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The town began as an ancient settlement on the eastern edge of the Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. St. Finien established a monastery here in 545 AD, calling the location Movilla. Viking raids in 824 AD destroyed the structure. The clergy rebuilt the monastery and became linked with the Bangor Abbey in the 1100s.
Trouble arrived again in the form of the O’Neill clan whose destructive attack caused the total disappearance of the original settlement. The territory was renamed Ballylisnevin. The Normans arrived and founded a new community in 1226, naming it Nove Ville de Blahewyc. They also established a Dominican priory. The town failed to thrive and increasingly declined. By the 1400s, the O’Neills acquired the territory.
In 1605, Hugh Montgomery aquired the land and busied himself with rebuilding the New Town. The community was officially recognized in 1606. Montgomery restructured the priory ruins as a private residence. Soon Scottish settlers arrived in droves and the community quickly expanded. Though located on the shores of the Lough, the shallow waters prevented its use for shipping. Goods and products instead travelled to nearby Donaghadee, on the Ards Peninsula, for transport on the Irish Sea. Newtownards became a popular market town. The United Irishmen attempted a takeover in 1798, but the musket fire of local residents soon had the men on the run.
Newtownards obtained railway links to Belfast in the 1850s. The town’s commerce and industry so closely linked with Belfast that Newtownards evolved into a commuter city. In 1861, the population grew to 9,500. A century later, this number increased to over 27,000, enabling Newtownards the status of city.
The community did not escape the political/religious uprisings associated with The Troubles of the 20th century. In 1993, Newtownards experienced a bombing incident, but without fatalities.
Activities and Attractions
The original Movilla site required reconstruction after devastation caused by the Vikings in the 9th century. The monastery joined with Bangor Abbey, forming an Augustinian order. The ruins of the structure that stands today are remnants from the 15th century complex abandoned after the dissolution. The remnants provide fine examples of Celtic architecture and design, having carved slabs bearing Celtic crosses and other patterns.
Standing 125 feet (41 metres) tall and visible for miles, the Scrabo Tower is a monument to the Marquess of Londonberry, Charles William Stewart. Constructed in 1857, the structure is reminiscent of architecture used by early Celts as observations points and chieftain habitats.
Once home to many Londonberry dignitaries and politicians, the Mount Stewart House and Gardens welcomes guests for tours. Designed to resemble an Italian villa estate, the home contains period décor and furnishings complete with painted portraits of celebrated Irish citizens. The expansive gardens contain plants and trees from all over the world and offer the perfect location for walks. The Dodo Terrace serves as an area of interest for young guests having a host of dinosaurs.
Visitors with an interest in military history often journey to the Somme Heritage Centre. The facility commemorates the Irish who served during World War I. Exhibits include collections of military memorabilia. Guests have the opportunity to experience the battlefront with multimedia re-enactments of battle scenes.
Places to Stay and Dining
Newtownards hotel locations include facilities situated along the banks of the scenic Strangford Lough. This area of town not only offers convenience when heading to many local attractions, but is also surrounded by championship golf courses.
The LeWinters’ Restaurant provides a wide list of options for creating a personalized lunch. Choose from various sausage types accompanied by mashed potatoes and onion gravy for a traditional bangers and mash. Create a Panini by selecting meats, cheeses, vegetables or fruits.
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