Mourne Mountain Adventures
Co. Down

County Down

Just south of Belfast, and less than two hours from Dublin, County Down is one of Northern Ireland’s most captivating destinations. From the Mourne Mountains to Strangford Lough, vibrant seaside towns to peaceful forest trails, this is where day trippers and weekenders come to unwind, explore and reconnect. Whether you're planning a family adventure, romantic weekend, or solo escape into nature, County Down offers something unforgettable in every direction.

Top Outdoor Activities & Walks in County Down

If you're searching for walking trails near Belfast or outdoor activities in Northern Ireland, the Mourne Mountains deliver breathtaking views and rewarding hikes. Whether you climb a summit or follow a lowland trail, you'll be surrounded by epic scenery and peaceful forests. Explore Tollymore Forest Park, where rivers, ancient trees, and rocky outcrops frame the walking trails along the Shimna River. Tree lovers can examine exotic trees such as monkey puzzle and eucalyptus or admire the tall giant redwoods and Monterey pines here. A visit to Castlewellan Forest Park is a must. Home to one of Europe’s finest tree and shrub collections, formal gardens, and one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes - the Peace Maze -it's a favourite with families. For a slower coastal stroll, head to Murlough Nature Reserve near Dundrum, where five miles of sand dunes and beach provide perfect conditions for walking and wildlife spotting.

Game of Thrones® Filming Locations in County Down

History and fantasy collide across County Down. At Castle Ward, explore an 18th-century estate overlooking Strangford Lough, where walking routes, period rooms and Game of Thrones® filming locations await. Walk or cycle along the Lough Trail and spot a host of wildlife and rare plants. Meander through the vast period property and enjoy refreshments in the delicious tea room. And don’t miss the chance to collect stamps as you stop in to see each of the Game of Thrones® Doors - intricately carved wooden doors located at key pubs and inns across the county, part of a trail that blends TV history with local storytelling. There's a few nearby, including at The Cuan and Fiddler's Green.

Beaches & Seaside Day Trips in County Down

If you're planning a beach day from Belfast, County Down’s coastline offers plenty of sandy escapes. Head to Dundrum for one of Northern Ireland’s best-loved beaches, at Murlough Nature Reserve, where you will find five miles of golden sands against a backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. The nearby coastal town of Newcastle is ideal for families, paddlers, and seaside diners, with a promenade perfect for enjoying an ice-cream. Further north in the county, Bangor offers a traditional seaside vibe, complete with marina views, Pickie Fun Park, and ice cream on the Eisenhower Pier. The North Down Coastal Path connects Bangor to Holywood and beyond, perfect for a relaxed day out on foot.

Where to Eat in County Down - Top Restaurants & Local Food

County Down’s food scene celebrates the best of land and sea. Enjoy fresh seafood at Mourne Seafood Bar in Newcastle or dine by the water at The Lobster Pot, The Cuan, or The Artisan Cookhouse in Strangford. Inland, Balloo House offers fine country dining with a focus on seasonal ingredients and Northern Irish flavours.In Bangor, the award-winning Coq & Bull Brasserie combines modern cooking with local produce in stylish surroundings; a must for food lovers on a weekend break or coastal road trip.

Where to Stay in County Down - Hotels, B&Bs & Weekend Breaks

From luxury spa resorts to charming guesthouses, County Down offers accommodation for every kind of traveller. The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle offers a four-star experience beside the world-famous Royal County Down Golf Club. In Strangford village, The Cuan and The Port offer comfortable, locally owned stays with great food and access to the lough. Clandeboye Lodge in Bangor is a contemporary countryside escape, perfect for couples or foodies on a relaxing break. With options ranging from camping and glamping to boutique hotels and coastal cottages, there’s no shortage of places to stay while exploring the region.

Things to Do Around Strangford Lough & the Ards Peninsula

Only 30 minutes from Belfast, Strangford Lough is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful weekend breaks. Take the scenic coastal drive around the Ards Peninsula, where you’ll find hidden gems like Kearney Village - a National Trust owned village - as well as Nugent’s Wood, Mount Stewart House and Gardens, and Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary in Portaferry. Climb up to Scrabo Tower near Newtownards for some of the best views in Northern Ireland. The monument stands proud on a steep hill 540 feet above sea level and 125 feet high, and its scenic location offers incredible views over Strangford Lough, and inland across rolling fields, hills and forests. or visit the heritage-rich town of Bangor, with its maritime past and coastal charm. This area is perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, and discovering slower, more mindful ways to travel.

County Down Awaits - Your Next Short Break Starts Here

Whether you're looking for a nature-filled day trip, a coastal weekend break, or an escape into rich history and great food, County Down ticks every box. Walk mountain trails, unwind in seaweed baths, enjoy seafood by the shore, or explore filming locations from one of TV’s biggest shows. Hard to believe it’s just a small step from Dublin - but once you’re here, you’ll find it hard to leave.

Plan your visit now, book in advance where possible, and get ready to experience the best of Northern Ireland in one unforgettable place.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Be inspired by...

Awaken your Giant Spirit

Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Created in official partnership with Warner Bros., the world’s first and only Game of Thrones Studio Tour has arrived in Northern Ireland. Located at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, County Down, Game of Thrones Studio Tour invites you to experience the world of Game of Thrones like never before.
1. 1 Mar 202530 Sep 2025
2. 1 Oct 202531 Dec 2025
3. 2 Jan 202628 Feb 2026
Giant Adventure Offers

Offers and promotions on hotels, attractions and more help ensure you get maximum value on your next short break or day out across Northern Ireland. Take advantage of savings as you head out to explore today!
Strangford Lough Activity Centre

Strangford Lough Activity Centre offer a variety of land and water activities throughout Northern Ireland. Whatever your adventure, we’ll help you realise it. We are run by a team of qualified experienced instructors & guides.
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
2. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
Suggested Itinerary: The Mourne Region

Looking for suggestions for your short break to the Mourne region of County Down? Use this pre-built itinerary to find out more about some of the area's top attractions, eateries and places to stay. Check out the map below to see where everything is and click on the product listings below the map for more information.
Activities & Attractions in County Down

The very geography of County Down offers variety in itself. There’s the Mourne mountains sweeping down to the sea. There’s Strangford Lough, the largest lough of its kind in Britain and Ireland. The Ards Peninsula has a sea-bitten flavour all of its own. Head inland, into Bronte Country, and everything changes as rock and sand quickly give way to farmland and woods.
Ards & North Down Itinerary

Ards and North Down is a region of breathtaking beauty in Northern Ireland. With stunning coastal scenery and historic castles, there is plenty to discover. It's the perfect destination for a long weekend. We've made an itinerary that will help you get the most out of your getaway with the best recommendations for coffee, castles, coasts and culture in the area.
Food & Drink in County Down

In recent years celebrity chefs like Paul Rankin and Michael Deane have done a lot to boost Northern Ireland’s food and drink credentials. While many of their restaurants have made Belfast a culinary hotspot, their influence and that of others is felt across the country. Nowhere more so than in County Down.
Accommodation in County Down

You’ll find an amazing range of places to stay in and around County Down. There are hotels, coastal cottages and campsites with sea views to die for. There are ancient castles and period buildings steeped in history and atmosphere.
Montalto Estate

Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch is a mystical and enchanting estate, set in magnificent natural surroundings. Visitor experience includes access to the estate's beautiful gardens; historic walks and trails and an exciting play area where children can engage, explore and learn.
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
2. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
3. 1 Jan 202531 Dec 2025
Rowallane Garden

This unique garden has grown from the 19th century beginnings of the Reverend John Moore and his nephew Hugh Armytage Moore. Their vision created a place where you can leave the world behind and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary

Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An underwater Tunnel Experience, friendly sharks and a Dwarfcrocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
2. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
Spelga Dam

Spelga Dam Reservoir sits in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, located approximately 10 miles outside of Newcastle, County Down. A man-made reservoir built in the 1950s by the Belfast engineering firm, R Ferguson and Son.
Getting to County Down

County Down is the most easterly county in Northern Ireland. Magnificent mountain landscapes meet pretty-as-a-picture fishing villages, glorious beaches and epic Game of Thrones® experiences.
Top things to see & do in County Down

This is the county that is home to Northern Ireland’s most dramatic mountain range, gave Game of Thrones® its Winterfell castle, has the largest sea lough in Great Britain and Ireland and is St Patrick’s last resting place. Phew!

Places to stay in Co. Down

Awaken your Giant Spirit

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa

A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
2. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
Culloden Estate and Spa

Standing high on the wooded slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim coastline, is the magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa, one of the most prestigious hotels in Northern Ireland. Hotel availability for The Open 2025 | 16–21 July.
The Old Inn

The Old Inn is like home away from home, with personable service and an easy-going atmosphere. Guests can kick off their shoes and get comfortable in a guestroom that suits their mood, or amp up the luxury with suites that come with their own private hot tub.
Hillyard House Hotel

A wonderful award winning boutique hotel located beside the entrance gates to the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park in the historic market town of Castlewellan, near the seaside resort of Newcastle. Hillyard House Hotel, The Yard Restaurant and Mrs Coleman's Bar have everything to make your stay cosy, culinary and great craic.
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
Blackwell House

A warm welcome awaits you at this 5-star Country House nestled in the rolling County Down countryside near Scarva, Blackwell House is a family-run Guesthouse offering luxury and fine dining.
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
2. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
Clandeboye Lodge Hotel

A place apart. Clandeboye Lodge is the warm welcome of Northern Ireland. The comfortable and cosy corner you won’t want to leave. Charm and service from dawn until dusk.
The Portaferry Hotel

The Portaferry Hotel, the ideal place to relax, the minute you walk through our doors you can feel the atmosphere, snuggle up to our open fires or enjoy the stunning scenery with walks along the shore. And not forgetting our outstanding food offering.
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
2. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
Horseshoe Cottage

This stunning 18th century cottage on the shores of Strangford Lough, combines luxury with cosiness and comfort. It is a rural getaway, where guests are invited to relax and enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty.