What's On in County Down

Stunning coastlines, towering hills, and charming towns — that's County Down! After all, this county is home to the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. A trip to the Mourne County is sure to leave you feeling upbeat and positive, with everything that it has to offer. From lively festivals celebrating local food to fun-filled days at historic castles, there's always something new to discover in this beautiful part of Northern Ireland.

Dine at the Distillery (Sat 31 Jan)

Come along for the return of the Dine at the Distillery series at Rademon Estate Distillery. They have teamed up with Chef Roy to host an evening that pairs seasonal food with their spirits. It is a chance to enjoy local flavours in the place where their drinks are made. Please note the event is 18 and over.

Mudfest 2026 (Sat 5 - Sun 7 Feb)

Get ready to get stuck into Mudfest 2026 at WWT Castle Espie. This half-term event celebrates the messy side of the wetlands with a week of hands-on outdoor play. Whether you are navigating the muddy obstacle course, building nests, or taking part in a mudslinging contest, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors together. Grab your wellies and come along to discover why a bit of mud is exactly what’s needed for a great family day out.

Look Closer: Screenings and Mini Lab Workshops (Wed 11 Feb)

Join scientists from Queen's University Belfast and CEDaR for a hands-on morning or afternoon of discovery. Children are invited to "look closer" at the natural world using real microscopes to examine tiny curiosities. Your child can even bring along their own small finds from home to see them in detail. Each 45-minute session includes a short film screening followed by a workshop in the Mini Lab. Come along for a relaxing and educational day out for everyone!

We hope this information proves helpful. Check this space regularly for exciting updates on local festivals and events. We hope you have a brilliant time exploring County Down.

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Downpatrick Racecourse Fixtures

Downpatrick

Address

24 Ballydugan Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6TE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 44 612054

marketing@downpatrickracecourse.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sport

Enjoy a fun day out with family and friends at Downpatrick Racecourse with our upcoming fixtures this season. Indulge in the thrill of live racing following by live music.

Dates

From:
29 Mar 2026Open 12:00 - 17:15
From:
8 May 2026Open 15:30 - 20:00
From:
22 May 2026Open 15:30 - 20:00
From:

13 June 2026to14 June 2026Open 12:30 - 17:20

From:
14 July 2026Open 12:00 - 17:20
From:
9 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 17:20
From:
31 Aug 2026Open 12:30 - 17:30
From:
18 Sept 2026Open 13:30 - 17:30
From:
9 Oct 2026Open 13:30 - 17:20

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Full Moon Paddle

Killinchy

Address

Whiterock Bay launch Point, Braddock Reach, Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PY

Telephone
+44 (0)7909 721 898

strangfordloughactivitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

Join us for a Full Moon Paddle on Strangford Lough this year. The moon is unique to witness from the water and no better place to do so, than from a kayak, SUP or canoe on a flat sea.

Dates

From:
1 Apr 2026
From:
1 May 2026
From:
31 May 2026
From:
29 June 2026
From:
29 July 2026
From:
27 Aug 2026
From:
26 Sept 2026
From:
26 Oct 2026

Price
Price £50.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ards International Guitar Festival 2026

Newtownards

Address

Various locations, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4NP

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9181 0803

arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

The Ards International Guitar Festival is back with a bang in April 2026 celebrating 30 years of guitar inspired gigs and free fringe events! Expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical and contemporary music for guitar…

Dates

From:

15 Apr 2026to19 Apr 2026

More Info
Secret Dining with Paul Cunningham

Newcastle

Address

93-97 Central Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4375 8436

mournelarder@outlook.com

Price
Price £145.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Relax in unique surroundings while well-known local chef Paul Cunningham cooks up the most tantalising dishes using the best ingredients the Mournes has to offer. A celebration of place and produce, this is a night not to miss!

Dates

From:
25 Apr 2026Open 18:30 - 23:30

Price
Price £145.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Weave a Willow Dragonfly and Butterfly Workshop in The Walled Garden

Helen's Bay

Address

47 Craigdarragh Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1UB

Telephone
07704456109

info@thewalledgardenhelensbay.com

Price
Price £85.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Step into the timeless charm of Old Mill House for a magical day of traditional willow weaving with resident willow artist, Heather McDermott, to weave your own willow sculptures in our Weave a Dragonfly and Butterfly workshop

Dates

From:
26 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00

Price
Price £85.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Eco Boat Tours of Strangford Lough

Killinchy

Address

Sketrick Island, Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7938 517 009

andy@boatboardcruise.com

Price
Price £49.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Tour

Boat tour of Strangford Lough with marine biologist

Dates

From:
2 May 2026Open 09:00 - 12:00
From:
30 May 2026Open 09:00 - 12:00
From:
27 June 2026Open 09:00 - 12:00
From:
25 July 2026Open 09:00 - 12:00
From:
22 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 12:00
From:
12 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 12:00
From:
24 Oct 2026Open 09:00 - 12:00

Price
Price £49.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Fiddler's Green International Festival

Rostrevor

Address

Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AY

Telephone
+44 (0) 77 5252 8904

info@fiddlersgreenfestival.co.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

A wonderful festival of music, arts and culture held annually in July in Rostrevor, County Down.

Dates

From:

15 July 2026to19 July 2026

More Info