County Down | Places to Visit | Discover Northern Ireland
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County Down

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Dogs Welcome
Gym on Premises
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  1. See how it all began, from script to screen at 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. 2 Jan 202528 Feb 2025
    2. 1 Mar 202530 Sep 2025
    3. 1 Oct 202531 Dec 2025
  2. Picture of Montalto House, Montalto Lake and Boathouse all within Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch.
    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
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    3. 1 Jan 202531 Dec 2025
  3. Paddling boarding on Castlewellan Lake
    Epic adventures are on offer all year round at Life Adventure Centre. Their extensive range of activities include mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, wet bouldering, rock climbing, sit on top kayaking, coasteering, electric biking and open canoeing - something for everyone!
    1. Giant Adventure Offers
      Newly added offers and promotions are valid now for your next short break. Take advantage of these savings as you explore the vibrant cities, charming villages, and stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland.
    2. A view of South Lawn side of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
      Come and explore Northern Ireland's royal residence, where worlds and minds meet. Relax in 100 acres of picturesque gardens, explore the State Rooms still used today and indulge in delicious food and drink in our café.
      1. 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.
      2. 2 mountain bikers enjoying the views across Carlingford Lough from atop Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails in County Down. They are sitting while their bikes rest against a boulder.

        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.

      3. 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.
      4. Groups get to enjoy neat tastings of the Shortcross gin range
        Art, craft and history blend together at Shortcross Distillery, to create an unforgettable experience on the beautiful grounds of Rademon Estate. Join founders Fiona and David to learn about their award-winning gin, which also happens to be Northern Ireland’s first craft gin.
        1. Male and female couple at kitchen table with Tracey.  The male is pouring baking flour from bag into a bowl.
          Tracey's cottage is located only 30 minutes from Belfast in a Marine Nature Reserve on Strangford Lough. Join her to make Soda and Wheaten Breads and to enjoy a feast of homemade treats around the Farmhouse Kitchen table. A hands on experience.
          1. 1 Jan 202531 Dec 2025
        2. Photo of people enjoying rides on the Giant Swans pedal boats on the blue waters of the man made pond at Pickie Funpark
          Enjoy a fun day out at Pickie Fun Park. Try out the 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train, children's play area, children's electric car track and more.
          1. Paddle Boarding
            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
          2. Join a pilgrimage themed around Saint Patrick in Downpatrick, County Down, with your talented guides former Adoration Sisters Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly, for a walk along Ireland's own Camino.
          3. 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.
          4. 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.
          5. The 4th green at Royal County Down Golf Course in Newcastle, County Down. Slieve Donard and the Mourne Mountains are visible in the background.

            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!

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          Awaken your Giant Spirit

          1. Slieve Donard Exterior
            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
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          2. View of the hotel and landscaped grounds on a bright sunny day
            Standing high on the wooded slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the Co. Antrim coastline, is the magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa, one of the most prestigious 5 star hotels in Northern Ireland.
          3. A couple pulling overnight bags entering into 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.
          4. sign for Hillyard Huse on outside wall with hanging flower basket below.
            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.
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          5. 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
          6. exterior of main entrance to hotel framed by landscaped gardens
            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.
          7. Portaferry Hotel Entrance
            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
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          8. Horseshoe Cottage exerior
            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.
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