Holywood - North Down by train - Special offers - Translink
Holywood
Visitors to Holywood will be impressed by the variety of unique and specialist shops. A cluster of historical and welcoming pubs is complemented by award-winning restaurants, cafes, delicatessens and wine bars.
Dominating the centre of the town is Ireland's only remaining Maypole, which dates back to 1700. An annual May Day Fair is held with market stalls, entertainment and traditional dances by local children around the Maypole.
It's annual International Jazz and Blues Festival in June, sees the town filled with music on the streets and in the pubs.
Holywood's foundations were laid by Saint Laiseran who founded an Abbey in the woods in AD620. His Celtic Abbey was later destroyed by Norman invaders and replaced by Holywood Priory built around 1190 as a daughter house of Bangor Abbey.
Train: approximate walking distance in minutes from Holywood railway halt unless otherwise stated.
Attractions
Holywood Priory
The town's rich ecclesiastical heritage is represented today by its most distinctive building, the Old Priory. The oldest remains date from the early 13th century. From 1615 to 1844 it was the parish church. Its tower dates from around 1800. The churchyard is the last resting place of many distinguished citizens, including the Praeger family. Robert Lloyd Praeger was a naturalist of international renown and his sister Rosamund achieved fame as a sculptress. Her delightful 1950’s bronze statue of a youngster playing the accordion 'Johnny the Jig', stands in front of the children's playground in High Street.
'Johnny the Jig' sculpture
Opening Hours: accessible all year
Train: 10 mins
Seapark
Holywood's main parkland and recreational area has a variety of activities from which to choose: tennis courts, bowling green, putting course and football pitches. A beautifully landscaped children's play area is right on the seafront and has panoramic views overlooking Belfast Lough. This is also the starting point of the North Down Coastal Path which runs for 16 miles from Holywood to Portavoe. Fireworks displays and other special events are staged here.
Open: Phone for details of opening times.
Tel: 028 9042 2894
Train: 15 mins