Holywood between the Motte, Priory and Coastal Path

Holywood combines a distinctive history with walking routes, sports facilities and special places by the sea. Those who do not want to limit a trip to a single theme will find a range of options for planning each day: Anglo-Norman traces, landscaped surroundings, jewellery workshops and views across Belfast Lough. When choosing your holiday apartment, it is therefore worth considering first whether culture, activity or a varied mix should be the main focus.

History that gives Holywood its distinctive character

One of the prominent historical sites is Holywood Motte, an Anglo-Norman motte. Its spiral path and tree-planted design date back to 19th-century landscaping. As a result, the focus here is not only on the mound itself, but also on its distinctive shape and design.

The present-day ruins of Holywood Priory Church belong to an Anglo-Norman Augustinian abbey built by Thomas Whyte in the 12th century. At the same time, the church stands on the site of a monastery founded by St Laiseran in the early 7th century. An appointment is required to visit Holywood Priory Church. Those interested in ecclesiastical history and the long development of a place should take this point into account when planning their trip.

Another characteristic landmark is the Holywood Maypole. It is considered the only surviving maypole in Ireland and is still used every year on May Day. This keeps a local tradition visible that clearly differs from the historical ruins and the landscaping of the Motte.

Walking routes, sea views and active days

For walks and longer outings, Redburn Country Park on the edge of Holywood offers seven kilometres of paths that can be used all year round. The North Down Coastal Path runs from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east. These two details provide different options for planning the day: in the country park, the paths within the park are the main focus, while the coastal path forms a clearly described connection between two places.

Seapark Recreation Grounds are located directly by the sea and offer panoramic views across Belfast Lough. There are tennis courts, a bowling green, a putting green and an enclosed children's playground. The sports facilities can be booked through Bangor Sportsplex. The site is accessible by car, around 15 minutes on foot from the town centre, and by train via Holywood or Marino stations. Free parking is available on site. For a trip involving different interests, this makes it possible to combine an active stay with time by the water, without every day having to follow the same rhythm.

Special experiences for planning your trip

Holywood Golf Club offers an online booking system through which visitors can book tee times around the clock. Those who would rather get creative themselves can find year-round workshops at NI Silver. Participants can make their own pieces, such as rings and bangles. Ruth from NI Silver also runs bespoke jewellery courses in her home workshop in Holywood. These activities provide a different focus from walking routes or historic buildings and can therefore be an interesting addition to a traditional sightseeing programme.

Choosing Holywood as a base

When looking for accommodation in Holywood, you can base your decision on the desired mix of history, walking routes, sport and the sea. If sightseeing is your main priority, the Motte, Priory Church and Maypole form a coherent cultural focus. For active days, Redburn Country Park, the North Down Coastal Path and Seapark Recreation Grounds are available. Workshops and golf add activities with their own scheduling requirements. This allows you to choose a holiday apartment as a base for a trip whose programme suits the interests of your fellow travellers.

More places to include in your search

If you would like to compare other destinations alongside Holywood, you can also include Dundrum, Killough, Rathfriland, Downpatrick, Strangford, Ballynahinch, Banbridge and Ardglass in your further travel planning.

For the overarching travel overview: Down.