Top Things to See in Newtownards, Northern Ireland
May 26 2023
Newtownards, County Down, is not your typical backpacker destination, but then again, I am not your typical backpacker.
Newtownards is the birthplace of former Ferrari F1 driver, Eddie Irvine and Northern Irish traveller, blogger, and author, Jonny Blair, who featured in my Top 3 Favourite Countries series and Paddy Mayne, who now features in the BBC Historic Drama, SAS Rouge Heroes.
I went and backpacked Newtownards to see what the 'craic' was.
Newtownards is the birthplace of former Ferrari F1 driver, Eddie Irvine and Northern Irish traveller, blogger, and author, Jonny Blair, who featured in my Top 3 Favourite Countries series and Paddy Mayne, who now features in the BBC Historic Drama, SAS Rouge Heroes.
I went and backpacked Newtownards to see what the 'craic' was.
After backpacking Narnia I jumped on the Ulster Bus #7 to Newtownards. An easy half-hour ride.
I got off at the main bus station and went to Knotts Café and Bakery:
I got off at the main bus station and went to Knotts Café and Bakery:
They have an endless selection of cakes:
Suitably refreshed, I then went and explored the town.
Here are my top 5 sights for the non-typical backpacker:
Here are my top 5 sights for the non-typical backpacker:
Top 5 sights for the Backpacker in Newtownards:
1. Old Market Cross
The Market Cross dates from 1636. The original structure had a flat top with a parapet and a tall pillar in the centre surmounted by a carved lion.
Some say that the cross was damaged by Cromwellian forces in 1653 and rebuilt in 1666 but an account by William Montgomery, grandson of Hugh Montgomery in 1683 describes the building in its original form.
Some say that the cross was damaged by Cromwellian forces in 1653 and rebuilt in 1666 but an account by William Montgomery, grandson of Hugh Montgomery in 1683 describes the building in its original form.
2. Priory of Saint Columba
The Newtownards Priory was a medieval Dominican priory founded in 1244. Only the lower parts of the nave and two blocked doors in the south wall leading to a demolished cloister survive. The upper parts of the nave date from the 14th century.
The priory was dissolved in 1541, and Hugh Montgomery built a house within the ruins, rebuilding the north aisle and adding a tower at the entrance.
The church contains the double grave of Frederick Stewart, 4th Marquess of Londonderry, and his wife, Elizabeth, Marchioness of Londonderry.
The priory was dissolved in 1541, and Hugh Montgomery built a house within the ruins, rebuilding the north aisle and adding a tower at the entrance.
The church contains the double grave of Frederick Stewart, 4th Marquess of Londonderry, and his wife, Elizabeth, Marchioness of Londonderry.
3. Scrabo Tower
Known locally as Scrabatar is a 19th-century lookout tower on Scrabo Hill overlooking the town.
At 135 feet high, you get a great view over the surrounding area.
It was built as a memorial to Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, and was originally known as the Londonderry Monument.
The wee hike took about 45 minutes. Do not follow the trail that MapsMe shows, the one that goes straight up. The track is not easy to follow. And the last part is almost invisible. Skirt around to the left side and approach it via the car park.
At 135 feet high, you get a great view over the surrounding area.
It was built as a memorial to Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, and was originally known as the Londonderry Monument.
The wee hike took about 45 minutes. Do not follow the trail that MapsMe shows, the one that goes straight up. The track is not easy to follow. And the last part is almost invisible. Skirt around to the left side and approach it via the car park.
4. Market House
The Market House on Conway Square is an 18th-century, Grade B+ listed commercial property built in 1771.
It was commissioned by Robert Stewart, 1st Marquess of Londonderry, and designed by Ferdinando Stratford, built of Scrabo stone from the quarry on Scrabo Hill.
It was commissioned by Robert Stewart, 1st Marquess of Londonderry, and designed by Ferdinando Stratford, built of Scrabo stone from the quarry on Scrabo Hill.
5. Colonel Paddy's
Robert Blair Mayne, better known as Paddy Mayne, was a British Army officer born in Newtownards in 1915.
Paddy Mayne is one of the characters, played by Jack O'Connell in the BBC 2 Historical Drama: SAS Rogue Heroes.
He was capped for Ireland and the British Lions at rugby union, was a lawyer, amateur boxer, and a founding member of the Special Air Service (SAS).
He died in a car crash in Newtownards in 1955.
I found Colonel Paddy's cafe by chance, it's just off Conway Square.
And in true British army style, the mugs of tea are big, served just how I like them.
Paddy Mayne is one of the characters, played by Jack O'Connell in the BBC 2 Historical Drama: SAS Rogue Heroes.
He was capped for Ireland and the British Lions at rugby union, was a lawyer, amateur boxer, and a founding member of the Special Air Service (SAS).
He died in a car crash in Newtownards in 1955.
I found Colonel Paddy's cafe by chance, it's just off Conway Square.
And in true British army style, the mugs of tea are big, served just how I like them.
So what was the craic?
Pretty good. Some nice cafés, a few bars, interesting history and the views from Scrabo Tower are superb! Glad I took the time to go and have a look!
Pretty good. Some nice cafés, a few bars, interesting history and the views from Scrabo Tower are superb! Glad I took the time to go and have a look!
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