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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The Market Cross

Newtownards

Address

High Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7HZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

At the east of High Street in Newtownards the Market Cross was built in 1636 but was destroyed by Commonwealth troops in 1653.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Mrs C's Home Kitchen

Dundrum

Address

56 Dromara Road, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0NS

Telephone
+44(0)7954 049 307

stcampbell50@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Cookery School

Mrs C’s Home Kitchen is the place to enjoy a wide range of foodie experiences. Under Mrs C’s careful guidance, you might want to learn to make traditional breads, recipes that have endured for hundreds of years. Or perhaps you would like to learn…

More Info
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Brack Tours Northern Ireland

Newry

Address

6 Margaret Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 1DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3044 5060

info@bracktours.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Our bespoke customized tours are carefully planned to offer the best value and memorable touring experience, in conjunction with unique accommodation providers and immersive, cultural experiences delivered by our “Giant Hosts” and Experience…

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Moira Demesne

Moira

Address

110 Main Street, Moira, County Down, BT67 0DS

Telephone
028 9244 7300

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Moira Demesne is a parkland offering beautiful walks, picnic sites and a children's play area.

Price
Free

More Info
Hillmount BBQ Academy

Gilnahirk, Belfast

Address

56/58 Upper Braniel Road, Gilnahirk, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 7TX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 8213

alan@hillmount.co.uk

Type

Type:

Cookery School

Hillmount offers one of the largest BBQ Showrooms in Ireland with trained specialists to help you make the right decision when choosing your BBQ. View our full range of gas and charcoal grills online at www.hillmount.co.uk.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Iveagh Ancestry

Banbridge

Address

34 Lough Road, Corbally, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 5PW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4067 1401

iveaghancestry@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Ancestry / Tracing Your Routes

At Iveagh Ancestry, we believe that the historical journey can give people a stronger sense of identity: we help people find out who they are and where they’re from.

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Electric Mountain Biking on the Castlewellan Red Trail – Bike Mourne

Castlewellan

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Mountain Biking Trails

Experience the exhilaration of the Castlewellan Red Mountain Bike Trail by E-Bike with our Self-Guided Trail Package

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Lough Shannagh - The Heart of the Mournes - Mountain Ways Ireland

Kilkeel

Address

The Game Keeper Lodge, 270 Moyad Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Trek to the heart of The Mournes as we trace the fascinating story of Granite.We'll demonstrate this ancient art and also visit the largest and most beautiful natural mountain lake with views far below into the stunning Mountain reservoirs.

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Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails

Rostrevor

Address

Shore Road, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

Type

Type:

Mountain Biking Trails

Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails offer challenging climbs with some serious descents and Ireland's first two official downhill trails and other trails suitable for families to use.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
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)
The Magy’s Farm Experience – Where Music Grows

Dromara

Address

59 Dechomet Road, Dromara, County Down, BT25 2HQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7967 976 026

info@magysfarm.co.uk

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

A unique trip to a contemporary farmhouse and jazz music venue in the Dromara Hills in County Down to meet writer and poet Maggie Doyle who will tell you the story of the small, dairy farm where she grew up and how it has been re-purposed to create…

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St Patrick's Golf Club

Downpatrick

Address

43 Saul Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6PA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 5947

pro@stpatricksgolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

This parkland course measures 6,120 yards, and with tight tree lined fairways, fast and true greens and well placed bunkers provides a serious test of shot making.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises - Restaurant is Family Friendly. Everyone Welcome.
Kilclief Castle

Strangford

Address

Shore Road, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7NP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Kilclief Castle was built between 1413 and 1441, reputedly by John Sely, bishop of Down. This makes it the earliest datable tower-house in County Down and is often used to date other tower-houses in the County.

Price
Free

More Info
Ballyknock Riding School

Royal Hillsborough

Address

38 Ballyknock Road, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6EF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9269 2144

jenniferhowes144@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Ballyknock Riding School offers group and private tuition in all aspects of horsemanship. Catering for riders of all abilities, whether starting out or returning to riding, to more experienced riders or those wishing to compete.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Grey Point Fort

Helen's Bay

Address

Fort Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1PU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Situated in Helen's Bay, Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles.

Price
Free

More Info
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
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Kiltonga Nature Reserve

Newtownards

Address

Belfast Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

In July 2000, Kiltonga Nature Reserve became the first site in the UK to be awarded BT Millennium Miles Status. Almost 1000 metres of walkway were upgraded to enable disabled access to the reserve.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
203 reviews
Dundonald International Ice Bowl

Dundonald

Address

111 Old Dundonald Road, Dundonald, County Down, BT16 1XT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9080 9100

icebowl@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Ice Skating

Enjoy a great day out at Dundonald International Ice Bowl. Whether you are looking for a family day out, an evening out with friends or a day out for a school or youth organisation, there is a range of fun packed activities for everyone.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Dundrum Heritage Trail

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle Visitor Information Centre, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

newcastle.vic@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Historical Tours

Dundrum Heritage Trail takes you on a journey through the village and tells the story of the commercial and maritime heritage - Trail map available to download at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk or from Newcastle Visitor Information Centre.

More Info