Holywood named best place to live in Northern Ireland

by Q Radio News

Holywood in County Down has been named the best place to live in Northern Ireland in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2021. 

The town is top of a list of three locations in the region chosen by the Sunday Times in its annual guide. 

It's followed by Magherafelt, County Derry/Londonderry and Strangford Lough, County Down. 

Judges behind the guide assess a wide range of factors from schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street. 

They also look for improving towns, villages or city centres, as well as attractive, well designed homes and locations "bursting with community spirit". 

The guide also includes a detailed breakdown of house prices and information on internet speeds. 

Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said, “This guide has never been so important.

"The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings. With working from home now common, it’s no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.  

“Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. It hasn’t been a year for big cities or small villages. Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected.  

"Holywood seems to be unshiftable as Northern Ireland’s premier address thanks to its unbeatable combination of coast and countryside so close to the centre of Belfast.  

“Highlights include swimming and sailing in Belfast Lough, panoramic dog walks in Redbourn Country Park and the lively and unusually attractive high street.” 

Holywood, Co. Down - Google image labelled for reuse

Meanwhile, Holywood Judges said, “The sandy beach has taken over from the high street as the star attraction, and the coast path has been heaven for dog-walkers, joggers and cyclists.” 

They were also impressed by the convenient transport links, the quality of schools such as Sullivan Upper and the golf club, where Rory McIlroy cut his teeth. 

The average sale price in the town is £174, 950 and average rental is £695 pcm. 

Magherafelt was picked by the judges as a  “supremely practical choice for families” due to its central location, rapidly improving town centre and excellent schools, especially Rainey Endowed, which has been named as the Sunday Times Northern Ireland School of the decade.

They were also impressed by the sports facilities at Meadowbank Multi-Sports Arena and  Moyola Park Golf Club - one of the best courses in Northern Ireland and the choice of hairdressers, beauty salons and coffee shops in the centre. 

The averaage sale price there is £135,000 and average rental is £520 pcm. 

Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt. One of the town's key features mentioned in the guide. 

Strangford Lough Judges said, “Live in Strangford, Portaferry or any of the villages around this beautiful island-studded lough and you’ve got unbeatable wildlife and scenery on the doorstep - and it’s even better if you can get out on the water. Downpatrick, Newtownards and Belfast are all within easy reach, too.

"They also liked the excellent restaurants in Strangford -  the  Lobster Pot , the Artisan Cookhouse and  The Cuan, as well as the choice of schools, especially Regent House School in Newtownards,  a co-ed grammar that’s in the top 25 of The Sunday Times Parent Power league for Northern Irish state secondaries. 

The average sale price is £199,950 and average rental is £500 pcm. 

Strangford Lough, Co. Down