8 Things to do in Ardglass That You Shouldn't Miss

In the gable under the steeple of this church you will find the only pre-reformation stone statue of the Madonna and Child in Ireland. It dates to about the year 1300 and was restored in 1908 having been lost for centuries. It was carved at Greyabbey from Scrabo stone. It was part of the medieval church half a mile away when the area was the heart of the Diocese of Down. It was broken down by a Cromwellian soldier and lost after the Reformation. It was restored in 1908 by the antiquarian Francis Joseph Bigger. The church built in 1791 also includes other medieval fragments from three other churches. Above the porch is a carved cross taken from Ardtole which dates to the 900s. Also preserved are ballaun stones. Internally the church is simply decorated but has an impressive rose window.

Ballyhornan is a sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. It is located on the Lecale Way and the Ballyhornan Coastal Path goes to the south. Guns Island lies just in the bay. On the horizon it is possible to see the Isle of Man. The beach is popular with canoe & kayakers as it is on the South East Coast Canoe Trail.

A ruinous church abandoned since the massacre of worshippers. Dedicated to St. Nicholas and overlooking the Irish Sea and Isle of Man. The story of this church was used in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. The stained glass found here dated to the 1300s and at the time of its discovery was the oldest in Ireland. A cross dating to the 900s from the graveyard is now inserted above door of St. Mary's Chapeltown and dates to the era of Viking plundering. Parking is available at the entrance on the Strangford Road.

Known locally as ‘Mannies’, The Old Commercial is a traditional Irish Pub located in a seaside village that boasts a fantastic links golf course. A friendly welcome awaits all customers. We have an extensive gin menu and a cocktail menu to suit most tastes. We also have a good selection of draft beer and a wine list. A great spot to watch live televised sporting events or just join in with the craic. If your moored in the marina or playing a round of golf be sure to call in for a ‘wee one’!

With St. John's Point to the south and Strangford Lough to the north, Phennick Diving is very accessible with dive-sites to suit all abilities and interests; from shallow yet scenic inlets to deep and exciting wrecks further from the shore - we are your route to some of the best diving available in Ireland! We offer the full range of PADI courses, check out our website for details and deals!