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.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 331

, currently showing 41 to 60.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Downpatrick Presbyterian Church

Downpatrick

Address

27 Fountain Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 5201

owenpatterson@yahoo.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Built 1954 to the designs of S. McIlveen of Ferguson and McIlveen, Belfast. This is a rebuilding of an earlier church on the site, dating from 1826.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Sketrick Castle

Killinchy

Address

Sketrick Island, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Sketrick Castle is located on Sketrick Island which is reached by a causeway on the west coast of Strangford Lough. This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century.

Price
Free

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
162 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…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Charges apply for the parking of vehicles.
Glide with the Tide

Killinchy

Address

Mobile Team Adventure, Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 6695

info@mobileteamadventure.co.uk

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Taking out a kayak is beautiful way to explore Strangford Lough. Down at water level, you are in tune with the tides, time of day and weather conditions. Gliding softly brings you closer to the lough’s wildlife, including seal pups and wild geese.

More Info
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
Cloughmor Extreme Adventures

Rostrevor

Address

The Square, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 77 0687 5394

info@cloughmorextreme.com

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

At Cloughmor Extreme Adventures we like to give an experience that everyone will remember.

More Info
Orlock Point

Address

County Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Rocky coastal path with some steep steps.

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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Mourne Alpacas Trekking and Cria Watch Experiences

Dromara

Address

60 Levallyreagh Road, Dromara, County Down, BT25 2DG

Telephone
+44 (0)7918 719 595

bookings@mournealpacas.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Trek with one alpaca, walking in pastures with over 100 more. Your experience includes a fascinating talk about the life of alpacas in our very large breeding herd, followed by a trek leading your own or walking with a friend leading an alpaca,…

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Edenmore Golf & Country Club

Craigavon

Address

67A Steps Road, Donaghcloney, Edenmore, Magheralin, Craigavon, Co Armagh, BT66 7NZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9261 9241

info@edenmore.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Set deep in the Lagan Valley, Edenmore Golf & Country Club is just 20 minutes from Belfast. The Club has a range of facilities for all visitors, including an 18 hole championship Golf Course, Spa, Restaurant, Fitness Suite and onsite accommodation.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
East Coast Adventure Centre

Rostrevor

Address

Rostrevor Mountain Lodge & East Coast Glamping, 34 Lower Knockbarragh Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3DP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4173 8516

jennifer@eastcoastadventure.com

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Escape your busy life with a break in the wonderful Mourne Mountains or Carlingford Lough, we can help you relax and recharge the batteries.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

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

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Cloghy Rocks

Downpatrick

Address

61 Shore Road, Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7NW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3621

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Cloghy Rocks is a wonderful location as a number of seals are often spotted here. There are a lot of different habitats which makes this area home to a variety of small shellfish and worms.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Krazi Baker Baking Classes

Dromore

Address

53 The Priory, Dromore, County Down, BT25 1TP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9269 8099

brandon.238@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Cookery School

In your baking class with Mark you’ll learn how to make the staple of traditional Irish griddle breads; potato bread and soda bread. You’ll also learn how to make the modern Focaccia bread and the traditional oven scone.

More Info
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 2026

Price
Price £80.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
65 reviews
Redburn Country Park

Holywood

Address

Old Holywood Road, Holywood, County Down, BT4 2HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3621

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

Redburn Country Park is set on an escarpment above Belfast Lough. There are 7km of pathways with spectacular views of Belfast and the south Antrim hills.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Kilkeel

Address

Greencastle Pier Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4LR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Commanding the mouth of Carlingford Lough, the Castle has an eventful history. It was built in the 13th century, taken by Edward Bruce in 1316, attacked at least twice by the Irish in the late 14th century and maintained as a garrison up to 1590.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Portaferry Castle

Portaferry

Address

Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Portaferry Castle is a 16th Century tower-house, built by the Savage family. It is located on the slope overlooking Portaferry harbour.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Mourne Mountain Holidays

Address

45 Newtown Road, ROSTREVOR, Co Down, BT34 3BZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7754709111

booking@mournemountainholidays.com

Type

Type:

Mountain Bike Operators

Mourne Mountain Holidays provides mountain bike guiding and lessons in the Mournes.

More Info
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, Lady Londonderry. Each of the formal gardens exudes a distinct character and appeal.

More Info
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)
Kingdom of Mourne Tours

Newcastle

Address

Mourneview Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0QS

Telephone
+44 (0) 7789 938 541

kingdomofmournetours@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Join your experienced, qualified tour guide and hill walking leader as she offers informative and enjoyable guided walking tours in and around the Mournes area.

More Info