Overview
Holywood Hills rise gently above Belfast Lough on the County Down coast, offering panoramic sea‑views, historic landmarks and a host of leisure facilities. The hills are a short drive from Belfast city centre and just five minutes from George Best Belfast City Airport, making them an ideal base for visitors who want both convenience and a touch of countryside charm.
History
The name “Holywood” derives from the Latin Sanctus Boscus – the holy wood that once surrounded the 7th‑century monastery of St Laiseran. Over the centuries the area evolved from a monastic settlement to a fashionable 19th‑century seaside resort for Belfast merchants. In the 18th century the Bishops of Down built a palatial residence on the slopes – today that building is the centrepiece of the Culloden Estate and Spa, a five‑star hotel that retains many original architectural details while offering modern luxury. The estate’s baronial house, set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens, dominates the hills and is a reminder of the area’s relatively undeveloped, woodland character despite being surrounded by urban settlements.
Landscape & Wildlife
Holywood Hills are a gently rolling upland ring of mixed‑wood forest, dotted with small reservoirs that increase habitat diversity. The reservoirs attract a range of water‑birds – including teal, mallard and occasional waders – making the hills a favourite spot for bird‑watchers, especially during spring and autumn migration. Woodlands support deer, foxes and a colourful understory of wildflowers such as bluebells and primrose. The North Down Coastal Path, which skirts the hills, offers regular sightings of seals and, on lucky days, dolphins off Belfast Lough.
What to See & Do
Culloden Estate & Spa
Standing on the wooded slopes, the estate boasts 12 acres of landscaped gardens, a palatial spa and three distinct dining venues. Guests can stay in one of 98 individually decorated rooms – many with floor‑to‑ceiling windows that frame the lough and the Antrim coastline. The on‑site Vespers Restaurant serves modern Irish cuisine using locally sourced produce, while the cosy Cultra Inn offers log‑fire dining for a more relaxed experience. The spa operates from 07:00 – 21:00 (Mon‑Fri) and 08:00 – 20:00 (Sat‑Sun); a children’s pool is open at designated times. Pets are not permitted on the premises.
Holywood Golf Club – The Rory McIlroy Experience
Set high in the hills, Holywood Golf Club is a parkland course famed for its sweeping vistas and as the training ground of Grand Slam champion Rory McIlroy. Visitors can book the Rory McIlroy Club and Trophy Experience Tour – price listed at £22 per adult (children 16 & under £17) and includes a guided tour, trophy viewing, fresh Irish scones and a complimentary drink. The club’s facilities also include:
- A state‑of‑the‑art fitness centre with Trackman launch monitor and indoor golf simulators.
- The 1904 Restaurant serving contemporary dishes with views of the 18th green.
- A well‑stocked pro‑shop displaying replica trophies and memorabilia.
- The Rory Room, a dedicated space showcasing McIlroy’s career trophies, photos and a collection of his donated clubs.
Holywood Town Walk & Cultural Trail
A one‑hour, 1.5‑mile circular walk takes you from the iconic Maypole – the only surviving original maypole in Ireland – through the ruins of Holywood Priory, the Norman Motte, and several historic churches. The trail is well signposted and includes a short stretch along Belfast Lough where, at low tide, the remains of an old pier become visible. The walk is suitable for families; most of the route is paved, though a few sections are steep. Accessible toilets are available in the town centre and wheelchair‑friendly paths exist on the main sections of the trail.
Golf Club Facilities (new)
Beyond the championship course, Holywood Golf Club offers a range of amenities for visitors:
- Fitness centre – open daily, equipped with modern cardio and strength machines, plus a dedicated stretching area.
- Indoor golf simulators – perfect for practising when the weather turns.
- Pro‑shop – sells club‑fitted equipment, souvenir apparel and a selection of Rory McIlroy trophies.
- 1904 Restaurant – a stylish venue overlooking the 18th green, serving seasonal Irish dishes.
- Events & functions – the clubhouse can be hired for weddings, corporate meetings and private parties.
Nearby Golf Courses (new)
A short drive north lies Royal Belfast Golf Club, Ireland’s oldest golf club. The club runs a Stay & Play package with Culloden Estate, giving guests access to both the historic links and the luxury spa. This makes Holywood Hills a convenient hub for golf enthusiasts who want to experience two of Northern Ireland’s premier courses.
Cycling & Mountain Biking (new)
The North Down Coastal Path that skirts the hills is popular with cyclists as well as walkers. The 16‑mile cliff‑top route from Holywood to Donaghadee offers spectacular sea‑views and relatively gentle gradients, suitable for families and casual riders. Bike‑hire schemes operate out of Holywood town, and several local shops provide repair services and trail maps.
Museums and Heritage Sites
- Ulster Folk & Transport Museum (Cultra) – an immersive open‑air museum that recreates rural life and showcases historic vehicles, including the famous DeLorean.
- Ulster Museum (Belfast Botanic Gardens) – home to art, archaeology and natural‑history collections, including the Egyptian mummy Takabuti.
- Holywood Motte – an Anglo‑Norman earthwork that once supported a timber fort; opening times apply and it offers a glimpse into medieval defence.
Beaches and Coastal Walks
The hills overlook several sandy bays, including Seapark Bay, Farmhill Bay and the renowned Helen’s Bay. A short drive along the Ards and North Down district Coastal Path provides a 16‑mile cliff‑top walk from Holywood to Donaghadee, perfect for photographers and bird‑watchers.
Food, Drink and Shopping
Holywood’s high‑street boasts boutique shops, charity stores and a lively pub scene. Must‑visit venues include the Maypole Bar (Ned’s) for a traditional pint, the Dirty Duck Alehouse with its waterfront terrace, and Alexander’s & Co. for craft cocktails and live music.
Seasonal Highlights & Events
- Maypole Fair – held each May Day, the fair centres on the historic maypole and features traditional dancing, local crafts and food stalls.
- Bird‑migration peaks – spring (March‑May) and autumn (September‑November) bring the greatest variety of passing water‑birds, ideal for bird‑watchers.
- Red Arrows Fly‑over (Armed Forces Day) – the hills provide a popular viewpoint for the RAF Red Arrows display, which was visible over Holywood Hills during the 2024 Armed Forces Day celebrations.
- Summer coastal walks – the warmer months provide the most reliable weather for the North Down Coastal Path and the town walk, while the spa’s indoor facilities make the hills enjoyable year‑round.
Practical Information
Getting there – The hills are served by the Belfast‑to‑Bangor railway line; Holywood station is a ten‑minute walk from the town centre. By car, the A2 coastal road provides easy access, and ample on‑site parking is available at Culloden Estate and the golf club. Free public parking is also available in Holywood town near the Maypole.
Spa opening times (Culloden Estate):
| Facility | Mon‑Fri | Sat‑Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Spa | 07:00 – 21:00 | 08:00 – 20:00 |
| Gym | 06:30 – 21:00 | 08:00 – 20:30 |
| Children’s pool | 09:00 – 11:00 & 16:00 – 18:00 (Mon‑Fri) | 09:00 – 17:00 (Sat‑Sun) |
Golf tour price – £22 per adult (children 16 & under £17) for the Rory McIlroy experience; includes a guided tour, trophy viewing, scones and a drink. Prices are subject to change.
Accessibility – Culloden Estate is fully accessible, with wheelchair‑friendly rooms, lifts and adapted bathrooms. The town walk is on paved footpaths but includes some steep sections; accessible toilets are available in the town centre.
Pet policy – Pets are not allowed at Culloden Estate. Dogs are welcome on leads on public footpaths and in the surrounding woodlands.
Accommodation – Besides the luxury Culloden Estate, Holywood offers a range of options from self‑catering apartments to the historic Old Inn, Crawfordsburn (a short drive away). All provide easy access to the hills and nearby attractions.
Useful links
- Culloden Estate & Spa official site
- Holywood Golf Club official site
- Holywood Golf Club tour details
- Holywood Town Walk guide (PDF)
Whether you’re seeking a pampering retreat, a round of world‑class golf, or a leisurely stroll through centuries of history, Holywood Hills deliver a memorable slice of Northern Ireland’s coastal charm.