Down Travel Guide

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From the rugged sweep of the Mourne Mountains to the sea and Strangford Lough to the south, through the rich and fertile farmlands of the centre, to the capital Belfast's wealthy hinterland in the north, County Down offers a microcosm of Northern Ireland's riches. With its stunning coastal scenery, the best of outdoor activities from international standard golf to some of the finest hill-walking in the country, it's rich in examples of the area's cultural heritage, often brought to life through acclaimed interpretative and exhibition centres, and is liberally sprinkled with gourmet restaurants, spas, elegant country houses and fascinating array of specialist antique and curiosity shops.

Self Catering Down - Mourne Mountains & Parks

To the south of the county, the hump-backed granite of the Mournes dominate a vista of blazing gorse and heather, dotted with whitewashed cottages and interlaced with traditional dry stone walled tillage fields. This is a rambler's paradise, from a leisurely stroll round the grounds of Castlewellan Forest Park, perhaps stopping to entice plump trout from the rich depths of its lake, to the Murlough National Nature Reserve, which also offers a less rugged experience than the routes for the seasoned rock climber which are charted at the Mourne Heritage Trust in the Victorian seaside town of Newcastle. 3km to the west is Tollymore Forest Park, where visitors are guided through the park's rich flora, fauna and history. Mount Pleasant Pony Trekking and Horse Riding Centre and Mourne Cycle Tours are examples of excellence in two other traditional ways to explore this stunning landscape.

Self Catering Down - Downpatrick

The County town of Downpatrick is rich in ecclesiastical and secular history. It is the site of St. Patrick's Grave; Down Cathedral testifies to 1600 years of history which is researched in depth at the St.Patrick's Centre, housed, like the Down County Museum, in the town's eighteenth- century jail.

Families and groups will thoroughly enjoy the Clearsky Adventure Centre located just outside Downpatrick on the shores of Strangford Lough, along the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail. They offer a host of activities including Archery, Rock Climbing, abseiling, orienteering, clay pigeon shooting, canoeing, kayaking among many more. This is a must for people who love outdoor fun!

Self Catering Down - Newcastle

Newcastle boasts 5km of unspoilt golden sands and a recentyl0-refurbished 1k promenade walk, while Exploris near Portaferry, gives an award-winning insight into the marine life of Strangford Lough. Its touch tanks and seal sanctuary will fascinate old and young alike.

Self Catering - Bangor

North Down is Belfast's prosperous commuter belt with all the specialism that this implies. The Victorian seaside town of Bangor has old-world family kitsch at Pickie Family Park, souvenir, fish'n'chip shops and ice cream parlours, juxtaposed with the best in contemporary dining at restaurants including Jeffers of the Marina where diners can let their gaze wander over the myriad of luxury cruisers and yachts berthed in the spectacular marina. From there, the M.V. The Brothers provides day trips to the Copeland Islands, a nature reserve long since abandoned to the seabirds.

Self Catering Down - Hillsborough

Hillsborough is the seat of the Secretary of State and has hosted presidents and world leaders. A visit to this charming village would not be complete without a tour of Hillsborough Castle, followed by a tasty bite to eat in the oak-beamed, atmospheric Plough Inn. Don't miss the Hillsborough Oyster Festival, first weekend in September.

Self Catering Down - Newtownards

In Newtownards, Ireland 's sacrifice in WW1 is recorded with dignity and pride at the Somme Heritage Centre, while visitors who brave the 122 steps to climb Scrabo Tower will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Isle of Man, Scotland and Snowdon in Wales as well as the stunning local hinterland.

An amalgam of Victorian opulence, traditional family resorts, breathtaking landscapes, and spectacular coastline, rich in heritage and culture, and home to top quality international golf, sailing, restaurants and spas- Down is truly a county to delight the whole family, time and time again.

Self Catering Down - Golf

But for golfers, County Down is synonymous with only one thing- stretching north of Newcastle is the internationally-acclaimed Royal County Down Golf Club. Host to the 2007 Walker Cup, its amalgam of blind tee shots and monster rough ensure it is rarely, if ever, out of the list of the top ten courses in the world. And after a hard day on the links, there's no better place for pampering than the nearby Slieve Donard Resortand Spa with an opulence and indulgence which has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.

Self Catering Down - Restaurants & Pubs

The South Down coastline is scattered with charming fishing villages where the daily catch features on the local menus- don't miss a visit to The Lobster Pot in Ardglass which devotes a menu to tasty dishes based on this crustacean alone, or Grace Neill's of Donaghadee. Its claim to be Ireland's Oldest Pub is lent weight by the fact it first opened its doors almost 400 years ago. Past guests include Czar Peter of Russia and the English poet John Keats. Today, clients are indulged in what's described as the best of upmarket, comfort food. Enjoy!

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