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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Downpatrick Golf Centre

Downpatrick

Address

1 Ballywarren Road, Ballywarren, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 4645

p.stranney@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Driving Range

Downpatrick golf centre is a state of the art driving range with 10 covered bays and 11 outside mats, short game area and Tour green putting green. Each bay has automatic Power Tees and are floodlit.

More Info
Crawfordsburn Country Park, Meadow Walk

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A gentle walk taking in the Wildflower Meadow, areas of mature woodland, and a coastal stretch. The Wildflower Meadow and 21 acres are a blaze with colour in the summer months when the orchids and wildflowers are in bloom.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
15 reviews
Ballywalter Beach

Ballywalter

Address

Springvale Road, Ballywalter, County Down, BT22 2PE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

A long sandy beach which offers enjoyment for all.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ballyhafry & Beyond by Electric Bike– Bike Mourne

Rostrevor

Address

Rostrevor Forest Park, Rostrevor, County Down, BT33 3AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Cycling Tour

Experience Mourne by road with our Self-Guided Tour of the townlands of Ballyhafry, Ballymagreehan, Ballymaginaghy & Beyond by Electric Bike.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kirkistown Motor Racing Circuit

Kircubbin

Address

130 Rubane Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4277 1325

info@kirkistown.com

Type

Type:

Motor Sports and Karting

Kirkistown Motor Racing Circuit offers the opportunity of a lifetime, to have a driving experience in a Formula Ford Single Seater Racing Car.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Mourne Mountains Cycle Route

Newcastle

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

newcastle.vic@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Cycle Route

Cycing in the Mourne Mountains - start at the northern side of the resort of Newcastle and cycle along the A50 towards the market town of Castlewellan. Before Castlewellan, turn left onto Tollymore Road and then right onto Middle Tollymore Road.

More Info
Down Cathedral and Saint Patrick's Grave

Downpatrick

Address

35 English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 4922

info@downcathedral.org

Type

Type:

Cathedral

Down Cathedral, a Cathedral of the Church of Ireland with magnificent stain glass windows, box pews and beautiful organ case was built in 1183 as a Benedictine Monastry. The patron saint, Patrick is believed to be buried in the nearby graveyard.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Legends of Lecale Peninsula

Downpatrick

Address

9 Crossmore Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7TA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7835 441 933

duane@lecalepeninsula.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Storyteller Duane Fitzsimons’ tours of the Home of Saint Patrick are filled with amazing legends, artefacts, and folklore.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
412 reviews
Castlewellan Forest Park

Castlewellan

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

castlewellanpark@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Castlewellan Forest Park boasts a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking trails, 27 km of mountain bike trails, nature play perfect for the kids, an on-site multi-activity centre, hedge maze and equestrian centre.

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2025to30 Sept 2025Open 09:00 - 20:00

From:

1 Oct 2025to31 Oct 2025Open 09:00 - 18:00

From:

1 Nov 2025to28 Feb 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00

From:
25 Dec 2025
From:

1 Mar 2026to31 Mar 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
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
Kiltonga Nature Reserve

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Lakeland walk with wildfowl

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Holywood Maypole

Holywood

Address

High Street/Shore Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Holywood's most well known feature is the town's Maypole, the only surviving in Ireland. Early maps show a Maypole has stood on the site since the 1620s and today is still the focus of the May Day Celebrations and Fair in the town.

Price
Free

More Info
Hen, Cock and Pigeon Rock

Newry

Address

Newry, Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A circular route in the western Mournes

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Rocky Mountain

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A gentle walk which includes some steep sections

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Finnebrogue Woods Gourmet Wild Food and Foraging

Downpatrick

Address

26 Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 9BL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4410 3104

gowild@finnebroguewoods.com

Price
Price £80.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

On your foraging walk through the woods with our resident expert Bushman Rob, you will be safely guided through identifying and collecting seasonal wild edibles of greens, herbs, vegetables, fungi and berries. With Rob's expert eye you will explore,…

Dates

From:
23 Sept 2025

Price
Price £80.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Tollymore Forest Park - Mountain & Drinns Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A pleasant walk through both conifer and broadleaved woodland passing the Shimna River, duckponds and several points of historical interest. The Drinns Trail is an optional loop for those wishing to have a greater challenge.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Get up & Get on Paddleboarding

Portballintrae & Bangor

Address

Portballintrae Harbour & Helen's Bay, Portballintrae & Bangor, County Antrim, BT57 8RS

Telephone
+44 (0) 7767 443 173

info@getup-geton.co.uk

Type

Type:

Water Sports

Start your paddleboarding journey with Get Up & Get On Paddleboarding. Experience excitement, adventure and a healthy aquatic lifestyle encouraging sights, sounds and smells of nature.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 20:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Walk the Mournes

Warrenpoint

Address

56 Burren Road, Warrenpoint, County Down, BT34 3SA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7974768831

peter@walkthemournes.com

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

If these mountains could speak, they’d tell tales of hermits, smugglers and fugitives... Join Peter for an unforgettable walking experience amongst the most fabulous scenery.

More Info
Ardglass Golf Club

Ardglass

Address

4 Castle Place, Ardglass, County Down, BT30 7TP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4484 1219

golf@ardglassgolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Links Golf Course

Located 30miles from Belfast on the beautiful County Down coast, Ardglass Golf Club is links as it should be.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site