Three Days In County Down & Ards: A Fleadh Cheoil 2026 Itinerary

The world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is coming to Belfast this August, with the city taking centre stage as it proudly hosts the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

But while the beating heart of Belfast will be abuzz with sound, colour, culture and craic, travel a little outside the city and you'll find a completely different side of Northern Ireland.

Co. Down is a county of contrasts: from the Mourne Mountains that rise dramatically up from the Irish Sea, to the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough that wind their way between rolling green hills, and the long arm of the Ards Peninsula that encircles it all. With majestic scenery and fantastic local food, it's full to the brim with hidden gems and cosy spots.

This three-day itinerary showcases the best of what County Down and Ards have to offer. The route is straightforward, the landscapes are varied and you don't have to be an experienced hiker or outdoors enthusiast to enjoy the best of it.

The route starts and ends in Belfast, moving south via Newry and along the Mourne coast and Ards Peninsula, but you can also begin in Newry if you're travelling up from the Republic of Ireland ahead of the Fleadh. It can also be run in reverse, heading from Belfast to North Down before making your way down to finish in Newry.

Day 1: Belfast to Newry

Getting There: Belfast to Newry

A lively border city with a strong food scene and plenty of things to do, Newry sits roughly equidistant between Belfast and Dublin, making it an ideal base from which to explore the southern reaches of County Down.

If you're staying in Newry itself, there's a range of accommodation options, from the Canal Court Hotel - conveniently located in the city centre - to self-catering stays, B&Bs and guest houses. For a more luxurious stay, the Killeavy Castle Estate is just 15 minutes away by car or taxi, while glamping, camping and caravan stays are also available nearby.

Newry itself is straightforward to reach by road or rail. If you're travelling by car from Belfast it's approximately an hour south via the M1 motorway and A1 road, while visitors travelling up from Dublin will get there in roughly the same time via the M1 motorway northbound.

Translink operates regular bus services from Belfast Lanyon Place with a journey time of approximately 1 hour, while the Enterprise train service between Belfast Grand Central Station and Dublin Connolly station stops at Newry station with a 50-minute journey time from Belfast. From there, the centre is a short walk or bus connection away.

Afternoon: Explore Newry Canal & Town

One of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland, Newry features a rich history and no shortage of things to do, so once you've dropped your bags and got your bearings it's worth taking some time to explore the city centre itself.

The Newry Canal runs through the heart of the town and was the first, and the oldest surviving, man-made summit canal in the UK or Ireland, dating back to the 1700s. The towpath makes for a pleasant afternoon walk if the weather's good, where you can take in views of the Clanrye river and the city's Victorian architecture.

Situated inside the city's oldest building - the restored 16th-century Bagenal's Castle - the Newry and Mourne Museum is free to enter and well worth a stop with a number of exhibitions that range from Newry's prehistoric past to its maritime heritage and history as a border town.

If you'd prefer to get out and into the great outdoors, a short drive west brings you to the Ring of Gullion, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that's centred on Slieve Gullion, the remnants of an ancient volcano that features prominently in Irish mythology. The mountain features a passage tomb at the summit, plus panoramic views that stretch across south Down, Armagh and into County Louth.

The forest park at the base of the mountain has a range of walks that vary in length and difficulty, along with a dedicated family activity trail. Tours from providers like Experience Gullion Tours are also available, hosted by expert local guides and covering all the key archaeological sites, landmarks and beauty spots that the Ring of Gullion has to offer.

Evening: Dinner & Drinks In Newry

Newry has a great variety of restaurants and bars in the city centre, from bistros to barbecue restaurants, pub grub and everything in between, with a strong emphasis on local produce. The Oliver, Bellini's and Art Bar Funkel are popular spots for dinner and cocktails, while The Brass Monkey and VR Fire & Smokehouse offer more casual eats and a relaxed atmosphere.

To finish off the night, many of the pubs in the city centre will have live music especially at the weekends, while the Railway Bar on Monaghan Street is widely regarded as one of the top spots to catch a traditional music session.

Day 2: Silent Valley & The Mourne Coast

Morning: Rostrevor & Kilkeel

Day two of the itinerary will take you from Newry along the southern fringe of the Mournes, with the mountains rising your to your left as you trace your way around the coast. The A2 road passes east through the Victorian seaside town of Rostrevor, which directly faces out onto Carlingford Lough.

A cosy and picturesque town, Rostrevor has plenty of coffee spots that are well worth a stop to fuel up for the day ahead, while early risers will be rewarded with stunning sunrises from Kodak Corner viewpoint on a clear morning - a brief hike that starts from the nearby Kilbroney Forest Park.

Further east along the coast road is the village of Kilkeel, the main fishing port on this stretch of the county which is famed for its local catch that ends up on menus right across the region. Kilkeel has a number of breakfast and brunch spots, with the southern edge of the Mourne mountains visible in the distance.

If you're travelling via public transport, the Ulsterbus 39 service runs from Newry bus station to Kilkeel bus depot, stopping at Rostrevor en route. For visitors travelling by car, the journey from Newry to Rostrevor takes approximately 15 minutes, with Kilkeel a further 15 minute drive from that point.

Afternoon: Silent Valley Mountain Park

Silent Valley is an ideal place to spend the afternoon, located within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to vast stretches of beautiful parkland, lakes and the stunning reservoir which acts as the main source of water for County Down and much of Belfast city.

There's plenty to do whether you've brought your hiking boots or prefer a slower pace: ringed on all sides by the mountains, the park offers stunning scenery, a rich variety of wildlife and fauna, and fascinating stories of the immense feats of engineering that created the dam and the famous Mourne Wall which was constructed by hand to mark the reservoir's catchment area.

Seven walking routes of varying difficulty wind their way throughout the surrounding forest and up into the Mournes themselves, while the park also features an information centre and education hub housed within two old colonial-style bungalows that offer insight into Silent Valley's history.

The park is open from 9am - 9pm during the summer months, with entry fees payable on arrival. Car parking space is limited and demand is high during the summer months, so getting there early is highly recommended. If you're travelling via public transport, the Ulsterbus 405 Mourne Rambler service operates during the summer months and stops directly at the Mountain Park before looping round to Newcastle.

Evening: Explore Newcastle

Newcastle is a classic seaside town that sits directly in the shadow of Slieve Donard, the highest peak in Northern Ireland. With a wide, sandy beach and a scenic promenade that runs the length of the seafront, it features a great selection of restaurants and bars, with local seafood a particular specialty given its proximity to Kilkeel harbour.

A 30-minute drive from Silent Valley or a brief journey on the Mourne Rambler bus, the town has a wide range of accommodation options if you're staying the night, from high-end hotels to unique self-catering stays, luxury glamping, B&Bs and more.

One of the best things to do in Newcastle is to simply grab a coffee and an ice cream from one of the numerous cafés and coffee houses and take a stroll through the town. For anyone who prefers dunes to the mountains, the stunning Murlough Nature Reserve is just a few minutes drive outside the town. This National Trust site was designated as the first Nature Reserve on the island of Ireland back in 1967 for its 6,000-year old sand dune system, which stretches along the five mile beachfront.

Popular during the summer for walks, sunbathing, sea swimming and more, it's also a great spot to admire the spectacular panoramic scenery and the wildlife which includes rare butterfly species, wildflowers, birds and seals.

End the day with dinner and drinks in one of Newcastle's numerous eateries. Villa Vinci is well regarded for its Italian and Mediterranean cuisine featuring locally-caught seafood, while Quinn's Bar serves classic pub grub with live music and DJ sets in the evening. If you're hunting for a local trad session or two, Macken's Bar close to the harbour is a traditional pub that hosts lively traditional Irish music, jam sessions and open mic nights in the evenings.

Not In A Hurry? Explore The Mournes

The Mourne Mountains are Northern Ireland’s most iconic hiking destination, and Newcastle is the main gateway to them all. Known for their granite peaks, sweeping coastal views and the famous Mourne Wall, routes range from well-marked paths suitable for beginners to rugged, navigation-heavy terrain that's ideal for experienced hikers who are up for a challenge.

If you have the time and would like to experience this famous mountain range up close, here are the routes worth knowing about:

• Slieve Donard: The highest peak in Northern Ireland at 850 metres. The walk from Newcastle takes around 4 to 5 hours for the whole loop and is well-marked throughout. The summit features rewarding views across the region, even stretching as far as the Isle of Man on a clear day.

• Slieve Binnian: One of the most scenic peaks in the Mournes, Binnian is known for is dramatic granite tors and panoramic views of the Silent Valley reservoir. A moderate hike of around 4 to 5 hours with some steeper sections and uneven rocky terrain on the final ascent.

• Slieve Bearnagh: Considered the most challenging of the Mournes, Slieve Bearnagh features rugged boulders and loose, rocky sections near the summit. A challenging hike of 5 to 6 hours with some scrambling on hands and knees required. Best suited for experienced hikers and dry, clear weather conditions only.

• Slieve Croob: An easier walk that takes 2 to 3 hours to complete in total, making it a good option for beginners and families. Well signposted and with a straight path up and down, it offers panoramic views across County Down and the rest of the Mournes.

• Bloody Bridge: A shorter alternative to the full Slieve Donard walk, following the Bloody Bridge River into the lower Mournes from the car park south of Newcastle. Around a 2 hour return journey, with the rocky river pool popular with swimmers during the summer months.

Note: Sturdy footwear and waterproof layers are recommended for all mountain walks regardless of the weather. The more beginner-friendly hikes are easy to self navigate, but if you're a first-time visitor and would like to tackle one of the tougher peaks it's advisable to join a walking group or tour.

Day 3: Strangford & The Ards Peninsula

Morning: Downpatrick & Saint Patrick's Trail

The final day moves away from the mountains and into the greener, more pastoral landscape of the Ards Peninsula and North Down. Just 20 minutes from Newcastle by car or bus, Downpatrick is packed with history. The town most associated with St Patrick on the island of Ireland, it's well worth a morning stop to explore after breakfast.

In the heart of the town is the Saint Patrick Centre, which tells the story of the saint's life and his connection to the area through an engaging exhibition. Down Cathedral is a few minutes walk further up the hill, where an understated granite slab in the churchyard is traditionally identified as the grave of Patrick himself.

The Down County Museum is located in the former county gaol on English Street and provides a good grounding in the broader history of the area, while the ruins of the 12th century Inch Abbey are a 5 minute drive or a short walk away.

Midday: Strangford Ferry & Portaferry

From Downpatrick, head east and follow the lough shore road to Strangford village. If you're travelling by car, this is one of the more rewarding short drives in County Down, with the road running close to the water for much of the way and views stretching across the lough to the Ards Peninsula on the far side. The Ulsterbus 16 service runs approximately every hour, starting from Downpatrick bus station and travelling directly to Strangford.

Strangford itself is a pretty harbour village, with a castle tower house at the water's edge and good views across the Lough to Portaferry. There's also a number of cafés and restaurants to grab lunch in, including the Cuan Restaurant & Hotel, the Artisan Cookhouse bistro or the Lobster Pot restaurant which serves local seafood.

After lunch, no journey to the Ards Peninsula is complete without catching the Strangford Ferry. The ferry runs every half hour, with the crossing itself taking approximately 10 minutes. Enjoy scenic views across the narrows where Strangford Lough meets the Irish Sea, and spot marine flora and fauna in one of the most biodiverse areas in the region, including porpoises, otters, seals and seabirds.

No pre-booking is required; tickets for the ferry can be purchased on board, and cars, bikes and foot passengers alike all travel together.

On the other side, the town of Portaferry sits on the waterfront with a small square, a selection of great restaurants and the Exploris Aquarium, Northern Ireland's only public aquarium. Particularly if you're travelling with children, Exploris is well worth a look, with displays and hands-on interactive exhibitions that show the varied marine life and ecosystems native to Strangford Lough.

Afternoon: Ards, Bangor & Holywood

From Portaferry, the road trails the western shore of Strangford Lough for much of the way, passing through small villages and past the inlets and headlands of the lough shore. It's a scenic and unhurried stretch of road that rewards a slow pace, particularly if travelling by car.

Take your time and soak in the views, with stops along the way that include Mount Stewart - an elegant National Trust property with extraordinary gardens that are among the finest in Northern Ireland - and the ruins of Greyabbey, a well-preserved 12th century Cistercian abbey that's set in open grounds and a great spot to stretch the legs and admire the scenery before the final stop of the journey.

From here, Newtownards - commonly known as Ards - offers a direct route back to Belfast city centre by car or bus, with a journey time of approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, the seaside town of Bangor is a few miles north with a direct train link back to Belfast via stops in Cultra and Holywood. With numerous coffee houses, bistros and restaurants, any of these towns and villages are ideal for dinner and drinks, before arriving back in the city by evening.

Getting To County Down & Ards From Belfast

Co. Down is well connected to Belfast via road and rail, with plenty of public transport options available. Bangor is around 30 minutes from Belfast city centre, while Newry is approximately an hour's journey and a convenient entry point for visitors travelling from the Republic of Ireland.

• By Train: The most straightforward way to reach County Down from Belfast. Translink operates regular train services from Belfast Grand Central Station to Bangor, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. The Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin stops at Newry, making it a convenient stop for visitors travelling from the Republic of Ireland. Journey time is approximately 50 minutes from Belfast, and timetables for all services are available at translink.co.uk.
   
• By Bus: The Translink Goldline 238 service runs directly from Belfast Grand Central to Newry bus station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. A number of regular bus services operate between Belfast and Bangor, Newcastle and Downpatrick while local buses cover much of the county. Check translink.co.uk for current routes and timetables.
   
• By Car: Travelling by car will give you the most flexibility, particularly if you want to explore more of the Mournes and the Ards Peninsula. The A1 road and M1 motorway directly links Belfast with Newry with a journey time of just over 1 hour, while Bangor is approximately 30 minutes away via the A2 eastbound. Car hire is available at all airports and at several other locations.
   
• Strangford Ferry: Linking the villages of Strangford and Portaferry on opposite sides of the Ards Peninsula, the Strangford Lough Ferry crossing offers stunning views of the Lough and can save a 50 mile drive around the peninsula. Translink provides bus connections to the ferry, and it's suitable for both car and foot traffic. The ferry runs at 30 minutes intervals throughout the day, with a journey time of approximately 10 minutes. Timetables and fare information are available via nidirect.gov.uk.

Explore More Of Northern Ireland From The Fleadh

Belfast is an excellent base for the Fleadh and for Northern Ireland as a whole. The region is small enough that almost everything worth seeing is within two hours of the city centre.

The Causeway Coastal Route is roughly an hour north of Belfast and home to some of Northern Ireland's most iconic destinations and dramatic landscapes. The walled city of Derry~Londonderry is a scenic train journey away to the north-west, while Co. Fermanagh's stunning lakelands and waterways offer a slower pace of life, roughly 90 minutes' drive to the south-west.

Co. Armagh and Co. Tyrone both offer history and heritage in abundance within an hour and half of Belfast. Armagh city is the island of Ireland's ecclesiastical capital, with two cathedrals and the legendary Iron Age site of Navan Fort nearby. In Tyrone, outdoor adventure awaits with exciting attractions like the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory, while the excellent Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh tells the story of the people of Ulster's historic emigration to America.