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: 332

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Heli Power

Newtownards

Address

61 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 1971

info@helipower.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Heli Power is a well established Helicopter flight training school for beginners or experienced flyers. We also offer tours of Northern Ireland, transport for wedding and golf parties and many more tailor made packages.

More Info
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
Inch Abbey

Downpatrick

Address

Inch Abbey Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 9AX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

Located on the north bank of the Quoile River, Inch Abbey was founded by John de Courcy in atonement for his destruction of Erenagah Abbey.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Castlewellan Peace Maze

Castlewellan

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

castlewellanpark@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Maze

Castlewellan Peace Maze, is one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes representing the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Donaghadee Town Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This urban walk provides an opportunity to learn more about the buildings, monuments and streetscapes which have given the town its historical character.
Millisle Beach is a nearby attraction.

More Info
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.

More Info
Ballymacormick Point

Bangor

Address

Bangor, Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Rocky coastal path with some steep steps.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Ulster Flying Club

Newtownards

Address

61 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 3327

fly@ulsterflyingclub.com

Type

Type:

Microlight Flying

The Ulster Flying Club offers the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable adventure over the picturesque landscapes of Ards & North Down. Take to the skies in either our Microlight C42 or Cessna 172, you will soar above this stunning region,…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Clanrye River

Newry

Address

C/O Newry Visitor Information Centre, Begenal's Castle, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0)28 3083 3077

newryvic@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

The Clanrye River is a medium sized river (12 miles, 5-20m) with good brown trout fishing. Pike and small minnow frequent the waters and in the summer months you will find a run of sea trout.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site 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
Mourne Mountain Adventures

Kilkeel

Address

Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4XY

Telephone
+44 (0) 07873 904 206

MourneMountainAdventures@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Experience the beauty and adventure that hides over every peak and rolling hill in the Mournes with one of Mourne Mountain Adventures’ guided hikes. We provide you with the perfect way to gain an in-depth insight into the region’s incredible flora…

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 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kingsland Pitch And Putt

Bangor

Address

Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 5622

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

One nine hole pitch and putt course. Two 18 hole putting greens. 4 Tennis courts.
There is also putting and pitch and putt equipment for hire.
For booking information, please contact Bangor Sportsplex.

More Info
Dromore Motte and Bailey

Dromore

Address

Mount Street, Dromore, County Down, BT25 1FA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Dromore Mound or Dromore Motte and Bailey as it is commonly known is the best preserved and most impressive Anglo-Norman motte and bailey structure in Ulster. It was built by Sir John de Courcy after the Norman Conquest in the 13th Century.

Price
Free

More Info
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
Kinedale Donkeys

Ballynahinch

Address

38 Chestnut Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8JQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 73 9354 8583

info@kinedaledonkeys.co.uk

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Join Robert and his 25 therapy-trained donkeys for wellness and heritage experiences. You are welcomed to his family's farm in Ballynahinch, in the heart of County Down. Take a breather with Goat Meditation or explore the rolling "drumlins" with a…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Kearney Village

Portaferry

Address

Kearney Road, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8387

strangford@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Owned by the National Trust, it is a picturesque 18th century fishing village with scenic coastal walks. There is an abundance of wildlife to be seen. A small visitor centre is open from dawn to dusk, as are the public toilets and car park.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ashtonelle Alpacas

Greyabbey

Address

23 Ballywalter Road, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2RF

Telephone
07796692952

info@ashtonellealpacas.co.uk

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Spend up to 45 minutes feeding the alpacas their favourite treats and learning all about them. There will be plenty of time to watch and enjoy the alpacas' company and take as many photographs as you like. You will also have time to see (and feel)…

Dates

From:

1 May 2026to30 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Annadorn Dolmen

Downpatrick

Address

Junction of Bucks Head Road & Loughinisland Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 8JW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Situated 8.8km south east of Ballynahinch, on the north east shore of Loughinisland Lake, within sight of Loughinisland Church. A slightly displaced capstone covers a rectangular chamber of which three side stones survive.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)