Strangford
Castle Ward · Photo: Irishdeltaforce
A lough-side day with a little boat trip in the middle. Explore the grounds, farmyard and play area at Castle Ward, cross the Narrows on the car ferry, then meet sea creatures and rescued seals at Exploris.
Historic House · 10:00–13:00 (3h)
Farmyard, lough-shore trail and adventure play area; lunch in the café.
An indoor and outdoor historic house in Strangford, aimed at ages 4 and up.
Photo: Irishdeltaforce
Water Activities · 13:30–13:45 (15m)
Watch the tide race and look out for seals during the crossing.
A ten-minute car and foot ferry across the Narrows between Strangford and Portaferry, where tidal currents rush in and out of the lough. It saves a long drive and is a mini boat trip in itself, with seals often spotted.
Photo: N Chadwick
Aquarium · 14:00–16:00 (2h)
Walk through the ocean tank and visit the seal sanctuary.
An indoor aquarium in Newtownards.
Northern IrelandBelfast
A no-cost day in Belfast's university quarter: dinosaurs and a mummy at the Ulster Museum, a wander through the glasshouses and lawns of the Botanic Gardens, then a playground stop across the river.
Ulster Museum at Botanic Gardens → Botanic Gardens and Palm House → Ormeau Park
Northern IrelandNewcastle
A low-cost day in the shadow of the Mournes: stepping stones and follies in Tollymore, a climb up the free Norman castle at Dundrum, then boardwalks through Murlough's dunes to the beach.
Tollymore Forest Park → Dundrum Castle → Murlough National Nature Reserve
Northern IrelandBelfast
Spend a rainy day under cover in Belfast's shipbuilding quarter. Start with the story of Titanic, grab lunch from the food stalls at a Victorian market hall, then climb aboard a real First World War warship.
Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic → St George's Market → HMS Caroline
