to mention. Lovers of sport, nature, music, history and heritage will find something to enjoy. Families will love the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra, the Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry and the ever popular Pickie Fun Park in Bangor. Game of Thrones fans are close to Castleward where it all began and history lovers can check out Titanic Belfast and Bangor Abbey.

Leisure

Northern Ireland is world famous for its golf courses and County Down has its fair share including the magnificent Royal County Down and historic Royal Belfast. Many other charming courses abound with Blackwood Golf Centre just next door to the hotel. For walkers there is the superb Ulster Way. For watersports enthusiasts there are chances to sail, paddle board, canoe and swim and the terrain is perfect for cyclists. There is even the Eddie Irvine motor sport centre nearby for petrol heads!