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

Newry Leisure Centre

Newry

Address

Newry Leisure Centre, 60 Cecil Street, Newry, County Down, BT35 6AU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3190

poolreception@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

Newry Leisure Centre is a new multi-million pound complex located in the city centre and is Northern Ireland’s latest state of the art leisure complex in the heart of Newry City.

More Info
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
Delamont Long Walk

Killyleagh

Address

Delamont Country Park, 90 Downpatrick Rd,, Killyleagh, 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
Winterfell Tours - Game of Thrones®

Strangford

Address

Winterfell Castle and Demesne, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7LS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 3933

raven@winterfell-tours.com

Type

Type:

Game of Thrones Experiences

Meet the real-life Direwolf Dogs & explore over 20 key Game of Thrones tour filming location hotspots on the beautiful 1,000-acre ancient sprawling demesne of Old Castle Ward, used for filming the epic adaption of George RR Martins Game of Thrones®…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kirkistown Castle

Cloughey

Address

Main Road, Cloughey, County Down, BT22 1JB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Traditionally believed to have been built by Roland Savage of Ballygalget in 1622, possibly reusing an earlier site.

Price
Free

More Info
Helen's Bay Golf Club

Helen's Bay

Address

Golf Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1TL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 2815

mail@helensbaygc.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Helen’s Bay Golf Club is one of the prettiest golf courses in the North Down/Greater Belfast area. Founded in 1896, it nestles on a gentle hill over Belfast Lough in the middle of a quaint village.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Newry Cathedral of St Patrick and St Colman

Newry

Address

38 Hill Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 1AT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3026 2586

office@newrycathedralparish.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Cathedral

This is undoubtedly the most commanding building in Newry and is arguably the most important work executed by Newry's greatest native architect, Thomas Duff. Built in 1829 of local granite at a cost of £8,000, it was the first Catholic Cathedral.

Price
Free

More Info
Nooks & Crannies of Legananny by E-Bike – Bike Mourne

Castlewellan

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Cycling Tour

Experience Mourne by road with our self-guided tour of the Nooks & Crannies of Legananny by Electric Bike.

More Info
Facilities

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
Strangford Lough Boat Tours

Killinchy

Address

Sketrick Island, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7938 517 009

strangfordloughactivitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Strangford Lough Boat Tours offer trips, experiences and even a waterborne taxi service on the beautiful, protected waters of this incredible sea lough. Available for all people of all ages as well as to film crews and photographers,…

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to31 Oct 2026

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
Royal County Down Golf Club

Newcastle

Address

36 Golf Links Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 3314

golf@royalcountydown.org

Type

Type:

Links Golf Course

Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
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
Drumawhey Junction Railway

Donaghadee

Address

60 Upper Gransha Road, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9446 1272

trains@drumawhey.com

Type

Type:

Miniature Railway

This 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway has about 2km of track with a variety of routes including bridges, cuttings, embankments, gradients and a twin-track tunnel. There is a station, picnic tables and the ticket office includes a small shop.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
91 reviews
Mountpanther Farm Park

Clough

Address

39 Dundrum Road, Clough, County Down, BT30 8SJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 77 1564 4145

info@mountpanther.com

Type

Type:

Open Farm

We are a family run farm park based just outside Newcastle, County Down. Established in 2017, we have been providing families with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories since then

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex

Newtownards

Address

1 Dairy Hall Lane, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4DB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 2837

ardslc@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Sport/Leisure Centre

Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex is a modern sports and leisure facility on the edge of Newtownards town.

More Info
Delamont Corbally Walk

Killyleagh

Address

Delamont Country Park, 90 Downpatrick Rd, Killyleagh, 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
Pure Day Spa

Newtownards

Address

48a Ballybunden Road, Killinchy, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 6RF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 3000

info@puredayspa.com

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

Pure Day Spa is situated in the naturally tranquil countryside of Killinchy, Co. Down. As you step inside you will be enveloped in a calming atmosphere which will make your stress float away, your spirit free, and your body relaxed.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Slieve Donard, Commedagh and Bearnagh

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Challenging walk in the Mournes, including the two highest peaks

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes

Ballynahinch

Address

Ballyburren, 143 Dromore Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8HZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9581 6650

info@ballyburren.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Our unique estate has over 5,000 trees with ponds, pathways and bridges nestled in 18 acres of beautiful undulating surroundings just 25mins from Belfast, near Ballynahinch in County Down. We offer mini adventures for families, individuals, couples…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available