Attractions and Places To See around North East Division - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around North East Division include a diverse range of historical sites, coastal paths, and natural landscapes. This region, situated along Belfast Lough, offers opportunities to explore medieval castles and 20th-century forts. Visitors can also experience scenic beaches and viewpoints providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding area. The terrain varies from accessible coastal routes to challenging climbs, catering to different activity levels.
Best attractions and places to see around North East Division
- The most popular…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Grey Point Fort
Highlight • Historical Site
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Holywood Esplanade and Coastal Path
Highlight • Cycleway
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Carrickfergus Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
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Helen's Bay Beach
Highlight • Beach
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Creighton's Green Road Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
Impressive, massive fortress in an ideal waterfront location.
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The route runs along Strangford Lough and offers impressive views of the water and the surrounding landscape. The colourful rows of houses along the esplanade are particularly attractive and give the place a special charm. The route is suitable for different types of bikes.
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Carrickfergus Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking Belfast Lough. Built in the 12th century, it stands as a historic icon, showcasing impressive architecture and giving you a glimpse into Ireland's past.
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For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Irish landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. Nestled on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. Unlike many other castles of this era, Carrickfergus Castle sits in excellent condition. In fact, despite being besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, and playing an important military role until 1928, it's one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland, and the only preserved castle of its age open to the public.
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Helen's Bay Beach is one of two excellent beaches found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These beautiful sandy beaches are by far the best within the Belfast area and as such are exceptionally popular and well used. Helen's Bay Beach is gently shelving and has excellent water quality making it ideal for bathing. The country park provides an excellent back drop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality walks and good facilities. There are disabled toilets and disabled parking a short distance from the beach. A path suitable for wheelchair users leads from the car park to a path running adjacent to it. Nearby Crawfordsburn Country Park has a Cafe / Restaurant, Car Parking, Picnic Sites,Toilets, and a Visitor Centre.
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A real gem of a coastal route considering just how close it is to Belfast. You can ride on through past the logistics base ( its just vehicles that cant ), and on to Holywood. At the beginning of the Coastal route, just after the Airport Road entrance there are wetlands, popular with migrating birds, and an inlet to the left where you will find the best collection of intact seashells I have seen. Perfect spot for a sunset too. And the row of different coloured Houses on the Esplanade are a real charm. You can continue on to Bangor via the North Down coastal path. That route is perhaps more suited to a Bike with at least 8 Gears, and Tyres no smaller than 25s. I have completed it on a Track Bike, but it was a bit of a bone shaker.
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Decent climb. Your reward is brilliant panoramic views of Belfast Lough below. Testy gradient From Holywood, but much easier drag up if approached from Newtownards / Scrabo Road.
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There is a great Pub / Restaurant on route, just passed The Esplanade called 'The Dirty Duck'. Boasts a Beer Garden with perfect vistas of the Lough and Cave Hill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions in North East Division?
Yes, the North East Division offers several family-friendly attractions. Carrickfergus Castle is a historic site that children often enjoy exploring. Helen's Bay Beach is also ideal for families, offering a safe sandy area for play and swimming. Additionally, Grey Point Fort is listed as family-friendly, providing an interesting historical experience.
What historical sites can I visit in North East Division?
The region is rich in history. You can explore Carrickfergus Castle, a remarkably well-preserved 12th-century medieval fortress that played a significant military role for centuries. Another key historical site is Grey Point Fort, a 20th-century fort that was crucial in the defenses of Belfast during both World Wars.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints or natural features?
For stunning views, head to Creighton's Green Road Climb, which offers brilliant panoramic vistas of Belfast Lough. The Holywood Esplanade and Coastal Path provides impressive views of Strangford Lough and is known for its wetlands, popular with migrating birds. Helen's Bay Beach also offers beautiful views across Belfast Lough to County Antrim.
Are there any beaches suitable for swimming or dog walking?
Yes, Helen's Bay Beach is a golden sandy beach known for its excellent water quality, making it ideal for bathing. It is also a popular spot for dog walking. The beach is part of Crawfordsburn Country Park, which provides a lovely natural backdrop.
What outdoor activities or routes are available near these attractions?
The North East Division offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including easy and moderate options around Carrickfergus Castle. For more details on hiking, visit the Hiking around North East Division guide or the Easy hikes around North East Division guide. There are also running trails, such as the Loughshore Path, detailed in the Running Trails around North East Division guide.
Can I cycle along the coast in North East Division?
Absolutely. The Holywood Esplanade and Coastal Path is a popular cycle route offering impressive views of Strangford Lough. This path can connect you to Bangor via the North Down coastal path. While some sections are hard-surfaced, others, like the path from Helen's Bay Beach to Bangor, are more suited for gravel or mountain bikes.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions?
Yes, Helen's Bay Beach offers accessibility features. There are disabled toilets and parking a short distance from the beach, with a path suitable for wheelchair users leading from the car park to an adjacent path.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in North East Division?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. The well-preserved medieval architecture of Carrickfergus Castle and the panoramic views from Creighton's Green Road Climb are often highlighted. The excellent water quality and scenic setting of Helen's Bay Beach also receive high praise, especially for swimming and dog walking.
Are there places to eat or drink near the coastal paths?
Yes, along the Holywood Esplanade and Coastal Path, you'll find 'The Dirty Duck' pub/restaurant, which boasts a beer garden with views of the Lough and Cave Hill. Near Helen's Bay Beach, within Crawfordsburn Country Park, there is also a cafe/restaurant available.
What is the terrain like for walks and climbs in the area?
The terrain varies significantly. Coastal paths like sections of the North Down coastal path near Grey Point Fort are hard-surfaced, though they may include inclines. Climbs such as Creighton's Green Road Climb can present a testy gradient when approached from Holywood, but offer easier ascents from other directions. The coastal path from Helen's Bay Beach to Bangor is more suited for gravel or mountain bikes due to its surface.
Are there any less crowded or hidden gems to explore?
While specific 'hidden gems' are not detailed, exploring the wetlands near the start of the Holywood Esplanade and Coastal Path can offer a quieter experience, especially for birdwatching. The inlet there is also noted for its collection of intact seashells, providing a unique natural discovery.
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