Newtownards is a town in Northern Ireland, and lies on the most northern tip of Strangford Lough, a large sea loch on the eastern coast of Ireland. It has a population of 28,050. The town was established in 1606, and quickly grew through an influx of Scottish settlers. Overlooking the town is the 41 m high Scarbo Tower, built in the 19th century. Another place of interest is Movilla Abbey, which used to be one of Ulster’s and Ireland’s most important monasteries. While nothing remains today of the original Celtic Abbey, the ruins of the 15th century church built on the same location are still worth a visit.