Ards Peninsula, Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland.

The Ards Peninsula is a finger of land on Northern Ireland's northeastern coast, sitting between Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea's North Channel. The landscape mixes farmland with small towns and fishing villages, connected by a narrow ferry crossing.

The peninsula was originally ruled by the Uí Echach Arda clan until Anglo-Norman forces under John de Courcy conquered it in the 12th century. This early conquest set the stage for later English and Scottish influence that reshaped the region.

The region reflects its 17th-century Scottish Protestant settlement through local names and village layouts that still shape daily life. You can see this heritage in how communities are organized and in the character of the towns along the peninsula.

The ferry between Strangford and Portaferry is the main transport link across the water and carries both vehicles and pedestrians throughout the day. Getting around is easiest by car, though buses and cyclists also travel through the region regularly.

Burr Point at the peninsula's eastern tip marks the easternmost location on the entire island of Ireland and draws visitors curious about reaching geographical extremes. This remote viewpoint looks out to open sea and is popular with walkers exploring the coastline.

• Location: County Down
• GPS coordinates: 54.50000,-5.50000
• Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:48