Ballyholme Park and Beach

Ballyholme Beach and Park’s grounds stretch al the way along Ballyholme Bay. The coastal walk from Kingsland (Ballyholme) to Orlock Point (Groomsport) is one of the most scenic in Ireland in my opinion, whether it’s the views of Belfast Lough right across to Whitehead and Carrickfergus or the bramble laden paths that snake all the way to Groomsport you’ll find something that will take your breath away.
Ballyholme beach itself comes equipped with public toilets (only open 9 – 5), a large car park and 1.3km of sand. On a hot summers day in North Down this place is absolutely jam packed — you even get local ice cream vans taking up spots in the car park to cool down sun worshipers. One thing to note is that Dogs ARE allowed at this beach off their leads. So if you have small kids who may be afraid of bounding labradors then keep them close and if you are a dog owner bring your pooch down for a dip in the Ballyholme swell.
Personally I have great affection for Ballyhome Beach, it is the site of some of the greatest sandcastles ever built (by me) and it offers a beautiful summers walk along the gold coast of North Down.

One of the seven wonders of North Down and situated in glorious ballyholme, this beach and park is the go to place for dog walkers and playing children for miles around, even if the far end of the beach does smell quite badly these days!!!
There are two mini play parks at either end of the beach perfect for occupying smaller adults and loads of car parking spaces too…
Ballyholme shops being very close also make it perfect place for a summer bbq with a few relaxing beverages with friends and the walk round the coastal path to Groomsport is a great walk with some off track paths and turns into a kind of mini-​hike at times…
I have amassed around 1 million hours of football playing time on these green grasses and it’s good to still see kids playing tol all hours of the night here as the summer approaches!!!

I love Ballyholme park and beach in all seasons. In the summer months it is a sun haven, ideal for the family outing and for topping up the sun kist glow on the old body beautiful. It’s good sized sandy beach is ideal for relaxing or playing the gentle ball game of choice!
With the lovely views of Carrickfergus, Whitehead and Blackrock directly opposite there is always something to attract the attention and the close proximity off Ballyholme yacht club can be a delight to the eye during the sailing season.
On a clear day it is beautiful to be at Ballyholme beach and watch the sunset behind the Antrim Coast line. This has been the subject of many an artist or photographer. At night looking towards Bangor and across the bay can be a picturesque sight.
Being situated at the entrance of Belfast lough the tidal flow ensures that the beach is clean. It is popular for wind surfing and swimming weather permitting.
As a family we all have such fond memories of Ballyholme beach and park. It is one of those places we enjoyed going to no matter what the weather.
It’s so good to have such a lovely beach right on our doorstep where all the family can enjoy a relaxing time and take in the beautiful scenery.

Ahh the memories. I could bore with thousands and thousands of stories of time spent in Ballyholme park. I have played countless football matches here, including one particularly glorious match in which I, my friends Michael Dyer, Ian, Joel and Cree completely embarassed a group of guys older than us who then proceeded to chase us home in a vein attempt to get some pride back after we beat them so badly that we couldn’t hold back the laughter. I also chased many a girl here and failed miserably in my youth to get kisses or even a simple hand hold.
The scenery around here is stunning and there is the minimum of teenage drinks around which means that this is a lovely place to head with a young family, go for a romantic walk on the or to stretch your legs with the dog.
Beautiful beaches and views, especially in the summer. A place that make me a little bit proud to be from Bangor.

Ballyholme is, in my opinion, the nicest spot in Bangor. The long sandy beach, open grass area, play park for the kids, and seashore promenade all make for a lovely day out. Weather permitting of course!
At the far west of this stunning spot lies the park, filled with climbing frames, swings and slides to keep the little ‘uns entertained, and with plenty of seating for those weary walkers. Further on round to the east lies the beach, a popular place for families on a sunny day. Behind the beach lies a pleasant walkway along the promenade, taking you on round towards Groomsport direction. Beyond this, there is grass and open space aplenty, perfect for a game of frisbee or walking the dog. There are a few swings situated here, as well as toilets.
Add to this the beautiful backdrop of delightfully colourful houses on the esplanade, and the views out towards Scotland, Ballyholme is totally idyllic on a clear summer’s day. I just wish there were a few more of them…

I would have to say that this is Bangor’s version of Hazelbank Park, (North Belfast-​ers will know what I mean) being close to the shoreline. I brought my dog here for a little bit of a run-​around one day, and she absolutely loved it. There are lots of little things for families and children to occupy themselves, the a big climbing frame (shaped like a boat) is very popular with the little ones, and the park in general is really lovely and pretty, with the added bonus of the fresh sea air and bracing breeze to waken you up and make you enjoy the outdoors — which I really don’t do often enough. Although I’d say it would be bloody freezing in the winter!

This is an ongoing favourite park for my lot, even though it’s not the biggest one in greater Belfast. The appeal lies in the fact that you can combine it with some fresh sea air and a walk along the beach. Perfect and it doesn’t cost a penny.
The park, although not huge, has plenty of interesting equipment for the kids to jump and climb on and has a boat themed climbing frame at the centre to match the location by the sea. Kids will easily spend an hour careering round and you can congratulate yourself on getting them good sea air and exercise. If the kids are old enough to play about without you following them at every step, you can sit on the wall and enjoy the views right over Belfast Lough.
After the park, you an take a walk along the sand and then go for a look at the little boats moored at the yacht club. There are usually some wind surfers to watch too which can be amusing if they are show offs or beginners.
If you want to loosen the purse strings just a wee bit, you could splash out on a treat from the ice cream van which is usually on standby in the car park.
One last tip, as this is park is literally a few feet from the sea, it can be colder and windier than elsewhere so bring an extra layer of clothes!