Activities & Attractions in County Down

Things to do in County Down

The very geography of County Down offers variety in itself. There’s the Mourne mountains sweeping down to the sea. There’s Strangford Lough, the largest lough of its kind in Britain and Ireland. The Ards Peninsula has a sea-bitten flavour all of its own. Head inland, into Bronte Country, and everything changes as rock and sand quickly give way to farmland and woods.

It’s no surprise then that there’s also a wide variety of things to do and see in County Down.

Family fun never grows old here

Start with one of Northern Ireland’s most popular, fun-filled attractions. The Let’s Go Hydro Aqua Park just outside Belfast is packed with all kinds of activities, from open water swimming to waterslides, cable water sports, aqua rugby, tubing, wakeboarding and paddle-boarding. They’ve on-site glamping facilities, meaning you can make a weekend of it too.

Clearsky Adventure Centre at Old Castle Ward on the shores of Strangford Lough is another place where the sky’s the limit when it comes to things to do. Set amidst the remains of a medieval fortress, where scenes from both Vikings and Game of Thrones® were filmed, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice. Axe throwing or archery? Cycling or coasteering? Sea safari or star-gazing from a glamping pod? You couldn’t make it all up and, fortunately, you don’t have to because it’s all there waiting for you.

The jewel in the crown – Hillsborough Castle

(Access is only available to the gardens and café during the winter. The Castle reopens in the spring).

Hillsborough Castle is one of the official Royal Palaces and is well worth visiting. It was built in Georgian style and splendour by Wills Hill and is beautifully set in 100 acres of well-tended parkland and gardens. A guided tour of the castle will trace the history of the palace as you move from one opulent room to another, including the magnificent State Rooms, the Red Room and Throne Room. Outside, you’re able to wander the grounds, discovering the restored Walled Garden, Lost Garden and a myriad of winding avenues, paths and lawns. After all that, head for the on-site cafe and gift shop, which are almost reasons to visit in themselves.

From a palace to a castle

Castle Ward, facing Strangford Lough, also offers another face to the world. It was in fact built in two contrasting styles. Why? Because the couple who built it, Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor, and his wife, Ann, simply couldn’t agree on the style and décor - and we’re not talking white or magnolia paint here! To compromise, the half of the castle facing the lough is built and decorated in an elaborate Gothic style, while the half facing inland is in a classical Palladian style. If that alone gives you a taste for the place, just wait until you get there. Apart from the house itself, there’s a stable yard which featured heavily in Game of Thrones®, plus cycling, walking, archery, horse-riding and acres of immaculately planted and tended grounds to explore.

Grand indoors to great outdoors – Mournes, Newcastle and more

After all that grandeur, get out and clear your head in the Mourne Mountains, which are perfect for hiking, criss-crossed as they are with countless walking trails and conveniently-placed car parks. Many of the accessible trails and paths will at some point lead you down into Silent Valley or up the slopes of Slieve Donard, or both. Either way, the Mournes make for a breath-taking outdoors experience. Even stepping off a trail to admire the panoramic views across the glittering Irish sea feels like an event in itself. Look out for the Cooley peninsula to the south, the Isle of Man to the north-east, with Mount Snowdon in Wales visible through binoculars on the clearest of days.

It’s a short hop from here to the popular seaside town of Newcastle, with its long silver strand, Royal County Down championship golf course, iconic Slieve Donard hotel and the usual seaside attractions for kids of all ages.

Another option worth exploring is the water, and there’s a lot of it to go around in these parts. Strangford Lough is both immense and intimate at the same time, with harbours, villages, marinas, slipways and quays dotted along its coastline. It’s a great place to take a kayak out for a few hours exploring the many islands, with hire shops and instructors always nearby.

Refuel, revive and imbibe as you explore

County Down plays host to a number of microbreweries, and if craft beer, local gins or homemade wines are of interest, we recommend you add a few of the following to your itinerary.

Shortcross Gin Distillery in Downpatrick, and the Echlinville Distillery out on the Ards peninsula are but a few of the brewers and distillers leading the way in our burgeoning craft drink revival. Each is worth a visit to take in the setting, learn about the perfection of the process, sample the wonderful products, and even take a souvenir - or a bottle - home with you too.

That’s just a whistle-stop tour of some of the highlights of this varied and vibrant county. Hopefully you’ll have found plenty of inspiration above, with more below – so get planning and away you go!

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, we strongly advise checking in advance before you travel to your intended destination to ensure its open and book tickets if applicable.

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Number of results: 337

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Helen's Bay to Whitespots

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Woodland corridor

More Info
Delamont Long Walk

Killyleagh

Address

Delamont Country Park, 90 Downpatrick Rd,, Killyleagh, Down, BT30 9TZ

Telephone
03301374366

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

One of the Delamont Country Park Walks. All walks are wheelchair accessible and two mobility rambler scooters are available for use in the park. Car park charge at weekends and daily during the Summer Season.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Groomsport Golf Centre

Groomsport

Address

101 Springwell Road, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6LX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9147 3586

info@groomsportgolfcentre.com

Type

Type:

Driving Range

Groomsport Golf Centre has been established for 22 years, we have 16 inside floodlit bays and over 100 yards of outside hitting bays. Our shop is well stocked with the latest brands at the best prices with our speciality being the golf trolley market

More Info
Lough Shannagh - The Heart of the Mournes - Mountain Ways Ireland

Kilkeel

Address

The Game Keeper Lodge, 270 Moyad Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3057 0220

info@mountainwaysireland.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Trek to the heart of The Mournes as we trace the fascinating story of Granite.We'll demonstrate this ancient art and also visit the largest and most beautiful natural mountain lake with views far below into the stunning Mountain reservoirs.

More Info
Bangor Marina

Bangor

Address

Bregenz House, 5 Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9145 3297

bangor@boatfolk.co.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

Bangor Marina is located right in the heart of Bangor city centre close to all major road, rail and air transport networks. The Marina lies at the mouth of Belfast Lough offering exceptional access to world class yacht racing waters.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Battletown Gallery

Newtownards

Address

90 Bowtown Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SL

Telephone
+447816 576102

alison@battletowngallery.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

The gallery seeks to promote quality Irish art in a relaxed atmosphere and displays a varied range of work. With emphasis on quality and innovative work, the gallery showcases both contemporary and semi-traditional styles.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Dundrum Castle Woods Trail

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Dundrum Castle Woods

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Mourne Seafood Cookery School

Kilkeel

Address

Nautilus Centre, Rooney Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4176 2525

mscskilkeel@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Cookery School

The state of the art Mourne Seafood Cookery School offers a range of cookery courses and demonstrations on local seafood.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Mourne Mountain Walk

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle Visitor Information Centre, 10-14 Central Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 2222

newcastle.vic@downdc.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

A popular approach to the Mournes. The woods fade away and a granite gravel path runs almost to the great Mourne wall. Look back down the glen to appreciate the elegant sweep of the bay.

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Killynether Wood

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Woodland walk with excellent views of surrounding countryside

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Hillsborough Fort

Royal Hillsborough

Address

The Square, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Owned by Historic Royal Palaces, Hillsborough Fort was constructed in the 17th Century, and sits nestled in picturesque parkland in the heart of the town. Built to protect the road leading from Carrickfergus to Dublin, the fort has been a place of…

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Ins, Outs & Whereabouts of the Silent Valley by E-Bike – Bike Mourne

Castlewellan

Address

The Forest Park, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9BU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Cycling Tour

Experience Mourne by road with our self-guided tour of the Ins, Outs and Whereabouts of the Silent Valley by Electric Bike.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Trassey to Bloody Bridge

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A moderate linear walk giving a true taste of the Mournes

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Kingdom of Mourne Tours

Newcastle

Address

Mourneview Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0QS

Telephone
+44 (0) 7789 938 541

kingdomofmournetours@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Join your experienced, qualified tour guide and hill walking leader as she offers informative and enjoyable guided walking tours in and around the Mournes area.

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Nooks & Crannies of Legananny by E-Bike – Bike Mourne

Castlewellan

Address

The Forest Park, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9BU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 0714

hello@bikemourne.com

Type

Type:

Cycling Tour

Experience Mourne by road with our self-guided tour of the Nooks & Crannies of Legananny by Electric Bike.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Magy’s Farm Experience – Where Music Grows

Dromara

Address

59 Dechomet Road, Dromara, County Down, BT25 2HQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7967 976 026

info@magysfarm.co.uk

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

A unique trip to a contemporary farmhouse and jazz music venue in the Dromara Hills in County Down to meet writer and poet Maggie Doyle who will tell you the story of the small, dairy farm where she grew up and how it has been re-purposed to create…

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Stricklands Glen

Bangor

Address

Bryansburn Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

An enchanting park leading onto the North Down Coastal Path.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Granite Trail (Donard Loop & Bogie Line)

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The Granite Trail to Thomas’s Mountain is just over 1,100 metres

More Info
Eisenhower Pier

Bangor

Address

The Seafront, Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

At the seafront in the City of Bangor in Ards and North Down, a short stroll from the promenade, past Bregenz House (Headquarters to HM Coastguard), takes you to the Eisenhower Pier

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Echlinville Distillery

Kircubbin

Address

62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4273 8597

info@echlinville.com

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Distillery

Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their spirits, before settling down to relax and enjoy them in the bar.

Price
Price £23.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking