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The Best of County DownKnown for the stunning Mourne Mountains, scenic coastal paths, and historic sites including the resting place of St. Patrick, County Down is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Expect charming towns, picturesque beaches, and unique attractions like the Game of Thrones studio tour. With a rich heritage, delicious food, and welcoming locals, County Down provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking a memorable getaway.- Amble up the hill in the quaint village of Royal Hillsborough to the seat of royalty. A tour of Hillsborough Castle guides you through the elegant state rooms, the majestic throne room and graceful drawing room, and reveals stories of its fascinating history. The glorious gardens are open all year and are well worth investigating, before descending the hill to one of the many village pubs or restaurants.
- Below the Mourne Mountains, lies 1,600 acres of natural beauty. Tollymore Forest Park is full of wildlife and mapped trails, while the sparkling Shimna River boasts many a cosy clearing for a picnic.
- County Down is home to a glittering array of top-notch golf courses - not to mention the world’s top golfer, Rory McIlroy. You’ll be spoiled for choice. Royal County Down was voted the world’s top golf course by Golf Digest in 2017. Rory’s home club in Holywood, the fantastic links of Ardglass and the undulating greens at Kilkeel make County Down a golfing paradise. Kirkistown Castle is exceptional, and the nineteenths are pretty special too.
- Explore the only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour experience, located in Banbridge, for a glimpse behind the curtains at the actual costumes, props, sets and more from the show. Set in one of the key filming studios, the studio tour is hosted by extras, who can give you an insider perspective that can't be found elsewhere!
- 2 Jan 202528 Feb 2025
- 1 Mar 202530 Sep 2025
- 1 Oct 202531 Dec 2025
- If striking landscapes, lakes and wonderful wildlife are your thing, then set off for the majestic Mourne Mountains. The inspiration for C.S. Lewis’ Narnia, you don’t need to step into the wardrobe to find inspiring scenery. Scale the highest peak - Slieve Donard - or tackle a smaller one via the accessible network of paths and trails.
- Experience life at the turn of the century at the captivating Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra, County Down. Discover cottages, farms, schools and shops as you wander through the beautiful parkland. Speak with the residents tilling the land, enjoy some of their baked bread, take a horse and cart from farm to farm, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a quarter of barley sugars at the corner shop.
- 1 Oct 20241 Mar 2025
- Standing 540 feet above sea level and 125 feet high, Scrabo Tower has incredible views of Strangford Lough, County Down and even Scotland on a clear day. From the car park (which has toilet facilities, picnic tables and bike racks) it's a short, albeit quite steep, walk up to the tower. You'll have reached it within 15 minutes or less, making it the perfect setting for a quick bit of history, and tall tales over dinner.
- Sit in peace and tranquillity in Downpatrick, the final resting place of St Patrick, where, in the grounds of Down Cathedral, his grave is marked by a single slab of Mourne granite. Then tour Down Cathedral, be engrossed in his legacy at The Saint Patrick Centre, and sit on a pew at Saul Church, built to commemorate Patrick’s first church in Ireland.
- Newry has not one but two destination shopping centres, The Quays and Buttercrane, home to a wide range of stores. You’ll also find plenty of food and drink options and cafes, as well as a 10-screen multiplex cinema. A great place to while away a few hours!
- If you are anywhere near Rostrevor and Kilbroney Forest Park, you must climb to see the giant Cloughmore Stone and views of Carlingford Lough that will take your breath away. Or, if you have children, Kilbroney is lovely for the C.S. Lewis-inspired Narnia Trail. The author spent boyhood holidays in the area and said this was his inspiration for Narnia.
- Have fun learning to cook the freshest fish and seafood right on Kilkeel harbour, the home of Northern Ireland’s largest fishing fleet. Kilkeel is the seafood capital of Northern Ireland and Mourne Seafood Cookery School is its master chef. Learn to buy, handle and cook seafood – and be prepared for some very fishy stories.
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