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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Mourne Coastal Route by E-Bike – Bike Mourne

Castlewellan

Address

The Forest Park, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9BU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Cycling Tour

The Mourne Coastal Route hosts some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery and what better way to experience it than from the socially acceptable, environmentally sustainable and endlessly exhilarating viewpoint provided by an electric bike!
This…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Newcastle Way

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A circular route taking in the diverse scenery of Co Down

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Helen's Bay to Whitespots

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Woodland corridor

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Tobar Mhuire Heritage Trail

Downpatrick

Address

Downpatrick, Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A tranquil walk in beautifully wooded grounds

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
48 reviews
Castle Park

Bangor

Address

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4TB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Stroll through this beautiful wooded wonderland which is an exhilarating experience throughout the seasons.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Killyleagh

Address

23 High Street, Killyleagh, County Down, BT30 9QF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7896 254 153

info@sirhanssloanecentre.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Centre consists of a small museum, numerous displays, a science education area, a children's reading corner, a small gift shop, rest area, and botanical garden. Numerous activities are offered including science activities, foreign language and…

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

Downpatrick

Address

Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6GQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4000

susan.mcclay@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark is a UNESCO Global Geopark and recognised Area of Outstanding Beauty that seamlessly blends stunning landscapes, rich geological history, and vibrant cultural heritage.

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Portaferry Sports Centre

Portaferry

Address

Cloughey Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1ND

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4272 8833

portaferrysc@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

In Portaferry you'll find a comprehensive range of cardiovascular and resistance equipment including free hand weights, kettlebells, TRX bands and a punch bag as well as a range of bookable fitness activities and facilities.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Rowallane Garden - Woodland Walk

Saintfield

Address

Crossgar Road, Saintfield, County Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Whatever the season there's always something new to see at Rowallane Gardens, one of the most beautiful gardens in Northern Ireland.
Carved from the County Down landscape, the garden has grown from the 19th century beginnings of the Reverend John…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Pirates Adventure Golf

Dundonald, Belfast

Address

111A Old Dundonald Road, Dundonald, Belfast, County Antrim, BT16 1XT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9048 0220

info@piratesadventuregolf.com

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

Set in fully landscaped surroundings players must plot their way round the fun and exciting challenges of each hole and enjoy specifically designed special effects, which are unique to Pirates Adventure Golf.

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Winterfell Tours - Game of Thrones®

Strangford

Address

Winterfell Castle and Demesne, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7LS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 3933

raven@winterfell-tours.com

Type

Type:

Game of Thrones Experiences

Meet the real-life Direwolf Dogs & explore over 20 key Game of Thrones tour filming location hotspots on the beautiful 1,000-acre ancient sprawling demesne of Old Castle Ward, used for filming the epic adaption of George RR Martins Game of Thrones®…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Mount Stewart Lake Walk

Newtownards

Address

Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry bearing the hallmark of its creator. Edith, Lady Londonderry’s passion for bold planting schemes coupled with the mild climate…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - We have 2 car parks available at Mount Stewart. Car Park 1 is located nearer to the house and gardens and Car Park 2 is nearer our trails. There are accessible parking spaces in Car Park 1.
- Parking (free)
Walk Saint Patrick's Way

Downpatrick

Address

Saint Patrick's Square, Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 9000

sales@saintpatrickcentre.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Walk in the footsteps of Saint Patrick on Saint Patrick’s Way and discover his story with our Pilgrim Guides around the beautiful medieval town of Downpatrick.

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The Market Cross

Newtownards

Address

High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7HZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

At the east of High Street in Newtownards the Market Cross was built in 1636 but was destroyed by Commonwealth troops in 1653.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Strangford Lough Boat Tours

Killinchy

Address

Sketrick Island, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7938 517 009

strangfordloughactivitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Strangford Lough Boat Tours offer trips, experiences and even a waterborne taxi service on the beautiful, protected waters of this incredible sea lough. Available for all people of all ages as well as to film crews and photographers,…

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2025to31 Oct 2025

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
9 reviews
Hillsborough Forest

Royal Hillsborough

Address

22 Large Park, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AL

margaret.mcavoy@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

The looped walk around the forest lake is a popular choice among bird-watchers, dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers. Enjoy free entry to the forest, with on site parking available, and almost 200 acres with way-marked routes providing a…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Substantial free parking is available for 137 cars. There are 6 dedicated marked bays available for disabled visitors. Overflow parking is also available during weekends and school holidays. Bicycle racks are available for visitors who wish to cycle to the park, however bicycles are not permitted on the forest trails.
Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

Cloughey

Address

142 Main Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1JA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4277 1233

office@kirkistowncastlegolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Links Golf Course

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club is situated in the sleepy little village of Cloughey on the eastern seaboard of the Ards Peninsula in County Down, N.Ireland. It is the nearest links golf course to the city of Belfast (about 45 minutes by road)

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Down Arts Centre

Downpatrick

Address

2 - 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

Located in the heart of Downpatrick, Down Arts Centre manages the Season Programme and is the operational base for Arts in Newry, Mourne and Down.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info