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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Mourne Mountains

Annalong

Address

Unit 3, Cornmill Quay, Annalong, Co Down, BT34 4QJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 4059

mht@mourne.co.uk

Type

Type:

Natural Feature

"Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea" (Percy French) The popular song has made the Mournes the best known mountains in Ireland. Distinctive and self contained, they are tucked away in the south east corner of Northern Ireland.…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Mountain Sojourns

Newcastle

Address

195 South Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0HA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 5433

info@mountainsojourns.co.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Fiona is an internationally qualified Mountain Leader,offering informative guided mountain hikes and Nordic Walking for groups in Mourne Mountains & Forest Parks in County Down. Other activities include mountain challenges& team building activities.

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Revive Saunas & Hot Tubs Wellness Experience

Rostrevor

Address

Rostrevor Mountain Lodge, 34 Lower Knockbarragh Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3DP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 41738516

contact@rostrevormountainlodge.co.uk

Price
Price £18.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

Revive Saunas, Natural Spring Mountain Spa. Where breathtaking views of the Knockbarragh Valley in the Mourne Mountains create the perfect setting for rejuvenation.

Price
Price £18.00 Per Ticket

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Strangford Lough Activity Centre

Killinchy

Address

40 Whiterock Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 7909 721 898

strangfordloughactivitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Clough Castle

Clough

Address

Main Street, Clough, County Down, BT30 8TH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

An Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey earthwork castle dating to the late 12th or early 13th century. The motte was built of earth to provide a look-out position and central defence. The bailey provided a space for domestic buildings and livestock.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Murlough Beach

Newcastle

Address

Dundrum Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0LW

Telephone
03301374046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

This 5 mile stretch of golden sands is still the essence of the resort and is hugely popular for swimming, sunbathing and other forms of recreation.

Price
Free

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Kingdom of Mourne Tours

Newcastle

Address

Mourneview Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0QS

Telephone
+44 (0) 7789 938 541

kingdomofmournetours@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Join your experienced, qualified tour guide and hill walking leader as she offers informative and enjoyable guided walking tours in and around the Mournes area.

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Gransha Equestrian Centre

Bangor

Address

10 Kerrs Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7QD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7855 462 614

granshariding@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

At Gransha Equestrian Centre we welcome beginners and more experienced riders. We can taylor a ride out or lesson in any of our 4 arenas to suit your individual requirements on our lovely horses and ponies, accompanied by our friendly qualified staff

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Burr Point

Ballyhalbert

Address

Ballyhalbert Harbour, Ballyhalbert, County Down, BT22 1DL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

Burr Point, the most easterly point on the island.

Price
Free

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The Sound Spa Experience

Comber

Address

Ballydrain Road, Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7792 925 128

info@thesoundhealingspa.com

Type

Type:

Health & Wellbeing

The Sound Spa Events & Experiences combine Tessa Ann's carefully curated soundscapes with instrumental sounds, such as gongs, bowls, voice and other instruments to promote wellbeing.

Dates

From:
21 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 12:30
From:
21 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 20:30

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
13 reviews
Helen's Bay Beach

Helens Bay

Address

Crawfordsburn Country Park, Helens Bay, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities, all within twenty minutes drive of Belfast.

Price
Free

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Carlingford Lough Ferry

Greencastle

Address

80 Greencastle Pier Road, Greencastle, County Down, BT34 4LR

Telephone
+44 (0) 80 0471 4665

info@carlingfordferry.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Carlingford Lough Ferry, a voyage of discovery & unforgettable scenery as you cross the lough of myths and legends.

Dates

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Kilclief Castle

Strangford

Address

Shore Road, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7NP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Kilclief Castle was built between 1413 and 1441, reputedly by John Sely, bishop of Down. This makes it the earliest datable tower-house in County Down and is often used to date other tower-houses in the County.

Price
Free

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Kilbroney Graveyard

Rostrevor

Address

Kilbroney Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3GG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3170

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

'Cill Bhronaigh', or Bronagh’s Church (12th century), is located in the graveyard just outside Rostrevor on the Hilltown Road. The graveyard contains Saint Bronagh’s Cross, dating from the late 8th century and a ruined 15th century building.

Price
Free

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Airtastic Entertainment Centre Bangor

Bangor

Address

Units 3-5, South Circular Retail Park, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 174 2933

bangor@air-tastic.com

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Plan your day out at Airtastic Bangor! Our newly upgraded centre features a fantastic range of activities, including our soft play area for younger children, action-packed laser tag, a modern bowling alley, and an incredible Play to Win amusements…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

20 Mar 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Magy’s Farm Experience – Where Music Grows

Dromara

Address

59 Dechomet Road, Dromara, County Down, BT25 2HQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7967 976 026

info@magysfarm.co.uk

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

A unique trip to a contemporary farmhouse and jazz music venue in the Dromara Hills in County Down to meet writer and poet Maggie Doyle who will tell you the story of the small, dairy farm where she grew up and how it has been re-purposed to create…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
118 reviews
North Down Museum

Bangor

Address

Bangor City Hall, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 1200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Visit North Down Museum to explore the fascinating saga of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day. The Museum takes you on a journey through Early Christian heritage and the Vikings to Scottish Settlers and the Victorians.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Helen's Bay to Whitespots

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Woodland corridor

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Goward Dolmen

Hilltown

Address

Goward Road, Hilltown, County Down, BT34 5YL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Goward Dolmen is situated approx 0.4km south of the B8 Castlewellan/Hilltown road on the north west slopes of the Mourne Mountains and is a fine portal tomb surrounded by trees.

Price
Free

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Newcastle Golf Centre

Newcastle

Address

39 Castlewellan Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0JY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 5328

michaelmcpolin@castledara.com

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

Newcastle Golf Centre is fun for all the family from the beginner to the professional with Adventure Golf, Driving Range with automatic power tees, and 18 hold adventure golf course. Disabled access and refreshments on site.

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