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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
141 reviews
Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen

Killinchy

Address

52A Ballymorran Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6UD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 3224

info@traceysfarmhousekitchen.com
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Cookery School

Tracey's cottage is located only 30 minutes from Belfast in a Marine Nature Reserve on Strangford Lough. Join her to make Soda and Wheaten Breads and to enjoy a feast of homemade treats around the Farmhouse Kitchen table. A hands on experience.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
242 reviews
Montalto Estate

Ballynahinch

Address

Spa Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9756 6100

info@montaltoestate.com
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch is a mystical and enchanting estate, set in magnificent natural surroundings. Visitor experience includes access to the estate's beautiful gardens; historic walks and trails and an exciting play area where children…

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1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 16:00
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- Dogs Welcome Inside
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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
35 reviews
Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary

Portaferry

Address

The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4272 8062

info@explorisni.com
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Zoo / Aquarium

Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An underwater Tunnel Experience, friendly sharks and a Dwarfcrocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.
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473 reviews
Streamvale Open Farm

Belfast

Address

38 Ballyhanwood Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 7SN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9048 3244

hello@streamvale.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
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Open Farm

Streamvale Farm is nestled in the rolling hills on the edge of Belfast. The family farm has lots to offer including baby animal cuddling, lots of fantastic play areas and many live shows and demonstrations for all the family to enjoy.
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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271 reviews
The Saint Patrick Centre

Downpatrick

Address

53A Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 9000

info@saintpatrickcentre.com

Price
Price £5.75 to £14.00 Activity
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00
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Price £5.75 to £14.00 Activity

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- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
211 reviews
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

Comber

Address

Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Road, Comber, County Down, BT23 6EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 4146

info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
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Nature and Wildlife

WWT Castle Espie is an extraordinary day out for the whole family. Escape the everyday, reconnect with nature, and experience the wonder of wetlands on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough.
Visit Castle Espie all year round and discover new…
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1078 reviews
Ulster Folk Museum

Holywood

Address

153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2025to30 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Oct 2025to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times
Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

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- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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- On site parking
FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio

Banbridge

Address

200 Newry Road, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4062 3322

info@femcwilliam.com

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Art Gallery

An award winning art gallery dedicated to the memory of world-renowned sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam who was born in Banbridge.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
Price
Free

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- Free (parking charges may apply)
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- On site parking
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- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
193 reviews
Down County Museum

Downpatrick

Address

The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4049

Museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Down County Museum is located in the old county Gaol of Down. It houses fascinating exhibitions on the history of Down as well as restored cells with life-size figures of prisoners and their gaolers.
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Free

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- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
155 reviews
Rowallane Garden

Saintfield

Address

Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield, County Down, BT24 7LH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9751 0131

rowallane@nationaltrust.org.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

The National Trust

This unique garden has grown from the 19th century beginnings of the Reverend John Moore and his nephew Hugh Armytage Moore. Their vision created a place where you can leave the world behind and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
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- On site parking
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- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
342 reviews
Pickie Fun Park

Bangor

Address

1 Marine Gardens, Queens Parade, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9145 0746

hello@pickiefunpark.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Adventure Park / Playground

Enjoy a fun day out at Pickie Fun Park. Try out the 18-hole mini-golf course, giant pedal swans, Pickie Puffer train, children's play area, children's electric car track and more.
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle

Newry

Address

Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4034

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Bagenal’s Castle located in historic Newry is a 16th century fortified house and adjoining 19th Century warehouse, and has been sympathetically restored to house Newry & Mourne Museum and Newry Visitor Information Centre.
Price
Free

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1084 reviews
Mount Stewart

Newtownards

Address

Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8387

mountstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

The National Trust

Mount Stewart is a stunning estate in the beautiful scenic area of Strangford Lough. The Formal Gardens are ranked as one of the top ten in the world and the within the house there are collections of national and international significance.
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Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
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- Licensed
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Parking & Transport
- Car parking
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- Parking (free)
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Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
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- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
224 reviews
Kilbroney Park

Rostrevor

Address

Kilbroney Park, Shore Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AA

Telephone
+44(0)33 0137 4046

kilbroney.park@nmandd.org
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Kilbroney Park on the northern shore of Carlingford Lough is a wonderful escape for all the family no matter their different ages and stages.
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (charge) - Parking Charges apply
The Copeland Distillery Experience

Donaghadee

Address

The Copeland Distillery, Manor Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9162 4000

tours@copelanddistillery.com

Price
Price £22.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Brewery/Distillery Tour

Truly immerse yourself at The Copeland Distillery, where you’ll hear tales of secret smugglers, savage battles and remarkable voyages, all while soaking up our coastal spirits of whiskey, gin, and rum.

Price
Price £22.50 Per Ticket

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
538 reviews
Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Banbridge

Address

Game of Thrones Studio Tour Parking, The Boulevard, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 4LF

Telephone
+44 (0) 2840 464 777

info@gameofthronesstudiotour.com

Type

Type:

Game of Thrones Experiences

Created in official partnership with Warner Bros., the world’s first and only Game of Thrones Studio Tour has arrived in Northern Ireland.
Located at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, County Down, Game of Thrones…

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2025to30 Sept 2025Open 10:00 - 18:30

From:

1 Oct 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

2 Jan 2026to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times

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Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Facilities

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- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Mount Ida Pottery

Banbridge

Address

32 Mount Ida Road, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 4HF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9269 3691

mountidapottery@aol.com
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

The stunning views from Mount Ida studio has been inspirational in much of Trevor’s work. The unspoilt rural landscape and assortment of rural buildings steeped in history, feature in ceramic framed pieces.
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Bloody Bridge River Walk

Newcastle

Address

Bloody Bridge Car Park, Newcastle, Co Down, BT33 0LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This scenic walk leads from the Bloody Bridge car park along the edge of the Bloody Bridge River and back again.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Car 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.

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Irish Monastic Tours

Belfast

Address

35 Ava Avenue, Ballynafoy, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT7 3BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7513 295 292

theresecullen@irishmonastictours.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Irish Monastic Tours offers expert-led guided tours to some of the most historic and evocative sites on the island of Ireland. From settlements of the earliest inhabitants to the island to the most venerated sites associated with its Saints.

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