Ballyhome Yacht Club, Bangor, Northern Ireland
www.ballyholme.com
clubmanager@ballyholme.com

Visitor information

2024 ILCA 6 Youth European Championships

Welcome Message from the Mayor of Ards and North Down

To all competitors, organisers and visitors to Ards and North Down, I am delighted to welcome you to the City of Bangor for the ILCA 6 European Championships and Open European Trophy. More than 400 competitors representing almost 40 countries have travelled to our beautiful Borough for these prestigious championships that are being hosted by the hugely experienced Ballyholme Yacht Club.

The championships will not only offer fantastic competition with an opportunity to race in Belfast Lough, but also provide a great spectacle for spectators and the influx of visitors to our Borough will positively impact our local economy. It also offers us a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase the City of Bangor and the Borough of Ards and North Down. Visitors can explore our 115 miles of beautiful coastline and discover our many water’s edge beauty spots and heritage sites, as well as award winning local food and drink, plus our beautiful beaches and country parks.

So please, while you are in our beautiful Borough, take the opportunity to explore our city as well as the surrounding towns and villages that are filled with lovely shops, restaurants, cafes and more.

Finally, I would like to thank Ballyholme Yacht Club together with the many volunteers and services who will ensure the championships run safely and smoothly. Good luck to all those competing, and I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable event.

Councillor Alistair Cathcart
Mayor of Ards and North Down

Visiting Northern Ireland

Ballyholme Yacht Club is situated on the shores of Belfast Lough, at the top of the Ards Peninsula in North Down, a very beautiful part of the world. There is plenty to see and do in the city of Bangor, in Ards and North Down as well as in Northern Ireland and indeed, the whole island of Ireland.

Bangor

  • Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex (discounts for competitors – ask at Registration)
  • Pickie Fun Park (suitable for young children)
  • North Down Museum
  • Eddie Irvine Sports
  • Bangor Boat Tours & Fishing Trips
  • Airtastic Inflata and Ninja Indoor Play Area
  • Stunning Coastal Walks along Belfast Lough and towards Groomsport
  • Open House Festival
  • The Ark Open Farm

Ards and North Down

  • Boat trips
  • Kayaking adventures
  • Kirkistown Motor Racing Circuit
  • Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary
  • Mount Stewart Estate and Gardens
  • Ulster Folk Museum
  • Ulster Transport Museum
  • Scrabo Tower
  • Castle Espie Wetland Centre
  • Grey Abbey
  • Golfing

Northern Ireland

  • Titanic Experience Belfast
  • Giants’ Causeway and the Causeway Coastal Route
  • Game of Thrones Studio Tour
  • Hillsborough Castle, a Royal Palace
  • St Patrick’s Centre, Downpatrick
  • The Mourne Mountains
  • Fermanagh Lakelands
  • The Historic Walled City of Derry Londonderry

Details about activities and experiences to enjoy in Bangor and the wider Ards and North Down area can be found on the official Ards and North Down visitor website – Visit Ards and North Down. https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/

In addition, the Visitor Information Centre Visitor holds a range of information leaflets and the Visitor Centre team are more than happy to advise visitors and participants on things to do in the area in their spare time. The Visitor Information Centre is located close to Bangor Marina at Tower House (recognisable by its tower), on Quay Street facing the marina.

Visit Ards and North Down – Information

For information about activities and experiences in Northern Ireland, please visit Discover Northern Ireland. https://discovernorthernireland.com/