The journey begins at the iconic Holywood Maypole, a rare gem as Ireland’s only surviving maypole, standing proudly on Church Road near the town centre. This centuries-old feature, still used for May Day celebrations with dancing and markets, sets a festive tone, its white pole a striking symbol against the town’s conservation-area architecture. From here, a five-minute walk along Church Road leads to Holywood Priory, a 7th-century monastic site with a hauntingly beautiful church and adjacent cemetery, where weathered gravestones tell tales of generations past. The priory’s serene yet slightly eerie atmosphere, especially in the quiet of the adjoining graveyard, offers a moment to reflect on the town’s ancient roots, dating back to 558 AD.
A ten-minute stroll down High Street, bustling with independent shops, cafes, and the occasional glimpse of a famous face, Holywood being the hometown of golf star Rory McIlroy and actor Jamie Dornan, brings walkers to the North Down Coastal Path at the Esplanade. This flat, scenic trail, stretching from Holywood to Orlock, offers breathtaking views across Belfast Lough, with grey seals occasionally bobbing offshore and, in autumn, flocks of Brent geese arriving from Arctic Canada. The path, a mix of bitmac, stone, and grass, passes by Holywood Yacht Club and Seapark Recreation Grounds, where families enjoy playparks and open spaces. A leisurely 20-minute walk along this coastal stretch, with the sea on one side and parkland on the other, rewards visitors with fresh air and the chance to spot historic relics like Grey Point Fort, a battery and gun emplacement from times past.
Turning inland, a 15-minute walk up Church Road brings explorers to Ballymenoch Park, a lovely green space perfect for families, with sprawling lawns and a gentle ambiance ideal for a brief pause. From here, a ten-minute amble back towards the town centre via Hibernia Street leads to the Holywood Motte, a lesser-known but fascinating Norman earthwork hidden behind modern houses. This ancient mound, a testament to the town’s Viking and Norman heritage, offers a quiet spot to imagine medieval life, though its tucked-away location adds a touch of adventure to finding it.
The tour concludes back at High Street, where the vibrant heart of Holywood beckons with its array of eateries and pubs. A stop at The Dirty Duck Alehouse, overlooking the lough, offers a chance to savour a pint or a hearty meal while reflecting on the walk’s highlights. Spanning roughly three kilometres, this route is accessible, though the coastal path’s rocky sections may require sturdy shoes, and a light jacket is wise for the changeable coastal weather. For those with more time, a detour to Redburn Country Park, just a short distance away, promises 7km of pathways with stunning views over Belfast Lough, or a visit to the nearby Ulster Folk and Transport Museums in Cultra offers a deeper dive into Ulster’s heritage. Holywood’s blend of history, coastal charm, and warm hospitality makes this walking tour a memorable way to experience one of County Down’s most enchanting towns.
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Largest town walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
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Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
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