Overview
Four miles east of Belfast, Dundonald is a County Down town now run from the Lisburn and Castlereagh district, with a population of around 15,000 at the last count. The name, Dún Dónaill, means “Donald’s fort” and points to the Norman earthwork that still anchors the town. Most people come for the Ice Bowl and Moat Park rather than the town itself, and the two make a decent half-day with the Comber Greenway linking them to Belfast.
History & Heritage
The settlement’s origins trace back to a pre-Norman fort, recorded early on as Dundouenald. The Normans later expanded this into a classic motte-and-bailey castle. The remaining earthwork, known locally as Moat Hill, is one of the largest surviving mottes in Ireland. It sits prominently within Moat Park, flanked by St Elizabeth’s Church and the distinctive Cleland Mausoleum, creating a quiet, historic focal point in the heart of the town.
Dundonald’s modern identity was shaped by the railway. The line opened in 1850, connecting the town directly to Belfast and triggering rapid suburban growth. When passenger services ended in 1950, the trackbed was preserved and eventually transformed into the Comber Greenway. This traffic-free route now carries cyclists and walkers straight into the city, passing historic landmarks and parkland. Further suburban expansion followed in the 1960s when the Robbs family sold much of their Ballybeen estate to the Northern Ireland Housing Trust, reshaping the village into the contemporary town seen today.
What to See & Do
Dundonald’s attractions blend outdoor exploration with indoor entertainment, making it a reliable destination regardless of the weather.
Moat Park & The Motte The park is the green heart of the town. At its centre stands the Norman motte, which can be climbed via a set of steps for sweeping views across the area. The surrounding grounds feature a wildlife garden, an outdoor gym, and modern sports courts, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
The Old Mill The 1752 watermill still turns a 35-foot wheel, one of the largest historic waterwheels in Ireland. After restoration it reopened not as a museum but as Capparelli at the Mill, a Mediterranean restaurant and café-deli, so you take in the wheel over lunch rather than on a guided tour.
Kempe Stones The Kempe Stones (also written Kemp Stones), a prehistoric portal tomb, stand in a farmer’s field at 23 Greengraves Road. Entry is free and the site is open year-round, but it’s private land and can be overgrown, so tread lightly and don’t expect signage or a path.
Leisure & Entertainment The town centre is home to several family-focused venues:
- Dundonald International Ice Bowl: The flagship attraction, built around Northern Ireland’s only public Olympic-size ice rink. It also has tenpin bowling (including Xtreme sessions with a DJ and UV lights), the Indiana Land adventure play area, and a Starbucks and Yeti Café on site.
- Clip ‘n Climb: Indoor climbing walls designed for all ages and ability levels.
- Escapade HQ: Themed escape rooms that challenge problem-solving skills.
- OmniPark: An 11-screen cinema complex with a selection of dining options, ideal for winding down after a day of sightseeing.
Family & Leisure Focus
Dundonald is particularly well-suited for families. The Ice Bowl operates public skating sessions seven days a week, with younger children able to use Penguin or Snowman skating aids (subject to height restrictions). The adjoining bowling centre caters to beginners with bumper lanes and offers the highly visual Xtreme experience, complete with disco lighting and smoke effects.
Next door, Indiana Land provides a dedicated children’s adventure zone with rope bridges, tunnels, and a vertical slide. The space earned an Autism NI Impact Award in 2018 for its inclusive design, and sensory-friendly sessions are held on the last Friday of each month. All activities are bundled into the Vitality Membership, though pre-booking is advised for larger groups.
Getting Around
- Cycling & Walking: The Comber Greenway is the standout route for active visitors. It offers a completely traffic-free, off-road path from East Belfast into Dundonald, passing Moat Hill, the Old Mill, and several wooded sections. The route is well-signposted and suitable for families with young children.
- Public Transport: Ulsterbus routes 7, 7A, and 7B connect Belfast city centre and Dundonald, running from early morning until late evening on weekdays with reduced weekend frequencies. The Dundonald Park & Ride on the Upper Newtownards Road has 517 spaces (with accessible bays and electric charging) and is the easy option if you’re driving in to pick up the Glider or a bus into the city.
- Driving: The A20 runs directly through the town, offering quick access from Belfast and Newtownards. On-site parking is available at the Ice Bowl and Moat Park, while street parking is generally free in The Village, though visitors should always check local signage for restrictions.
Practical Information
- Ice Bowl Sessions: Public skating runs daily. DJ-led evenings take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and selected holidays. Bowling and Xtreme sessions are booked per hour or per game.
- Moat Park: Open daily during daylight hours. Playgrounds and sports facilities are accessible year-round.
- The Old Mill: Now Capparelli at the Mill; check the restaurant’s own opening hours rather than expecting set visitor times.
- Contact & Booking: For Ice Bowl session times and group bookings, call 028 9080 9100 (general) or 028 9080 9123 (bookings), or visit theicebowl.com.
- Accessibility: The Ice Bowl offers baby-changing facilities, accessible toilets, and accepts all major cards. Wheelchair access for other venues should be confirmed directly with the operators.
Dundonald works well as a base for the wider region. The Stormont Estate and Parliament Buildings lie just over a mile away, and a short drive leads to the Neolithic ceremonial site at Giant’s Ring. If you’re cycling, leave the car at the Park & Ride and take the Comber Greenway: it’s flat, traffic-free, and runs the old railway line straight back into East Belfast.