The beach is free and right there for paddling and sand, Killard Point National Nature Reserve is a free coastal wildlife spot just along the shore, and there's excellent shore diving straight off the beach for those who want it.
Ardglass, Strangford and Killough are all close by, adding coastal walks, sea safaris, alpaca farms and wildlife centres to the mix. A big chunk of what's on offer costs nothing.
The best days out near Ballyhornan
Ballyhornan Beach
Ballyhornan Beach Shore Dive
Bishopscourt Racing Circuit
Killard Point National Nature Reserve
Lecale Coast Nature Trail
Ardglass / Coney Island Beach
Kilclief Beach (Strangford)
Ballyquintin Point
Ardglass Marina
Ardglass Headlands Walk
Ardglass Golf Club
Lecale Way
Strangford Bay Alpacas
Killough to Coney Island Clifftop
Downpatrick Golf Centre
The Narrows Sea Safari (Clearsky)
DV Diving
Clearsky Adventure Centre Castle Ward
Strangford Dive Centre
DiveClub Northern Ireland
Strangford Lough Ferry
Strangford Lough Wildlife Centre
Strangford to Castle Ward Shoreline
Castle Ward (Winterfell)
Winterfell Tours Castle Ward
Struell Wells
Killough Beach (Coney Island Bay)
Audley's Field & Castle (Dreadfort GoT)
Audley's Castle Strangford Lough Dive
Audley's Castle
Strangford Lough Boat Tours
Exploris Aquarium
Bright Castle Golf Club
Saul Church
St John's Point to Tyrella Walk
St John's Point Church
Dunleath Urban Sports Park
Omniplex Cinema Downpatrick
Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve
Quoile Castle
Downpatrick Golf Club
Down Arts Centre
Kaylee's Kidzone
Little Down Town
Down Leisure Centre
The Saint Patrick Centre
Down County Museum
Downpatrick & County Down Railway
What's on near Ballyhornan
- 1AugLand, Light and Seasons — Killyleagh LibraryKillyleagh Library
- 2AugSummer of Play at Castle WardCastle Ward
- 2AugCornmill DemonstrationsCastle Ward
- 2AugSummer WalksCastle Ward
- 2AugStrangford Bay AlpacasCastle Ward
- 5AugRhythm & Rhyme — Downpatrick LibraryDownpatrick Library
Days out in Ballyhornan — your questions
What are the best days out in Ballyhornan?
Ballyhornan Beach is the obvious starting point for a free day by the sea. Killard Point National Nature Reserve is brilliant for an open-air coastal walk with wildlife. For something more active, The Narrows Sea Safari with Clearsky gets you out on the water, and Ardglass Headlands Walk is a great free option nearby.
What free things are there to do in Ballyhornan?
Plenty. Ballyhornan Beach is free, as is the shore diving off it. Killard Point National Nature Reserve, the Lecale Coast Nature Trail and Ardglass Headlands Walk are all free walks. A short drive adds Ardglass / Coney Island Beach and Ardglass Marina to your free list.
Where can you go on a rainy day near Ballyhornan?
Down County Museum in Downpatrick is a free indoor option and an easy drive from Ballyhornan. Kaylee's Kidzone and Little Down Town are soft play centres that work well when the weather turns, giving younger children somewhere to run around under cover while adults take a proper break.
What's good for young children near Ballyhornan?
Strangford Bay Alpacas is a lovely easy visit — small children love seeing the animals up close. Exploris Aquarium is another good pick for curious young kids. Kaylee's Kidzone and Little Down Town both offer soft play for toddlers and young children on a quieter, indoor day.