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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...Read More

Things to do in County Down

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

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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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
Mourne Road Tours - Craft Brewery Tour

Castlewellan

Address

Drumee Gardens, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9EJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7368 529 714

info@mourne-road-tours.co.uk

Type

Type:

Brewery/Distillery Tour

Northern Ireland has become one of the most prominent players in the craft beer and gin boom across the world, and this exciting tour will take you to visit three of the region’s biggest players in the industry.

More Info
Mourne Mountain Walk

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle Visitor Information Centre, 10-14 Central Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 2222

newcastle.vic@downdc.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

A popular approach to the Mournes. The woods fade away and a granite gravel path runs almost to the great Mourne wall. Look back down the glen to appreciate the elegant sweep of the bay.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
152 reviews
Silent Valley Mountain Park

Kilkeel

Address

Head Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4HU

Telephone
+44 (0)345 7440 088

waterline@niwater.com

Type

Type:

Lake / Reservoir

The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is the main water supply source for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast. The famous Mourne Wall was constructed to enclose the reservoir's catchment area.
Facilities

Parking & Transport

Car parking
More Info
Hare's Gap

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Quarry track with final uphill section over rocky terrain.
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)
More Info
Lough Shannagh

Address

Co Down

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Lough Shannagh walk leads up hill on the 'Banns Road', an off road farm track. The route circles Lough Shannagh (in an anti-clockwise direction) with a high point of 587m at Carn Mountain. It also follows and crosses the Mourne Wall on places.
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)
More Info
Mourne Wall Challenge

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Challenging circular walk following the length of Mourne Wall
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)
More Info
Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes

Ballynahinch

Address

Ballyburren, 143 Dromore Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8HZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9581 6650

info@ballyburren.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Our unique estate has over 5,000 trees with ponds, pathways and bridges nestled in 18 acres of beautiful undulating surroundings just 25mins from Belfast, near Ballynahinch in County Down. We offer mini adventures for families, individuals, couples…
Facilities

Parking & Transport

Car parking
Facilities

Accessibility

Ramp / Level Access
Facilities

Establishment Features

Wi-fi available
More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
405 reviews
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…

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2025to31 May 2025
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)

Parking & Transport

On site parking
Price
Free

More Info
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.

More Info
Granite Trail (Donard Loop & Bogie Line)

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The Granite Trail to Thomas’s Mountain is just over 1,100 metres

More Info
Lough Shannagh - The Heart of the Mournes - Mountain Ways Ireland

Kilkeel

Address

The Game Keeper Lodge, 270 Moyad Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Trek to the heart of The Mournes as we trace the fascinating story of Granite.We'll demonstrate this ancient art and also visit the largest and most beautiful natural mountain lake with views far below into the stunning Mountain reservoirs.

More Info
Windmill Hill

Portaferry

Address

Windmill Hill, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1RH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

Situated on the hill south east of the town below the stump of Portaferry Windmill, a lay by and a viewpoint has been provided. One can enjoy a breath-taking view of Strangford Lough from the mouth of the Lough to Greyabbey.
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)
Price
Free

More Info
Strangford Yacht Charter

Address

30 Clea Lough Road, Killyleagh, Co Down, BT30 9SY

Telephone
+44 (0) 7836327272

skipper@strangfordyachtcharter.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Cruise in style and comfort around the sheltered waters of Strangford Lough and beyond onboard a luxury motor yacht.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
134 reviews
Ballyholme Beach

Bangor

Address

Bank's Lane, Groomsport Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations.
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)

Parking & Transport

On site parking
Price
Free

More Info
Mourne Alpacas Trekking and Cria Watch Experiences

Dromara

Address

60 Levallyreagh Road, Dromara, County Down, BT25 2DG

Telephone
+44 (0)7918 719 595

bookings@mournealpacas.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Trek with one alpaca, walking in pastures with over 100 more. Your experience includes a fascinating talk about the life of alpacas in our very large breeding herd, followed by a trek leading your own or walking with a friend leading an alpaca,…

Dates
Facilities

Parking & Transport

Car parking

On site parking

Parking (free)
Facilities

Accessibility

Ramp / Level Access

Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features

Wi-fi available
More Info
Tobar Mhuire Heritage Trail

Downpatrick

Address

Downpatrick, Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A tranquil walk in beautifully wooded grounds
Facilities

Provider Preferences

Free (parking charges may apply)
More Info