Strangford Lough Private Tour by Car

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This private Ards Peninsula tour follows one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic coastal routes, showcasing quiet beaches, charming fishing villages, and a memorable ferry crossing across Strangford Lough. Unlike busy group tours, this experience is relaxed and flexible, with time for photo stops, short walks, and lunch at your own pace. With local insight from your driver-guide and optional stops such as the Mourne Mountains and Spelga Dam, the itinerary can be tailored to suit cruise passengers, couples, families, or small groups seeking a more personal and authentic day out.

What's Included

Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Meals

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We offer pickup from Belfast city hotels, accommodation, and Belfast Port (cruise terminal).

Your driver-guide will contact you the day before the tour to confirm the exact pickup time and location.

Please be ready 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

For cruise passengers, pickup will be arranged directly at the port exit, and the driver will be waiting nearby for easy access.

OR
Meeting point

Please proceed to the main cruise terminal exit at Belfast Port. Your driver-guide will meet you nearby in a clearly identifiable private vehicle. Exact meeting instructions and contact details will be shared in advance to ensure a smooth meeting.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Begin the day with a scenic coastal drive through the charming seaside village of Groomsport, known for its peaceful shoreline, harbour views, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. A gentle introduction to the Ards Peninsula.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Drive through the historic harbour town of Donaghadee, famous for its lighthouse, promenade, and classic seaside views overlooking the Irish Sea. Short photo stops available.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass through the traditional seaside town of Millisle, offering wide coastal views, sandy beaches, and a glimpse of everyday life along the Ards Peninsula.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Travel along Ballywalter’s beautiful beachfront, known for its long sandy beach and open coastal scenery, one of the peninsula’s most photogenic stretches.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Drive through the quiet coastal village of Ballyhalbert, with uninterrupted sea views and a peaceful, unspoiled atmosphere along the shoreline.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Pass through Portavogie, a working fishing harbour and one of Northern Ireland’s most important fishing ports, offering an authentic glimpse of coastal industry.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Enjoy views of Cloughey’s long sandy beach and low-lying dunes as the tour continues south along the peninsula’s quieter coastal stretches.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Enjoy a short ferry crossing across Strangford Lough, one of Ireland’s most scenic waterways, known for its islands, wildlife, and calm coastal beauty.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Enjoy a short ferry crossing across Strangford Lough, one of Ireland’s most scenic waterways, known for its islands, wildlife, and calm coastal beauty.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Arrive in the picturesque village of Strangford, home to the famous Lobster Pot restaurant and lovely views across the lough.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Travel through historic Downpatrick, where guests can stop for lunch at a local café or pub before continuing towards the Mourne coast.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9

    Visit the seaside town of Newcastle, where the Mourne Mountains meet the Irish Sea. Time to enjoy beach views, photos, and a short stroll.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10

    Optional visit to Spelga Dam in the Mourne Mountains, including the famous “Magic Road” optical illusion and stunning mountain scenery, subject to time and weather.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Causeway Tours NI
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Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Luxury Car Tours
Shore Excursions
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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