Donaghadee is a small town on the northeast coast of the Ards Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland, about 10 km south-east of Bangor and 29 km east of Belfast.
The town's name comes from the Irish Domhnach Daoi, although the meaning is in doubt.
Long before developing as a port, the site of Donaghadee was originally a Gaelic ringfort. Following the Anglo-Norman conquest in the late 12th century, a motte-and-bailey castle was constructed on the site, utilizing earlier Bronze Age rath earthworks. Its defensive position was later reinforced to guard against Viking raids, and the visible mound today, locally known as "the Moat," retains layers of prehistoric, medieval, and early modern history.
During the Plantation of Ulster in the early 1600s, Con O'Neill of Castlereagh sought a royal pardon from King James I, ceding half of his lands to Hugh Montgomery. A third passed to James Hamilton, leaving Montgomery with Donaghadee. He settled Scottish Protestants in Donaghadee and soon after constructed an early harbour. Ownership descended through the Montgomery and Delacherois families until the 20th century, when much of it was sold off by absentee heirs.
The modern harbour was laid out in 1821 and completed around 1834, replacing Montgomery's earlier works. Donaghadee served as the "Gretna Green for Ireland" from 1759 to 1826, with daily packet boats ferrying couples to Portpatrick, Scotland. A merchant's house on the High Street became the Town Hall around 1770. Donaghadee was featured in the 1798 Rebellion, when United Irish forces were repulsed at Newtownards market house on "Pike Sunday" (10 June).
In 1910, a Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat station opened at the harbour. Its vessel, Sir Samuel Kelly, is now preserved ashore. That station rescued survivors from the MV Princess Victoria in 1953. The town's RNLI lifeboat station has been in continuous operation and currently houses an all-weather Trent-class lifeboat.
Rail service from Belfast and County Down Railway operated between 1861 and 1950, closing as shipping patterns changed due to larger ports at Larne and Stranraer.
Originally a small fishing village, Donaghadee's economy expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries through passenger and goods traffic to Scotland. Coal exports to Cumbria persisted until about 1955, when harbour sitting and the advent of larger steamships forced trade to deeper harbours elsewhere.
Today, Donaghadee thrives on a mix of tourism, hospitality, and commuter-driven residential growth. Its dry, sea air climate and Victorian era hotels first attracted Belfast merchants, and this seaside tradition endures with cafes, bistros, and bed and breakfasts lining the harbourfront. Producers like Morelli's Ice Cream and Copeland Distillery showcase local foods and drinks, while small-scale fishing and the RNLI station maintain its maritime ties. Additionally, its proximity to Belfast and Bangor makes it a popular commuter town for professionals seeking coastal living.
Among the town's places of living are Donaghadee Harbour, The Moat, Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat Museum, Donaghadee Parish Church, Grace Neill's Bar, Copeland Bird Observatory, and Heritage Walks & Trails.
At only 20 miles from the Rhins of Galloway, Donaghadee was historically the principal Irish gateway to Scotland, visible across the sea, and pivotal in Ulster-Scottish migrations.
Schools in Donaghadee include Country Kids Day Nursery, Donaghadee Primary School, Killard House School, and perhaps some others.
Churches in Donaghadee include Donaghadee Parish Church, Donaghadee Methodist Church, Lighthouse Church, Saint Comgall's Church, and Shore Street Presbyterian Church.
The Donaghadee Rugby Football Club welcomes players and supporters of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Its range of paid memberships includes Mini Rugby, Youth Rugby, Sharkies, and Senior Rugby, with men's and women's teams. The Donaghadee Football Club has two football teams in the Northern Amateur Football League, an association football league in Northern Ireland. The Donaghadee Ladies' Hockey Club has two teams that play in Ulster Hockey leagues. The Donaghadee Sailing Club's clubhouse is on the seafront, with views of the lighthouse and the Copeland Islands. It serves as a base for its sailing, racing, training, diving, and social activities.
Businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, museums, art galleries, organisations, activities, and events in Donaghadee are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Situated on Manor Street in Donaghadee, County Down, Northern Ireland, the Copeland Distillery is a craft producer of Irish gin, rum, single malt, and pot still whiskey, all inspired by the tales of the Copeland Islands and the coastal history of Donaghadee. Created through a crowdfunding campaign in 2016, Copeland began distilling whiskey in 2019 and has since expanded its mash bills to include single malt, pot still, chocolate-malt and peated-malt expressions.
https://copelanddistillery.com/
Based in Donaghadee, County Down, Northern Ireland, the club plays home matches at Crommelin Park on Moat Street. They compete in Division 2A of the Northern Amateur Football League. The club fields two sides within the NAFL structure. Its sponsors are acknowledged, and sponsorship opportunities are detailed on its website, along with its immediate plans, long-term plans, and updates on Crommelin Park. Its mailing address, email address, and a map are provided.
https://donaghadeefc.com/
Founded in 1899, Donaghadee Golf Club combines parkland charm with links-style playing conditions along the Irish seashore. Featuring 18 holes, Par. The course is part seaside, part open parkland, featuring firm fairways and fast greens in the summer, along with blind tee shots, narrow winding fairways, and several water hazards. A course layout, specifications, signature features, amenities, and practice facilities are highlighted, along with contacts and online bookings.
https://www.donaghadeegolfclub.com/
Killard is a controlled special school for boys and girls on Cannyreagh Road in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland. The school was founded over fifty years ago in Newtownards and relocated to the former Donaghadee High School site in 2009. The school features a diagnostic unit, a primary Moderate Learning Difficulty (MLD) department, a Language and Development unit, a Social Communication unit, and a post-primary MLD department. Class pages and a photo gallery are featured.
https://www.killardhouse.org.uk/
The family-friendly, Bible-based, full-gospel congregation meets at Donaghadee Community Centre in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland. Registered as a charity, the church runs weekly services (also live-streamed), invites people of all backgrounds to explore the Christian faith, and partners with local initiatives, such as the Donaghadee Food Bank and other charities. Its location, schedules, leadership, and contacts are posted on the site, and a statement of beliefs is provided.
https://lighthousechurchdonaghadee.com/
Pier 36 is a multi-award-winning pub, restaurant, and guesthouse situated on the quayside of Donaghadee, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1999, the restaurant is known for its steak and seafood, particularly its on-site dry-aged steaks and the freshest seafood caught off nearby shores. It's cosy bar features an open fire, and gives way to an intimate rear dining room. Also featured is a guesthouse with several sea-view rooms offering bespoke services. Rooms may be booked and tables reserved.
https://pier36.co.uk/
Ultimate SUP is a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and e-foil school operating out of Donaghadee and Millisle on Northern Ireland's east coast. They offer lessons, guided tours, events, and gift vouchers for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities, with no prior experience required. Located on Killaughey Road, it has a phone number posted on the website, and an online booking portal is also available. An overview of available lessons and experiences is featured.
https://www.ultimatesupni.com/
Maintained by the Donaghadee Community Development Association, this promotional guide highlights the Donaghadee region in County Down, Northern Ireland. It includes directions to the town, suggestions on things to do in the area, places to stay, dining options, and shopping suggestions, as well as a service directory, a schedule of events, a gallery of photographs, local attractions, and local news. Other resources include volunteer opportunities and an introduction to the DCDA.
https://visitdonaghadee.com/
