Scrabo Tower & Country Park

View Scrabo Tower

Scrabo Country Park is centred upon the tower built on the summit of Scrabo Hill. It includes the woodlands of Killynether, the disused quarries where Scrabo stone was once quarried, a pond and a prehistoric hill fort with adjacent enclosures and hut-circles.

This hill dominates the surrounding landscape. At the time during which the Giant's Causeway was being formed, a layer of volcanic lava penetrated and covered the underlying sandstone before becoming solidified. This hard rock protected the softer sandstone when, much later during the ice age, the surrounding land was eroded away. Scrabo Hill was thus left as high ground.

The hill's geology is just one of the points of interest. The quarries are surrounded by disturbed ground which nature is colonising with thorns and scrub. This contrasts with the fine beech woodlands at Killynether and the hazel wood beyond on the flank of the Hill. In spring, the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells. A walk through the hazel wood will reveal other wild flowers. A wide range of bird life can also be observed in the park.

A ten-minute audio-visual show, "Ebb and Flow" has been installed in a display on the upper floor of Scrabo tower. It tells the story of Strangford Lough and its wildlife.

Facilities

The Country Park uses the Tower as its centre and this hosts:

• an introductory display to the hill and tower
• a ten minute audio visual show 'Ebb and Low' telling the story of Strangford Lough and its wildlife

NB: toilets are situated at the Car Park

Access & Booking

The park is open all year round at all times.
Scrabo Tower is open from 30th March to 25 September
Closed on Fridays
Open Sat to Thurs 10.30am -6.00pm
Admission Free

Contact Us
Scrabo Country Park,
203A Scrabo Road,
Newtownards
BT23 4SJ

Tel: 028 91811491
Fax: 028 9182 0695

Getting Here

Follow the signs to Scrabo Country Park from the roundabout by Ards Shopping Centre, or off the A20 and A21.

There is a Coach and Car Park at the Country Park.

The Park Code

Visitors to the Country Park should remember the Park code:

• Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work.
• Take all litter home or use the bins provided.
• Ensure all dogs are kept under control and not allowed to foul paths and mown grass.
• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Protect wildlife, plants and trees.
• Make no unnecessary noise.
• Cycling, mountain biking or the exercising of horses is not permitted in the Park.
• The park contains some natural hazards- supervise children especially near water and sheer drops.
• Camping is not premitted.