Holywood Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
town in the metropolitan area of Belfast, Northern Ireland
About Holywood
The town's name is pronounced "holly" but means "holy" — the monastery of St Laiseran was established early in the 7th century. An Augustinian priory was built in the 12th century, and these are the ruins you see today. In the early 17th century Holywood was rebuilt as a Plantation market town. Its developers and settlers didn't make much money, until the railway arrived in 1848. It became a commuter town, trippers came out from the city for a day at the seaside, and wealthy industrialists and merchants built their mansions here. Traditional industry slumped in the 20th century and fuelled "The Troubles", but Holywood is not an interface between communities and was only lightly afflicted. It has even managed to attract a textile industry in an era when so many Ulster towns have lost theirs
Top Attractions in Holywood
Explore the best things to see and do in Holywood:
- ★Holywood Golf Club
- ★Royal Belfast Golf Club
- ★Ulster Folk Museum
- ★Ulster Transport Museum
Where to Eat in Holywood
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Bay Tree
- 🍴Coffee Yard
- 🍴Loganberry Deli
- 🍴Noble
Where to Stay in Holywood
- 🏨Culloden Estate and Spa
- 🏨Gweebarra
- 🏨Rayanne House
Holywood Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: