Helen's Bay is named after Helen Sheridan, mother of the first Marquis of Dufferin and Ava.  It has two lovely beaches flanking Crawfordsburn Country Park.  The village is also connected by rail and bus to Bangor and Belfast.

Located in Helens Bay is Grey Point Fort, the old coastal defence at Grey Point.  It is an interesting and unusual visitor attraction with great surrounding views. Throughout the holiday periods the Fort is open to the public and re-enactment days are held.  Entrance is Free.