About Holywood

Named the best place to live in Northern Ireland in 2021. Easily commutable to Belfast being less than a 15-minute drive away. Home to Michelin-Star restaurant, Noble

Things To Do

There is a wealth of activities in Holywood, so you’ll certainly never be short of something to do. One of the best assets that Holywood has to offer is the miles and miles of sandy beaches and coastal walks that lead all the way to Bangor.

Or why not head to Redburn Country Park instead? If you have a few hours to spare then the beautiful views are worth tackling the steep hills for.

If you are more interested in spending your spare time being pampered, the spa at the 5-star Culloden Estate is a must and it is the perfect place for visiting guests to stay.

For a bit more action, how about taking a swing at Holywood Golf Club? Home of PGA professional Rory McIlroy, the 18-hole parkland course also has an indoor performance centre, a fitness suite and a clubhouse.

For those looking to learn more about the history of Holywood, head to Ulster Folk Museum where you can step back in time 100 years to explore the thatched cottages, farms, schools and shops and chat with the costumed visitor guides.

Local Housing

Some of the most stunning houses in Northern Ireland are located in Holywood, most notably the prestigious area of Cultra with some homes in the area that are lucky enough to have a view of the Irish Sea. Many houses in this area have a price tag of over £1 million and it is a highly sought-after area.

Bangor Road is an attractive area for those wanting to be close to the coast, whether you are looking for a substantial detached home or an easily-maintained apartment, the area is suitable for a range of buyers.

Church Road is popular with house buyers, offering the best of both worlds being located within a leafy suburb whilst still being close to Holywood town centre with an array of amenities and the North Down Coast. The road extends to 2.8km and along this there is a range of properties from terraced to detached homes, making it suitable for buyers with a range of budgets.

Nestled next to Redburn Country Park, the conveniently located Demesne Road has proved popular with families with an array of large detached and semi-detached houses.

Eating & Drinking

There are plenty of places to choose from when it comes to dining out in Holywood, but the most notable at the moment has to be the Michelin-starred restaurant Noble on Church Road which is graced by many celebrities when in the area. Other fine dining restaurants include Tulsi and Fontana, or why not give Indian Ocean a try? The hotspot has been described by customers as the best Indian restaurant in town.

If you fancy a more relaxed meal, The Dirty Duck has a great selection on its menu and you can dine with a stunning view of the sea. It is at its busiest on sunnier days when many locals flock to enjoy a pint in the sunshine, but who could blame them?

There are plenty of independent coffee shops in the town to get your caffeine fix, with several more popping up in the last year or two. Joxer has gained a lot of popularity recently with their instagrammable pink cups and delicious brunch menu. "a href="https://www.edgecoffee.co.uk/">Edge Coffee is a favourite with serious coffee lovers, and on top of that, they have a fantastic burger menu.

Shopping

Holywood is well known for its wide variety of beautiful independent retailers and boutiques. If you are looking to spoil yourself, Roco Dietrich Boutique and The White Bicycle are the best places to buy designer clothes. For homewares and interiors, head to Urban Orchard, Oscar & Joy or Bluebell Cottage where you can pick up a unique gift or decor for your home.

The area is well known for its art scene, and if you are looking to invest in a piece for your home, head to Henry Gilmore or The Yard Gallery where you can pick up an original, a print or even just inspiration for your own creation.

The independent retailers don’t stop there, as there are plenty of shops to buy locally grown and sourced produce. Head to Corrie’s Farm Butchers for locally-sourced meat, Camphill’s for organic fruits and vegetables or Knott’s Bakery for freshly-baked bread.

Photos of Holywood

Living in Holywood

Employment

Conveniently located so close to Belfast, and taking less than a 15-minute drive, many employees choose to commute to the capital. Staying local to Holywood, the town offers many employment opportunities on the busy high streets. With an array of local independent shops and eateries looking for staff members, there are many job roles available close by.

Located between Holywood and Belfast, Ikea offers many job opportunities for different levels of experience and education. There are other large companies situated in the town, such as Lidl and Tesco, that are regularly searching for new employees.

Travel

Holywood is well-connected for those who enjoy trips abroad, with Belfast Airport being just over half an hour away by car, making international trips far easier.

If you are taking a trip to the city or you have to regularly commute, you will be pleased to know that Belfast only takes 12 minutes to reach by car, 24 minutes via Holywood train station or 35 minutes by bus.

Local Amenities

There are plenty of grocery stores on your doorstep if you live in Holywood, including a Sainsbury’s, Tesco Express and a Lidl, including the many local independents in the town.

For the outdoorsy type, there are a range of parks to enjoy in the town, such as Holywood Nature Park and Redburn Country Park. Or, there is plenty of space to play and roam on the beach.

If the weather is looking dismal, there are plenty of activities to do at Queens Leisure Complex that are suitable for the whole family. From the children’s sports clubs that are held there, to the gym that has recently been upgraded that also holds a variety of fitness classes, there are plenty of activities to keep you healthy and active.

If you are looking at healthcare facilities, you can find Priory Surgery and Brook Street Surgery both within walking distance of the town centre. The closest hospital is Ulster Hospital which is around 4 miles away.

Schools

The prestigious Rockport School is located on the Belfast Lough and is home to the only school-based golf academy in Ireland. The independent day and boarding school is situated in a woodland setting with a keen focus on the outdoors, having children partake in activities such as hillwalking and sailing.

Conveniently located in the residential area of Church View, there is St Patricks Primary School for younger children, or close by sits Priory Integrated College for older students.

On the outskirts of the town sits Holywood Steiner which welcomes students ages 3 to 17. The co-educational and independent school is popular with parents because of the rich and diverse education the school offers, and the sense of community.

Map of Properties for Sale in Holywood

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