Carrowdore

A modern village with a rich history

Hidden treasures

Surrounded by rolling countryside

Carrowdore is a key crossroads on the Ards Peninsula.
The village is located roughly at the centre of a web of roads that encompass Newtownards, Donaghadee, Bangor Millisle, Ballywalter, and Greyabbey.

At first glance, Carrowdore appears to be a modern village; however, behind the recent housing there are hidden treasures to discover: a Georgian castle and estate; a Victorian schoolhouse; a Presbyterian church; an extensive rock quarry; and, Carrowdore is also home to Strangford College.

Places worth visiting nearby

These are just a few of the interesting places waiting for you to explore in and around Carrowdore

Carrowdore Castle

The house of 1818 is set in parkland with shelterbelt and woodland trees. There are fine exotic trees and cultivated ornamental gardens sloping gently to a lake. The interior is still largely intact, though some rooms to the rear of the house have been altered in recent times and a large, modern, glazed sun-room has also been added. The three-storey tower to the south has a Jacobean-Gothicfeel and appears to be largely intact; whilst the similar (but much smaller) three-storey gazebo to the east of the house is now in a ruinous condition. About 1992 a new residence was built a short distance from the original castle.

Carrowdore Castle estate is a private residence, viewing only by special arrangement.

Christ Church

Leaving Carrowdore, take the Manse Road past the Castle entrance, and then take the next turn right onto Woburn Road, and you will see the church perched on a hilltop to your right.

Christ Church was paid for by Lord John George Beresford, uncle of Mrs George Dunbar of Woburn, and built on land given by Nicholas De Lacherois Crommelin of Carrowdore Castle. The nave alone was opened in 1843 and the chancel, vestry and spire added in 1859. On the spire is inscribed: To the Glory of God and in memory of a beloved niece Harriette Isabella Delapoer, daughter of Lord George Beresford and wife of George Dunbar, Esq This tower and spire were erected by John George, Archbishop of Armagh, with whom she resided from her childhood until her decease April the eighteenth 1859.

Poet and playwright, Louis MacNiece is buried here.

Eden Pottery

Best known for sponge-printed design, our pottery is on the Ards Peninsula , in the Northern Irish countryside . We use traditional methods to hand craft and decorate, making every piece unique. When you visit our gallery, you will find our Pottery Cafe, where you can create your own masterpiece with specially cut sponge shapes in the Paint-Your-Own Studio. You can complete your visit with home-made cakes and coffee.