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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
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Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Bangor

Address

Valentine Road, Castle Park, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Garden

It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Varieties of flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables mix with sculptures and a unique fountain with a tongue twister! We are thrilled that the Walled Garden is now open all year round…

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside - All dogs must remain on a lead.
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Strangford Bay Alpacas

Strangford

Address

Old Court Wedding Company, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7NB

Telephone
+ 44 (0)7467288719

info@strangfordbayalpacas.co.uk

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Meet our friendly herd and enjoy unique hands-on experiences for all ages, from guided walks along scenic Strangford Lough to the unforgettable adventure of bringing the alpacas down to the sea for a splash! Every visit is full of smiles, fresh…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tollymore Forest Park - River Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Having descended the Azalea Walk to the Shimna River, the trail turns upstream along the attractive tree lined river bank past the Hermitage to cross the river at Parnell's Bridge. The 10 metre cascade fall is most spectacular.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails

Rostrevor

Address

Shore Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

Type

Type:

Mountain Biking Trails

Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails offer challenging climbs with some serious descents and Ireland's first two official downhill trails and other trails suitable for families to use.

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Bronte Homeland Walk

Banbridge

Address

Ballinaskeagh Rd, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 5DJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 406 20232

tic@banbridge.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

Patrick Bronte, the father of the famous literary sisters, was born in this area on 17th March 1777. This 3 mile walk takes in public rights of way and roads in the lovely countryside between Loughbrickland and Rathfriland.

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Blackwood Golf Centre

Bangor

Address

150 Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 2706

info@theblackwoodgc.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Premier pay and play golf facility with open Stableford every Friday. Visitors are always most welcome to come along and play the course..

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church

Comber

Address

The Manse, 15 Windmill Hill, Comber, County Down, BT23 5EQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 2265

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church was built on a site donated by James Andrews and the stained glass windows in the church depict family members. Members of the Andrews family are also buried in the graveyard.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Bangor

Address

Bryansburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Edenmore Golf & Country Club

Craigavon

Address

67A Steps Road, Donaghcloney, Edenmore, Magheralin, Craigavon, Co Armagh, BT66 7NZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9261 9241

info@edenmore.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Set deep in the Lagan Valley, Edenmore Golf & Country Club is just 20 minutes from Belfast. The Club has a range of facilities for all visitors, including an 18 hole championship Golf Course, Spa, Restaurant, Fitness Suite and onsite accommodation.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Electric Mountain Biking on the Rostrevor Red Trail – Bike Mourne

Rostrevor

Address

Rostrevor Forest Park, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Mountain Biking Trails

Experience the exhilaration of the Rostrevor Red Mountain Bike Trail by E-Bike with our Self-Guided Trail Package

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Tyrella Beach

Clough

Address

Clanmaghery Road, Clough, County Down, BT30 8SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

delamont.park@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Beach

Tyrella beach and conservation area is a small, enclosed dune complex within Dundrum Bay. It is a wide, flat, sandy beach two kilometres long and backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes in a conservation area.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply) - Parking Charges apply from Easter to September (weekends only) & July & August (daily) 10am - 6pm. www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/parking
Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge) - Parking Charges apply from Easter to September (weekends only) & July & August (daily) 10am - 6pm. www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/parking
Delamont Strangford Walk

killyleagh

Address

Delamont Country Park, 90 Downpatrick Rd,, killyleagh, 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
Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport

Address

The Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9109 3038

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Take a step back in time with a visit to the lovingly restored Cockle Row Cottages located beside the harbour, Groomsport.

Dates

From:

5 June 2026to14 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

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

Downpatrick

Address

14 Struell Wells Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6RA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Struell Wells was built around a stream flowing through a secluded valley. It was a popular place of pilgrimage from the 1600s until the 1840s.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bradshaws Brae Driving Range

Newtownards

Address

115 Old Belfast Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 3484

info@bradshawsbraedrivingrange.co.uk

Type

Type:

Driving Range

18 covered floodlit bays, 10 outside bays.
Also Explanar Teaching centre, resident PGA professional Gordon Fairweather.

More Info
Holywood Golf Club

Holywood

Address

Demesne Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 3135

mail@holywoodgolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Set high in the Holywood Hills, County Down we are just seven miles outside Belfast and have breathtaking views of Belfast Lough and the Antrim Coast. Visit the home course of world golf star Rory McIlroy. Get a photo taken with the major trophies.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex

Bangor

Address

3 Valentine Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0271

chris.kelly@serco.com

Type

Type:

Swimming Pool

Bangor Aurora Leisure complex is situated in the heart of Bangor. Featuring 3 swimming pools, leisure waters and extensive gym facilities the Aurora offers a great family fun day out.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Mourne Mountain Holidays

Address

45 Newtown Road, ROSTREVOR, Co Down, BT34 3BZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7754709111

booking@mournemountainholidays.com

Type

Type:

Mountain Bike Operators

Mourne Mountain Holidays provides mountain bike guiding and lessons in the Mournes.

More Info
Cairn Wood Trails

Newtownards

Address

21 Craigantlet Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TE

Telephone
0300 013 3333

outdoor@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Explore our mixed woodland with five scenic trails that lead you through the forest and to stunning viewpoints. The trails are a favourite among families and local dog walkers.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Car parking is free of charge Disabled parking for cars is available with one EV charging point alongside the disabled parking.
Stormont Woodland Walks & Fitness Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A walk through attractive woodland and parkland with many interesting features including Parliament Buildings. Only five miles out of the city, Stormont Woodland Walk and Fitness Trail, is a great place to walk, run and relax.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)