What's On in County Down

Stunning coastlines, towering hills, and charming towns — that's County Down! After all, this county is home to the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. A trip to the Mourne County is sure to leave you feeling upbeat and positive, with everything that it has to offer. From lively festivals celebrating local food to fun-filled days at historic castles, there's always something new to discover in this beautiful part of Northern Ireland.

Buskfest (14 June)

Buskfest is an annual outdoor busking competition held in Banbridge and is an excellent opportunity for musicians from near and far to showcase their talents and is a great free day out for all the family to enjoy. This is a free event, perfect for the whole family to enjoy!

Wake the Giant, Warrenpoint (28 - 29 June)

Finn the friendly giant lives in Warrenpoint, near his sidekick the Point Man. Every year they go for a stroll through the town, all 32-feet tall of them. As you’d expect, over the years this has caused quite the stir in these parts and now thousands come to witness the giants’ walk. This vibrant festival celebrates the town's unique heritage and legends, and offers visitors a weekend full of exciting events and activities. From live music and performances, to Giants food feast and children’s activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The story of Finn and his folklore friends is brought to life through theatre, music, character performances and storytelling throughout the town, culminating in a colourful, interactive moving theatre.

Comber Earlies Food Festival (28 June)

The annual Comber Earlies Food Festival is a free, family-friendly event celebrating the PGI status Comber Earlies potato. Held at the Comber Leisure Centre Car Park, the festival features artisan food and drink stalls, celebrity chef cookery demonstrations (including Lotte Duncan in the Festival Kitchen), a vintage tractor display, children's entertainment, live music, and an Artisan Bar showcasing local breweries like McBride's. The day offers opportunities to see chefs' culinary skills, hear from food heroes, and enjoy a variety of foodie favourites.

Fiddlers Green Festival, Rostrevor (16 - 20 July)

One of the longest-running festivals of its type, the Fiddler’s Green Festival in beautiful Rostrevor is far more than just a music performance festival. It’s jam-packed with dozens of music-related events and happenings and makes for a friendly focal point for any visit to the area in high summer. Lovers of folk, traditional, blues, country and classical music are all well catered-for. This easy going festival can be enjoyed by everyone, even those happy just to soak up the free music, culture and atmosphere. The festival includes a number of highlights each year including The Festival Folk Club which hosts a line-up of internationally acclaimed artists and The Acoustic Stage in An Cuan.

We hope this information proves helpful. Check this space regularly for exciting updates on local festivals and events. We hope you have a brilliant time exploring County Down.

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Scarva Band Concerts

Scarva

Address

8 Main Street, Scarva, County Down, BT63 6LS

Telephone
028 3752 9644

info@visitarmagh.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Live Music

Scarva Bandstand concerts will take place at the Bandstand, Scarva each Sunday from 3-4pm starting Sunday 6 April and running weekly until Sunday 28 September. There will be no concert on Easter Sunday, 20 April. Admission is free, and limited…

Dates

From:

6 Apr 2025to28 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
'The Story of Newry' Walking Tour

Newry

Address

Newry Town Hall, Bank Parade, Newry, County Down, BT34 1DQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 78 0929 3893

info@tumblingpaddy.com

Price
Price £12.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Join local storyteller and tour guide Sinead Rice McAleavey for an engaging and imaginative walking tour through the heart of Newry City. This unique guided experience brings the rich tapestry of Newry’s heritage to life.

Dates

From:

3 May 2025to27 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £12.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Dragonfly Festival

Comber

Address

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

Telephone
028 9187 4146

claire.conway@wwt.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Make special memories this summer. Dart down to WWT's first-ever Dragonfly Festival this summer.

Dates

From:

21 June 2025to21 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Hunt

Royal Hillsborough

Address

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Government House, The Square, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

Telephone
0333 320 6000

hillsboroughcastle@hrp.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Embark on an adventure this summer with Disney Winnie the Pooh Hunny Hunt. Help Pooh find his missing hunny and on the way find Rabbit's Garden, Eeyore's Cabin and Piglet's Burrow, inspired by Disney Winnie the Pooh.

Dates

From:

28 June 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Open House Festival

Bangor

Address

Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4NB

Telephone
+44 028 9148 2053

info@openhousefestival.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Open House Festival Bangor includes a programme of free and ticketed events during July and August. There'll be ticketed music, comedy, and film events at Bangor Castle Walled Garden and The Court House.

Dates

From:

1 July 2025to31 Aug 2025

More Info
Sensory Nature Walk

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Type

Type:

Nature

Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the natural world on a relaxing walk with the Ulster Folk Museum Education Officer on most Wednesdays throughout Summer.

Dates

From:

2 July 2025to20 Aug 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Summer of Play at Castle Ward

Downpatrick

Address

Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT307BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4488 1204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Experience a summer of medieval adventure at Castle Ward! This summer, we've set aside the lawn games! From 5 July - 31 August, enjoy thrilling challenges, interactive quests, and fantasy fun!

Dates

From:

5 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Wild River Dipping

Newcastle

Address

Tollymore Forest Park, Bryansford Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0PR

Telephone
+44 (0) 75 2175 9090

info@mourneshack.com

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Wellbeing

Hike to the secret spots and immerse in the rivers of the Mourne Mountains. An activity that explores the trending cold water and wild swimming craze. Including hiking, wild dipping, forest bathing and cold water therapy. Our trained and highly…

Dates

From:
12 July 2025Open 09:00 - 11:30
From:
19 July 2025Open 09:00 - 11:30
From:
23 Aug 2025Open 09:00 - 11:30

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Summer of Play at Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
02842788387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Summer of Play is on its way! This summer, play takes over the lawns at Mount Stewart.

Dates

From:

12 July 2025to25 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Finnebrogue Forage

Downpatrick

Address

26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT309BL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4410 3104

gowild@finnebroguewoods.com

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

Rob will safely guide you through you the rules, principles and background of foraging, kit & safety, plant and tree ID. This experience is immersive with hands on learning involving walking and exploring the Woods with Robs guidance and expert eye.

Dates

From:
12 July 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
From:
2 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
From:
24 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
From:
6 Sept 2025
From:
28 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Downpatrick Racecourse Fixtures

Downpatrick

Address

24 Ballydugan Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6TE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 44 612054

marketing@downpatrickracecourse.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sport

Enjoy a fun day out with family and friends at Downpatrick Racecourse with our upcoming fixtures this season. Indulge in the thrill of live racing following by live music.

Dates

From:
14 July 2025Open 12:00 - 17:30
From:
15 July 2025
From:
10 Aug 2025Open 12:30 - 17:00
From:
25 Aug 2025Open 12:30 - 17:30
From:
19 Sept 2025Open 12:30 - 17:45
From:
10 Oct 2025Open 12:30 - 17:30

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Fiddler's Green International Festival

Rostrevor

Address

Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AY

Telephone
+44 (0) 77 5252 8904

info@fiddlersgreenfestival.co.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

A wonderful festival of music, arts and culture held annually in July in Rostrevor, County Down.

Dates

From:

16 July 2025to20 July 2025

More Info
Summer Craft Activities

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Enjoy drop-in craft activities as part of your visit to the Ulster Folk Museum on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays in July and August.

Dates

From:

17 July 2025to19 July 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30

From:

24 July 2025to26 July 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30

From:

31 July 2025to2 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30

From:

7 Aug 2025to9 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30

From:

14 Aug 2025to16 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

From:

21 Aug 2025to23 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 16:30

More Info
Forest Bathing at Kilbroney Park

Rostrevor

Address

Kilbroney Park, Shore Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AA

Telephone
+44 (0)77 8056 4846

tony@crannforesttherapy.com

Price
Price £33.22 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Wellbeing

Come join us for a rejuvenating experience in nature at Kilbroney Park. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the calming atmosphere of the forest. Let the sights, sounds, and scents of the trees and wildlife…

Dates

From:
17 July 2025Open 10:00 - 12:00
From:
7 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 12:00
From:
28 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 12:00

Price
Price £33.22 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Shortcross Whiskey Tour & Tasting

Crossgar

Address

Rademon Estate Distillery, 65 - 67 Church Road, Crossgar, County Down, BT30 9HR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4483 0001

events@shortcrossgin.com

Price
Price £25.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Join us and taste County Down's first distilled whiskey in over 100 years.

Dates

From:

18 July 2025to19 July 2025Open 12:00 - 16:00

Price
Price £25.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Killowen Distillery Tasting and Chocolate Factory Tour Experience

Kilkeel

Address

NearyNógs Chocolate Factory, 19 Ballymaderfy Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 79 7986 7437

general@nearynogs.com

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Craft chocolate tour and tasting combined with Killowen distillery Gin & Poitín tasting session.

Dates

From:
18 July 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00
From:
22 Aug 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
DownTime SummerFest

Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0)75 9597 8137

philip@downcommunityarts.org

Type

Type:

Festival

Downtime Summer Festival and family friendly festival in beautiful, historic Downpatrick

Dates

From:
18 July 2025
From:
19 July 2025

More Info
Summer Saturday Trains

Downpatrick

Address

Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
02844615779

info@downrail.co.uk

Price
Price £10.50 to £38.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

History

Heritage trains are back this summer on selected Saturdays – it's the perfect way to spend a couple of hours on a (hopefully!) sunny summer afternoon on our 'Antrim Castle' diesel train, as seen in Derry Girls.

Dates

From:
19 July 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00
From:
2 Aug 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00
From:
9 Aug 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00
From:
16 Aug 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00
From:
30 Aug 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00
From:
6 Sept 2025Open 13:00 - 16:00

Price
Price £10.50 to £38.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Ards and North Down Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships

Newtownards

Address

Regent House Playing Fields, Circular Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Show / Display

Enjoy an impressive display of sight and sound. Enjoy an impressive display of sight and sound, as talented pipe bands and drum major groups come together competing for coveted awards.

Dates

From:
19 July 2025Open 11:00 - 18:00

Price
Free

More Info
Live Juke Box Cruise on Carlingford Lough

Greencastle

Address

Carlingford Lough Cruises, Greencastle Pier Road, Greencastle, County Down, BT3 4LR

Telephone
+44 (0) 80 0471 4665

info@carlingfordferry.com

Type

Type:

Tour

Join us for an unforgettable evening on Carlingford Lough, where live music meets stunning scenery.

Dates

From:
19 July 2025Open 20:20 - 22:20

More Info