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: 331

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Parliament Buildings, Stormont

Belfast

Address

Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 3XX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9052 1802

events.office@niassembly.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Parliament Buildings is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the legislative body for Northern Ireland established under the Belfast Agreement 1998 (Good Friday Agreement).

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Crann Forest Therapy

Address

Various Locations, County Down, BT31 9BU

Telephone
+44 (0)7780564846

tony@crannforesttherapy.com

Type

Type:

Health & Wellbeing

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the calming atmosphere of the forest. Let the sights, sounds, and scents of the trees and wildlife wash away your stress.

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Mourne Archery

Castlewellan

Address

11 Burrenreagh Road, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7519 882 372

info@mournearchery.co.uk

Type

Type:

Archery

Located close to Newcastle, the Mourne Archery Centre is an activity suitable for individuals, families and private groups. Catering for up to 25 people at a time, the centre provides instruction and appropriate equipment for all ages in a safe and…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Annadorn Dolmen

Downpatrick

Address

Junction of Bucks Head Road & Loughinisland Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 8JW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Situated 8.8km south east of Ballynahinch, on the north east shore of Loughinisland Lake, within sight of Loughinisland Church. A slightly displaced capstone covers a rectangular chamber of which three side stones survive.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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
Kiri Cottage Crafts

Ardkeen

Address

Kiri Cottage, 6 Loughdoo Road, Ardkeen, County Down, BT22 1HJ

Telephone
+44 (0)7968 342 928

kiricottagecrafts@aol.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Spinner, dyeing and knitting expert Christine Casey will help you find pleasure in the possibilities of wool. She empowers people with the knowledge, and hands on skills to go home and make. People with all level of skill can benefit from a trip to…

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Holywood Golf Club

Holywood

Address

Demesne Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 3135

mail@holywoodgolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Set high in the Holywood Hills, County Down we are just seven miles outside Belfast and have breathtaking views of Belfast Lough and the Antrim Coast. Visit the home course of world golf star Rory McIlroy. Get a photo taken with the major trophies.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Strangford Bay Alpacas

Strangford

Address

Old Court Wedding Company, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7NB

Telephone
+ 44 (0)7467288719

info@strangfordbayalpacas.co.uk

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Meet our friendly herd and enjoy unique hands-on experiences for all ages, from guided walks along scenic Strangford Lough to the unforgettable adventure of bringing the alpacas down to the sea for a splash! Every visit is full of smiles, fresh…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Maghera Church And Round Tower

Newcastle

Address

Carrigs Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0JT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Maghera Church and Round Tower is of major historical importance and is among many important heritage sites throughout County Down.

Price
Free

More Info
Killynether Wood

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Woodland walk with excellent views of surrounding countryside

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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
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
Killard National Nature Reserve

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Situated at the mouth of Strangford Lough, opposite Ballyquintin. The rich wildlife include orchids and other rarities, and interesting rock formations can be seen.

More Info
Facilities

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

Holywood

Address

Brook Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9BB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Holywood Motte is an Anglo-Norman castle mound, which probably had a ditch round its base and a timber palisade round the summit.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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)
Blackwood Golf Centre

Bangor

Address

150 Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 2706

info@theblackwoodgc.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Premier pay and play golf facility with open Stableford every Friday. Visitors are always most welcome to come along and play the course..

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
406 reviews
Crawfordsburn Country Park

Helen's Bay

Address

Bridge Road South, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1JT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3621

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

With tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens and a stunning waterfall, Crawfordsburn Country Park provides a relaxing natural retreat.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Car Parking is available at the Main Car Park, exit road lay by, Fort Road Car Park, Grey Point Fort and Sea Park, Coastguard Avenue.
The Priory

Newtownards

Address

Court Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7NY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Abbey / Priory

At the south east edge of Newtownards these substantial remains of a Dominican (Black) Friary founded in 1244 may be viewed. They are the only ones of their type in Northern Ireland.

Price
Free

More Info
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
Struell Wells

Downpatrick

Address

14 Struell Wells Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6RA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Struell Wells was built around a stream flowing through a secluded valley. It was a popular place of pilgrimage from the 1600s until the 1840s.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking