Activities & Attractions in County Down

Things to do 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.

It’s no surprise then that there’s also a wide variety of things to do and see in County Down.

Family fun never grows old here

Start with one of Northern Ireland’s most popular, fun-filled attractions. The Let’s Go Hydro Aqua Park just outside Belfast is packed with all kinds of activities, from open water swimming to waterslides, cable water sports, aqua rugby, tubing, wakeboarding and paddle-boarding. They’ve on-site glamping facilities, meaning you can make a weekend of it too.

Clearsky Adventure Centre at Old Castle Ward on the shores of Strangford Lough is another place where the sky’s the limit when it comes to things to do. Set amidst the remains of a medieval fortress, where scenes from both Vikings and Game of Thrones® were filmed, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice. Axe throwing or archery? Cycling or coasteering? Sea safari or star-gazing from a glamping pod? You couldn’t make it all up and, fortunately, you don’t have to because it’s all there waiting for you.

The jewel in the crown – Hillsborough Castle

(Access is only available to the gardens and café during the winter. The Castle reopens in the spring).

Hillsborough Castle is one of the official Royal Palaces and is well worth visiting. It was built in Georgian style and splendour by Wills Hill and is beautifully set in 100 acres of well-tended parkland and gardens. A guided tour of the castle will trace the history of the palace as you move from one opulent room to another, including the magnificent State Rooms, the Red Room and Throne Room. Outside, you’re able to wander the grounds, discovering the restored Walled Garden, Lost Garden and a myriad of winding avenues, paths and lawns. After all that, head for the on-site cafe and gift shop, which are almost reasons to visit in themselves.

From a palace to a castle

Castle Ward, facing Strangford Lough, also offers another face to the world. It was in fact built in two contrasting styles. Why? Because the couple who built it, Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor, and his wife, Ann, simply couldn’t agree on the style and décor - and we’re not talking white or magnolia paint here! To compromise, the half of the castle facing the lough is built and decorated in an elaborate Gothic style, while the half facing inland is in a classical Palladian style. If that alone gives you a taste for the place, just wait until you get there. Apart from the house itself, there’s a stable yard which featured heavily in Game of Thrones®, plus cycling, walking, archery, horse-riding and acres of immaculately planted and tended grounds to explore.

Grand indoors to great outdoors – Mournes, Newcastle and more

After all that grandeur, get out and clear your head in the Mourne Mountains, which are perfect for hiking, criss-crossed as they are with countless walking trails and conveniently-placed car parks. Many of the accessible trails and paths will at some point lead you down into Silent Valley or up the slopes of Slieve Donard, or both. Either way, the Mournes make for a breath-taking outdoors experience. Even stepping off a trail to admire the panoramic views across the glittering Irish sea feels like an event in itself. Look out for the Cooley peninsula to the south, the Isle of Man to the north-east, with Mount Snowdon in Wales visible through binoculars on the clearest of days.

It’s a short hop from here to the popular seaside town of Newcastle, with its long silver strand, Royal County Down championship golf course, iconic Slieve Donard hotel and the usual seaside attractions for kids of all ages.

Another option worth exploring is the water, and there’s a lot of it to go around in these parts. Strangford Lough is both immense and intimate at the same time, with harbours, villages, marinas, slipways and quays dotted along its coastline. It’s a great place to take a kayak out for a few hours exploring the many islands, with hire shops and instructors always nearby.

Refuel, revive and imbibe as you explore

County Down plays host to a number of microbreweries, and if craft beer, local gins or homemade wines are of interest, we recommend you add a few of the following to your itinerary.

Shortcross Gin Distillery in Downpatrick, and the Echlinville Distillery out on the Ards peninsula are but a few of the brewers and distillers leading the way in our burgeoning craft drink revival. Each is worth a visit to take in the setting, learn about the perfection of the process, sample the wonderful products, and even take a souvenir - or a bottle - home with you too.

That’s just a whistle-stop tour of some of the highlights of this varied and vibrant county. Hopefully you’ll have found plenty of inspiration above, with more below – so get planning and away you go!

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, we strongly advise checking in advance before you travel to your intended destination to ensure its open and book tickets if applicable.

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Number of results: 331

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Discover Early Christian Down

Downpatrick

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4049

mail@downcountymuseum.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Discover Early Christian Down. Special tours for groups.
Explore the legacy of St Patrick. Discover the history of Down’s ancient high crosses. See real Early Christian artefacts from local Patrician sites.

More Info
Historical Walk Through Dromore

Dromore

Address

Church Street, Dromore, County Down, BT25 1RZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 406 20232

tic@banbridge.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Medium (5-20 miles)

This is an interesting 5 mile self guided, mainly on road walk, in and around the historic town of Dromore, taking in some very pleasant countryside. The town dates back to the 6th century when St. Colman founded a monastery near the site of the…

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Sustainable Journeys Ireland

Portaferry

Address

Slanes Point, 38 Ardminnan Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7763 898 074

brigid@sustainablejourneysireland.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Slow down, connect with nature, Irish culture and local people on a guided, coastal walk or coach tour with local, specialist tour guide, Brigid Watson.
You will journey to areas off the beaten track to places which most tourists never see and…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
91 reviews
Ward Park

Bangor

Address

Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

A perfect park in the centre of Bangor. An ideal spot to enjoy the local wildlife and feed the ducks.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Clandeboye Golf Club

Conlig

Address

51 Tower Road, Conlig, County Down, BT23 7PN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 1767

office@cgc-ni.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

36 Holes. There are two courses in wooded undulating parkland/heathland with clusters of gorse bushes and copses ready to claim the wayward shots.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Delamont Garden Walk

Killyleagh

Address

Delamont Country Park, 90 Downpatrick Road, Killyleagh, County Down, BT30 9TZ

Telephone
03301374366

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

One of the Delamont Country Park Walks. All walks are wheelchair accessible and two mobility rambler scooters are available for use in the park. Car park charge at weekends and daily during the Summer Season.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Holywood Priory Church

Holywood

Address

High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Holywood Priory is an intersting and historic site close to the bustling town of Holywood.

Price
Free

More Info
Dundrum Castle

Dundrum

Address

Castle Hill, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0NF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Believed to have been built in or around 1177, Dundrum Castle was built by John De Courcy as part of his coastal defence after he invaded Ulster. Dundrum Castle is located on a wooded hill north-west of Dundrum village near Newcastle.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Angling in the Banbridge District

Banbridge

Address

Various, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3RU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4062 3322

tic@banbridge.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

The Banbridge District is a paradise for the keen game angler, the main areas being at Corbet Lough, Lough Brickland Lake and Upper River Bann. There are also about 10 other small lakes in the area, all of which are open for coarse fishing.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kilkeel Harbour

Kilkeel

Address

The Nautilus Centre, Rooney Road, Kilkeel, Down, BT34 4AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4176 2525

kdakilkeel@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Sea Fishing

Kilkeel Harbour was developed in the 1800s and is now home to Northern Irelands largest fishing fleet. In the ealy days schooners exported granite, potatoes and grain and imported coal, bricks etc.
It is also home to `Salt n Pepper' the resident…

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Maghera Church And Round Tower

Newcastle

Address

Carrigs Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0JT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Maghera Church and Round Tower is of major historical importance and is among many important heritage sites throughout County Down.

Price
Free

More Info
Banbridge Angling Club - Corbet Lough

Banbridge

Address

Corbet Lough, Aughnacloy Road, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3RU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4062 5039

info@banbridgeanglingclub.com

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

Corbet Lough, under the management of Banbridge Angling Club, is a 70 acre premier trout angling fishery set in the scenic Co Down countryside aganist the backdrop of the famous Mourne Mountains. It has much to offer local anglers and tourists alike.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Kiltonga Nature Reserve

Newtownards

Address

Belfast Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

In July 2000, Kiltonga Nature Reserve became the first site in the UK to be awarded BT Millennium Miles Status. Almost 1000 metres of walkway were upgraded to enable disabled access to the reserve.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Nautilus Centre

Kilkeel

Address

Nautilus Centre, Rooney Road, Kilkeel, Co Down, BT34 4AX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4176 2525

mscskilkeel@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Nautilus Centre overlooks Kilkeel's busy and picturesque fishing port and houses the Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre, Kilkeel Visitor Information Centre, Tracing Your Mourne Roots Exhibition and the Mourne Seafood Cookery School.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Mayobridge Golf Club

Mayobridge

Address

50 Crossan Road, Mayobridge, County Down, BT34 2HY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3085 0295

info@mayobridgegolf.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

This 18 hole par 67 course is located in idyllic scenery with spectacular panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains and surrounding countryside. Mayobridge has been created to follow the contours of the land giving a mixture of par 3s, 4s and 5s.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises - The Oak Tree Restaurant open Friday – Sunday. Family Friendly, Outdoor area, All welcome.
Downpatrick Racecourse

Downpatrick

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 2054

info@downpatrickracecourse.co.uk

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Downpatrick Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in Ireland, dating back to 1685. Today, we host 10 fixtures each year with our feature being the Randox Ulster National which this year takes place on Sunday 2nd April. The Racecourse is a hub of…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Historical Research Associates

Carrickfergus

Address

40 Carrickburn Road, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7ND

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 8502

jennifer@historicalresearchassociates.com

Type

Type:

Ancestry / Tracing Your Routes

Established in 1984 we provide a prompt personal and professional research service for those wishing to trace their family history. We also undertake specialised Probate and Birth family history research requests.

More Info
Temple Golf Club

Lisburn

Address

60 Church Road, Boardmills, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 6UP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9263 9213

info@templegolf.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Temple is one of the finest 9 hole golf courses in Northern Ireland having hosted the ‘National Nines’ on two consecutive occasions and is a fine challenge for novice and experienced golfers alike.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Newry Leisure Centre

Newry

Address

Newry Leisure Centre, 60 Cecil Street, Newry, County Down, BT35 6AU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3190

poolreception@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

Newry Leisure Centre is a new multi-million pound complex located in the city centre and is Northern Ireland’s latest state of the art leisure complex in the heart of Newry City.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
386 reviews
Let's Go Hydro Resort & Spa

Carryduff

Address

1 Mealough Road, Carryduff, County Down, BT8 8GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9081 4662

info@letsgohydro.com

Type

Type:

Water Sports

If you enjoy water-based fun, then Let’s Go Hydro is a must visit. The impressive outdoor attraction, including an inflatable floating obstacle course, provides fun for all. The course features an XXL Tower, slides, climbing wall, hurdles, wiggle…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking