Down

Located in Northern Ireland, County Down is named after the lovely and historic county town of Downpatrick. The largest town in the county is in fact Bangor, with the urban centre of Newry lying on the boundary between Down and Armagh. Lisburn and Belfast are located on the division between counties Down and Antrim. The county features two significant peninsulas, namely the Ards Peninsula and Lecale Peninsula. The county has a coastline along Belfast Lough to the north and Carlingford Lough to the south.

The county borders the North Channel and Irish Sea to the east, with Burr Point being the most easterly point of the island of Ireland. Saint Patrick is reputed to have been buried at Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, as are two other famous Irish saints, namely, St. Brigid and St. Columba.

Major Visitor Attractions

A local chief, Dichu, was converted to Christianity early in Patrick’s mission, and provided Ireland’s patron saint with a barn from where he began his ministry. Saul Church, built in 1932 marks the accepted location of this building. The modern day structure is not far from the town of Downpatrick and was constructed to mark the fifteen hundredth anniversary of Patrick’s arrival in Ireland. Nearby Struell’s Well marks the spot where it is recorded that Patrick tested his stamina by immersing himself in its icy waters!

For those interested, religious history may be further delved in to at a variety of locations in County Down. Downpatrick Cathedral marks the accepted spot of Patrick’s final burial place (interred there by Sir John deCourcy - or so he claimed - in the 12th century, along with saints Columba and Brigid)! In fact, it is unknown really whether St. Patrick’s body does indeed lie within the Cathedral walls, but tradition holds that it does.

County Down features such dramatic scenery as the world-renowned Mourne Mountains to the south and dramatic Strangford Lough, a haven for wild fowl to the north of the county.

Hare’s Gap, in the Mourne range is an area much-loved by hillwalkers. The range sweeps down to the sea, and the trail from Trassey Track to Hare’s Gap is a real favourite with hikers. Places along the way to admire include the beautiful Spelga Pass, with the mountains featuring a number of delightful lakes also. As always, if you intend climbing, be sure to tell somebody locally of your plans, and expected return time. When hillwalking, you are strongly advised to take all the usual essentials, such as maps, a compass, some food and water, and remember, weather conditions may change pretty quickly, so warm weatherproof clothing and strong boots are advisable. Also, when you do return, common courtesy demands that you tell the local contact of same to avoid an emergency call out of rescue services. The Mourne Wall is a great aid for walkers, which is a marathon length stretch of drystone wall connecting the inner summits of the Mournes.

Crawfordsburn Country Park on the southern shores of Belfast Lough is a visitor park offering much variety. It features 3.5km (2 miles) of coastline, often rugged and rocky. The two best beaches in the Belfast area are also located here, together with a deep wooded glen, featuring an attractive waterfall and wildflower meadows which afford excellent views over the Lough. A series of way-marked trails help the visitor to explore the park.

Substantial remains of Greyabbey, a 12th century Cistercian settlement still stand in this place, testament to the area’s long religious past. Located near the village of the same name on the western shores of Strangford Lough on the Ards Peninsula, strong links with English abbeys of the time created a steady transfer of monks and religious across the Irish Sea. Mysterious and atmospheric, the beautiful parkland setting and fascinating medieval gardens are a joy to experience. The Abbey may be viewed by request during winter months and at weekends.

Just north-west of Downpatrick lies Inch Abbey. Built before the year 800AD, it was destroyed by the invading Vikings of the time, but was later restored to its former glory as a Cistercian monastry, founded by John deCourcy. A raised causeway now leads to the site, with much of the Abbey having been reduced to ground level, but the east end of the church, with its three early English lancet windows, chapter house and reflectory is still well preserved.

Located at Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Mount Stewart House was once the boyhood home of Robert Stewart, whose title was Lord Castlereagh. Its gardens are currently among the finest in Europe, with an unrivalled collection of plants, shrubs, colourful parterre displays and delightful vistas. The Temple of the Winds in the grounds overlooks Strangford Lough.

Mahee Island at Comber, features the Nendrum Monastic site, which is a classic example of a pre-Norman monastic enclosure. Created by St. Patrick’s convert, Saint Mochaoi, it resides in a beautiful location at Strangford Lough. Also on the site are the remains of a round tower, as well as the foundations of other buildings. The Nendrum Bell, found on this site is now held in the Ulster Museum.

An area of County Down situated between Rathfriland and Banbridge is known as the “Brontë Homeland”. It is where Patrick Brontë, father of Anne, Charlotte and Emily was born.

The city of Newry, in the south of the county, features St. Patrick’s Church, which overlooks the city from its location on Church Street. It is situated in the east side of the city, and is considered to be Ireland’s first ever Protestant Church. Newry is also the home of the first summit-level canal ever to be built in the British Isles.

County Down is also home to “Exploris”, the Northern Ireland Aquarium which is located at Portaferry, on the shores of Strangford Lough, on the Ards Peninsula.

Dundonald Old Mill is a 300 year old building constructed in sandstone which features exposed timber beams and floors. The building has an atmosphere of old-world charm, which creates an informal and relaxed ambience. One of the main features of the Old Mill is that it boasts the largest Waterwheel in Ireland. The Mill Wheel has been carefully restored and can be seen turning at intervals during the day. This attraction will be of interest to both young and old alike. Visitors may also browse through the selection of great gift ideas in the Gift Shop, marvel at the collection of terracotta pots and palms at the Pots and Palms Garden Centre, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee and home baked scones in the Coffee Shop or sample the delights and wonderful cuisine of Barnetts at the Mill Brasserie.

The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, located at Hollywood is highly popular with visitors from all over the world. It illustrates the way of life and the traditions of the people of the North of Ireland in the early 20th century. Set in over 69 hectares (170 acres) of rolling countryside, this attraction features 50 exhibits acquired by the Museum from all over Ulster, which have been lovingly restored. It is complemented by the Folk Galleries which show how food, farming, everyday occupations and lifestyles have changed through time. The Transport Museum, one of the finest in Europe, displays Ireland's largest and most comprehensive transport collection, from horse-drawn carts to Irish-built motor vehicles, and from impressive steam locomotives which graced our railways to the history of ship and aircraft building. Permanent exhibitions of international acclaim also include “Titanic” and the “X2 Flight Experience”.

Castle Ward is a magnificent Georgian mansion National Trust property located near the village of Strangford, which features works of art and superb period pieces. There is also an ornamental lake with wildfowl, a temple and a lovely demesne to explore.

Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick tells the story of Ireland's patron saint through a dynamic and informative exhibition. Housed in a new building which gives close access to St. Patrick's Grave and nearby Down Cathedral, the centre is open all the year round and features a café, craft shop and tourist information centre.

The Somme Heritage Centre is situated adjacent to the Clandeboye Estate outside the town of Newtownards. The centre, which is the flagship project of The Somme Association, is a unique visitor attraction of international significance, depicting the awful reality of the Great War 1914-1918, together with its effects on the community at home. It commemorates the involvement of the 36th (Ulster) and 16th (Irish) Divisions in the Battle of the Somme, the 10th (Irish) Division at Gallipoli, Salonika and Palestine and provides displays and information on the entire Irish contribution to the Great War.

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is located on the northern edge of the dramatic Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Tollymore Forest Park. It provides a wide range of courses including: rockclimbing, hillwalking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering and orienteering, suitable for groups and individuals. The Centre offers a range of meeting and conference rooms, making it an ideal location for work programming and team development days.

County Down features such lovely towns as Bangor, Downpatrick, Hollywood, Lisburn, Newry and Newtownards in addition to such charming places such as Ballynahinch, Banbridge, Carryduff, Comber, Donaghadee, Dromore, Dundonald, Kilkeel, Newcastle and Warranpoint. Unique villages such as Strangford and many others too numerous to mention, offer their own individual charm and local attractions. Why not discover what County Down has to offer for yourself during your Irish holiday adventure.