It looks like a jewelry box but it's actually the Jaffe Memorial Fountain. Striking and brightly…read morecolorful it was originally erected in 1874 by Sir Otto Jaffe to honor his father, Daniel Jaffe. It was initially placed in Victoria Square but was later moved to the Botanic Gardens, where it remained until 2008 It is intricate and elegant, made of Portland stone with each of the smaller columns featuring a female figure that represents each of the four seasons. It stands at the Victoria Street entrance to the Victoria Square shopping center. The original yellow and white were apparently selected to reflect the aesthetic preferences of the Victorian era, as these were popular colors to symbolize purity and light and optimism. It is indeed a fountain but in September it was dry. I'm not sure if it is ever filled with water. [Review 1883 of 2024 - 866 in United Kingdom - 22905 overall]

I bet you've walked past this wee gem hundreds of times but never given it a second look, I'm right…read morearen't I? Well now it's time to be enlightened. This is the Jaffa Fountain, not named after everyone's favourite cake/biscuit but actually named after Belfast's first Lord Mayor Otto Jaffa. The fountain itself was actually built in 1879 and it was erected in its current location, but here's the strange part. As industrial and commercial Belfast grew it was moved out to Botanic Gardens - mature students might recognise it from those days. Once Victoria Square was commissioned the decision was made to bring the old fellow back to its rightful place. I for one am glad they did as I think it provides a welcome nod to Belfast's past in the centre of its current commercial renaissance.

When you live in Newtownards you will pass the building a million and one times but not really…read morenotice it - which is a real shame as this is a historical building and part of the history and heritage of Newtownards. These are the remains of a Dominican Priory founded in 1244. Hugh Montgomery established a newtown within the grounds of the old priory and this flourished and was used as a central area for the new market town. The restoration of the building began in 1609 by Montgomery and this can be seen within the building on a carved stone. The ruins of the old tower and part of this old building can still be seen. If you look closely you can see Montgomery's monogram ad some bible references etched into the stone. In 1988 part of the old door was restored by the Ulster Heritage Center and the door will be opened on request, it is worth a look as this is a fine example of our ulster-Scot heritage and was, at one time, a big tourist attraction.

As other reviewers have said The Priory is slap bang in the middle of Newtownards yet you could…read morepass it without even registering as an important part of our culture and heritage. Although the budget is tight down at the old Tourist board they could do with digging into their pockets and forking out for a few signs to properly promote this place. The reason I say this is that The Priory is actually a really interesting place, I did not realise the significance of this place until I paid it a long overdue visit. The Priory is an example of a Dominican (Black) Piory and is one of the only remaining examples in Northern Ireland. The Priory is worth a visit if only for the convenience of the place, whether you are a day-tripper or a local The priory will at very least give you an insight into the regions culture.

It's small, it's a ruin and there's not a lot to see but it is pretty cool that you can just park…read moreup nearby in Kennedy Park. A steel walkway and steps have been built inside the castle and you can go up to the top and check out the view. Also, entry is free unlike many attractions. Check out the stone labyrinth nearby too.

Nothing short of perfect. A testament to the rich history that is Scotland. It is so magnificent…read moreboth inside and out that words simply cannot describe the splendour of this castle. The castle overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and on a clear and sunny day like today you can see the Isle of Arran! Aye - a truly magestic place which we will ne'er forget!

Truly one remarkable location…read more I got tired of hearing myself say "wow" over every thing. But it was all I could say. We stayed in a wonderful room overlooking the water. My favorite part is the beach (path is slightly hidden) just to the north. Keep a sharp eye out for washed up jelly fish. But the rocks and shells create a virtual painting of nature. We had high tea, and it was such a living fantasy. Great memories.

The tower itself is closed to the public but the grounds are accessible at any time,I'm not a hippy…read moreor anything but I really want to get up early some morning in the summer and walk up to scrabo tower and have a bowl of cornflakes as the sun rises. The views on a sunny day are fantastic over Belfast,comber and the Irish sea. The walks through the quarries and through killyneither woods are long and challenging in places, great for a bit of exercise and peace and quiet , bring food and a disposable bbq there's lots of picnic tables throughout the park. Great place to bring your kids or walk your dog. Would benefit from a shop here for drinks and snacks. You can have dinner in the golf club though.

The price is 5 pound it's good you get to walk up to the top went a hour ago just to look inside it…read morewas fun haven't been in while that's why I went today

Kearney is a local treasure, within 3 miles of Portaferry lies the showpiece village of Kearney…read more This little village has been carefully restored to its former glory by the National Trust. The Trust owns and maintains the village that can only be described as perfect. It is a picturesque site that can boast coastal nature walks with views of the Isle of man, the Mourne Mountains and Scotland. The cottages have maintained their original character and The Trust provides a short Hostorical information briefing about Kearney. In the nineteenth century Kearney was a flourishing community, with fishing as the central occupation. Stories are told of a 'she-cruiser', crewed entirely by women, which set out to fish in the surrounding waters. Now Kearney is a place of beauty with outstanding wildlife on its shores. It has become a firm favourite with bird watchers with breeds such as Gannet, oystercatcher, rock pipit and shelduck all thriving on its shores. Kearney is the type of place that you could go and drift away from the hustle and bustle of life, it is a tranquil place for wildlife and people alike and the National Trust must be commended on its restoration of the Perfect Community. 5 stars!

This was a beautiful building, inside and out. I loved the stained glass windows and…read morearchitecture! There were many different rooms to explore, with museum-like pictures and information to view. The toilets are free!

Belfast City Hall is the city center district and located in a business area, but with expanding…read moreresidential and entertainment. Plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, churches, and historical locations surrounding the city hall. Inside is very beautiful layout architecture with a beautiful dome plus plenty of glass windows artwork. Inside the surrounding garden within, there are: Titanic Memorial Garden, Korea War Memorial, Victoria Memorial, Boer War Memorial Royal Irish Riffles, and couple statues on the other side plus city ground for you to seat and admire the city hall.

OK, now this is going to be difficult for me to review without me hurting anyone's feelings. I have…read moregiven the windmill itself five stars but I would like to give my experience there 3 stars. Let me tell you why. A windmill is a windmill and I know and have known for ages that this particular windmill is an awesome sight to behold so I decided to call in just to take a few pictures to add to my collection of Co. Downs beautiful things to see photo album. It was half twelve and I said to myself that I would park, jump out, get a few gorgeous shots, jump back in the car and be home to walk the dog by 1pm - that did not happen. As I approached the windmill a man named Brian jumped out from nowhere and asked me did I want to see his little house? Bemused and bewildered I thought 'well, why not? I've got five minutes.' One hour later I came out of the windmill my head spinning faster than the windmill ever did - facts and information don't do well in my wee head between the months of June and September so I could barely cope with the witty(?) and informative guide. Don't get me wrong, if I was in a party of 10, or a Japanese tourist in a party of five or a group of primary school children I would have loved the quizzes and the jigsaw and the 'lighting the board up with the right answers' game, I'd even have loved looking for the fake mouse or searching for the secret button - but I wasn't, I am a thirty year old, rather cynical, woman with no children and a small desire to take a photograph of a windmill. I think Brian is amazing at tour guiding and there is a million and one things to see and learn about the Ballycopeland Windmill but he should try to ascertain whether or not the visitors really care that much before he literally bombards them with all the facts. I got away when another witless woman and a small child arrived. I got into my car to the sounds of 'Do you want to see my wee house?' Just to finish off this review I want to make it entirely clear that the windmill is a great sight to behold, still fully functioning and restored to its former glory I have no doubt that this is a place of cultural significance and importance. Brian is a great guide - he should maybe just tweak his tours for parties of one and let them have a wee look around on their own and ask him questions after. The whole experience was so intimate and informative I can honestly say I actually picked up very little about the windmill itself.

The strange thing about Ballycopeland windmill is that it should be busy all year round with…read moretourists as it represents North Downs culture and heritage. It is not sign posted and could easily be ignored from the road, but definitely should not be. It is the last representation of farming barley in the region and really is a thing of beauty. Built in the 19th Century the windmill is in working order and inside there is even a video tutorial explaining the milling of barley from start to finish. Guided tours are available and it is completely wheelchair accessible. If it is windy enough you may even see the process first hand. On a summers day this would be a beautiful place to go for a picnic, it is an idyllic setting but also very interesting. This is another example of beauty going to waste in Northern Ireland, this could be a flagship of tourism bringing in much needed revenue to the area. The Windmill is currently only open in July and August. It is only a 5 minute drive from the seaside so my advice is to get an ice cream and head up to the Windmill, I guarantee you will be fascinated.

This place has really gone downhill. Several years ago this would have been my go to in…read moreportpatrick. I went last year and now this year and both times it has been terrible. I have no idea how you mess up chips but they managed it. To be fair the Cullen Skink was average. The ploughmans was terrible. Thai sizzle, terrible. I'm giving up on the crown.

Our family ate at a table on the outside at the front of the restaurant. Our table had a number, so…read morewhen we went to order at the counter, they would know where to bring our food. Two of us shared the mackerel and leek quiche and the classic cullen skink meals. We enjoyed drinks and the beautiful view while we waited for our food. When the quiche came, it was at room temperature. I asked a server about that and this is the way they serve it. She offered to heat it up for me, and I appreciated that. The salad was fresh and delicious. It came with a little bowl of creamy coleslaw and "chips" (what I'd call French fries!). The chips were crispy and delicious! The cullen skink was like a rich potato soup, with thin slices of potato, leeks, and a few pieces of smoked haddock. It came with some bread and butter. Everyone else enjoyed their food, too, although nothing especially wowed us as the best ever. The staff was friendly and efficient. It was a lovely evening in a quaint small Scotland town.