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: 334

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Bangor Seafront

Bangor

Address

Bangor Seafront, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

Picturesque promenade, leading from town centre to coastal path, past the prestigious marina. Sites include historic McKee Clock, Bregenz House the Headquarters of HM Coastguard, and Pickie Funpark.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Carnalea Golf Club

Bangor

Address

Station Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0368

frances@carnaleagolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

There has been a course at Carnalea for over 100 years. Indeed Carnalea became Ireland’s first municipal golf club in 1927. Its beautiful seaside setting has superb views over Belfast Lough and the Antrim hills beyond. Long on history and ...

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Crawfordsburn Country Park, Coastal Walk

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This walk ambles through a hay meadow, which is full of wild flowers in the summer months. The route then leads along sandy beaches, including Crawfordsburn Beach and Helen's Bay.
Grey Point Fort is a restored coastal battery.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Mourne, Cooley, Gullion Way

Newcastle

Address

Mourne Mountains, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0NQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

This breath-taking route is unique mix of three waymarked ways which remain largely undiscovered by the tourist. The 6000 year -old Sand dunes of Murlough bay and beach walking is a nice lead into this stunning cross-border walk.

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Helen's Bay to Whitespots

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Woodland corridor

More Info
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
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

More Info
Field of Dreams Field Sports

Bangor

Address

55 Upper Gransha Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7QE

Telephone
07872 837 056

info@fieldofdreamsni.com

Type

Type:

Target Sports

Field of Dreams offers a range of field sports, including clay shooting, archery, and air rifle shooting, perfect for family gatherings, corporate events, and stag and hen parties. With expert guidance, safety briefings, and all necessary gear…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Seacourt Print Workshop

Bangor

Address

75 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AF

Telephone
+44(0)28 9146 0595

info@seacourt-ni.org.uk

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Seacourt is a friendly open-access print workshop based in the seaside town of Bangor, Northern Ireland

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
159 reviews
Delamont Country Park

Killyleagh

Address

90 Downpatrick Road, Killyleagh, County Down, BT30 9TZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

delamont.park@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Public Park

Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. The stunning views across Strangford Lough and the relaxing atmosphere make Delamont…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Charges apply for the parking of vehicles.
Rockmount Golf Club

Carryduff, Belfast

Address

28 Drumalig Road, Carryduff, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 8EQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9081 2279

info@rockmountgolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

This masterpiece combines scenic Mourne Mountain views and testing conditions for golfers of all standards. The course has been cleverly designed so that the natural terrain is incorporated throughout the 18 holes.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
39 reviews
Quoile Pondage Nature Reserve and Countryside Centre

Downpatrick

Address

Quoile Countryside Centre, 5 Quay Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7JB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 5520

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

The Reserve provides a relaxing natural retreat and offers visitors tranquil riverside and woodland walks.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Free Car Parking is available all year round with 4 car parks to choose from. One is located on the Quoile Road, another at the Quoile Countryside Centre on Quay Road and two additional parking areas further along Quay Road.
The Battletown Gallery

Newtownards

Address

90 Bowtown Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SL

Telephone
+447816 576102

alison@battletowngallery.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

The gallery seeks to promote quality Irish art in a relaxed atmosphere and displays a varied range of work. With emphasis on quality and innovative work, the gallery showcases both contemporary and semi-traditional styles.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Bangor

Address

Bregenz House, 5 Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9145 3297

bangor@boatfolk.co.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

Bangor Marina is located right in the heart of Bangor city centre close to all major road, rail and air transport networks. The Marina lies at the mouth of Belfast Lough offering exceptional access to world class yacht racing waters.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
377 reviews
Let's Go Hydro Resort & Spa

Carryduff

Address

1 Mealough Road, Carryduff, County Down, BT8 8GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9081 4662

info@letsgohydro.com

Type

Type:

Water Sports

If you enjoy water-based fun, then Let’s Go Hydro is a must visit. The impressive outdoor attraction, including an inflatable floating obstacle course, provides fun for all. The course features an XXL Tower, slides, climbing wall, hurdles, wiggle…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Angling in the Banbridge District

Banbridge

Address

Various, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3RU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4062 3322

tic@banbridge.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

The Banbridge District is a paradise for the keen game angler, the main areas being at Corbet Lough, Lough Brickland Lake and Upper River Bann. There are also about 10 other small lakes in the area, all of which are open for coarse fishing.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Welig Heritage Crafts - Willow Sculpture

Newtownards

Address

63 Cloughey Road, Nunsbridge, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 1NH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4277 1542

clivelyttle@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Welig Heritage Crafts produce traditional willow basketry, bespoke baskets and sculptural pieces; gardenware, living willow installations and rustic furniture. we also undertake other traditional countryside skills like chair seating and drystone.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Trassey to Bloody Bridge

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A moderate linear walk giving a true taste of the Mournes

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Ballymenoch Park

Holywood

Address

Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT19 6JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

A lovely park perfect for families located only a short distance from Holywood.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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