What's On in County Down

Stunning coastlines, towering hills, and charming towns — that's County Down! After all, this county is home to the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. A trip to the Mourne County is sure to leave you feeling upbeat and positive, with everything that it has to offer. From lively festivals celebrating local food to fun-filled days at historic castles, there's always something new to discover in this beautiful part of Northern Ireland.

Spring Spectacular, Hillsborough Castle (15 Mar - 5 May)

This spring, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens invites visitors to experience extravaganza of blooms. The Spring Spectacular returns, featuring an unprecedented number of bulbs that have been meticulously planted to create vibrant floral installations throughout the royal residence's grounds. Guests can expect to see a diverse array of springtime blooms, including fragrant hyacinths, colourful tulips, and a selection of Northern Irish daffodils. Following a leisurely stroll through the gardens, visitors may enjoy refreshments at the café.

Wake the Giant, Warrenpoint (28 - 29 June)

Finn the friendly giant lives in Warrenpoint, near his sidekick the Point Man. Every year they go for a stroll through the town, all 32-feet tall of them. As you’d expect, over the years this has caused quite the stir in these parts and now thousands come to witness the giants’ walk. This vibrant festival celebrates the town's unique heritage and legends, and offers visitors a weekend full of exciting events and activities. From live music and performances, to Giants food feast and children’s activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The story of Finn and his folklore friends is brought to life through theatre, music, character performances and storytelling throughout the town, culminating in a colourful, interactive moving theatre.

Fiddlers Green Festival, Rostrevor (16 - 20 July)

One of the longest-running festivals of its type, the Fiddler’s Green Festival in beautiful Rostrevor is far more than just a music performance festival. It’s jam-packed with dozens of music-related events and happenings and makes for a friendly focal point for any visit to the area in high summer. Lovers of folk, traditional, blues, country and classical music are all well catered-for. This easy going festival can be enjoyed by everyone, even those happy just to soak up the free music, culture and atmosphere. The festival includes a number of highlights each year including The Festival Folk Club which hosts a line-up of internationally acclaimed artists and The Acoustic Stage in An Cuan.

Blues on the Bay, Warrenpoint (21 - 27 May)

The sea isn’t the only thing that’s blue in Warrenpoint. Every May the sound of blues and jazz music fills the bars, cafes, public spaces and streets of this picturesque waterside town. Celebrating its incredible 25th anniversary, the International Blues on the Bay Festival will become every music fan’s paradise this year as it hosts seven-days of over 60 free breath-taking blues and jazz gigs, music and jam sessions. That’s 8 gigs a day if you’re counting, but you’re allowed to miss one or two. Featuring amazing international blues musicians from across the globe and closer to home, you'll find something for all tastes.

We hope this information proves helpful. Check this space regularly for exciting updates on local festivals and events. We hope you have a brilliant time exploring County Down.

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Wake The Giant

Warrenpoint

Address

Warrenpoint, County Down, BT34 3HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Festival

The return of the Wake the Giant Festival, the perfect reason to visit the charming town of Warrenpoint.

Dates

From:

28 June 2025to29 June 2025Open 10:00 - 21:00

Price
Free

More Info
Summer Foraging Workshop at the Ulster Folk Museum

Holywood

Address

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Rd, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £30.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Forage for seasonal plants, trees and fruit on this summer walk around the Ulster Folk Museum on Sunday 29th June.

Dates

From:
29 June 2025Open 11:00 - 13:30

Price
Price £30.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Summer of Play at Castle Ward

Downpatrick

Address

Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT307BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4488 1204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Experience a summer of medieval adventure at Castle Ward! This summer, we've set aside the lawn games! From 5 July - 31 August, enjoy thrilling challenges, interactive quests, and fantasy fun!

Dates

From:

5 July 2025to31 Aug 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ards and North Down Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships

Newtownards

Address

Regent House Playing Fields, Circular Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4QA

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Free Event

Enjoy an impressive display of sight and sound. Enjoy an impressive display of sight and sound, as talented pipe bands and drum major groups come together competing for coveted awards.

Dates

From:
19 July 2025Open 11:00 - 18:00

Price
Free

More Info
Full Moon Paddle

Killinchy

Address

Whiterock Bay launch Point, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PY

Telephone
+44 (0)7909 721 898

strangfordloughactivitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature

Join us for a Full Moon Paddle on Strangford Lough this year. The moon is unique to witness from the water and no better place to do so, than from a kayak, SUP or canoe on a flat sea.

Dates

From:
9 Aug 2025
From:
7 Sept 2025
From:
7 Oct 2025

Price
Price £45.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Taste Autumn in Ards & North Down

Address

Various Locations, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

A showcase of local food and drink with a series of seasonal foodie-themed events over a two-week period with Tide and Turf Portavogie on Saturday 6 September celebrating local delicacies. Programme highlights will also include Stargazing at…

Dates

From:

5 Sept 2025to28 Sept 2025

More Info
Tide and Turf Portavogie

Portavogie

Address

Fish Market and Harbour, Portavogie, County Down, BT22 1EB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

The beautiful harbour village of Portavogie will host a celebration of delicious local produce as well as the Borough's finest food and drink on Saturday 6 September with Tide and Turf.

Dates

From:
6 Sept 2025Open 12:00 - 17:00

More Info
Eats and Beats Festival

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Festival

The Eats and Beats Festival offers the best in local and world food, where visitors can enjoy delicious fare at the homegrown and world food villages. With unique and locally produced food and drink outlets and free music performances on offer…

Dates

From:

6 Sept 2025to7 Sept 2025

Price
Free

More Info
Shorelife Celebration - Mount Stewart and Castle Espie

Newtownards & Comber

Address

Mount Stewart & Castle Espie, Newtownards & Comber, County Down

Type

Type:

Nature

The Shorelife Celebration event offers a rare chance to experience the wonders of the Ards and North Down Shoreline. The day will be filled with fun activities, engaging talks and tours, live music, and delicious local food and drink. Lots of extra…

Dates

From:
4 Oct 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00

More Info
Forage & Feast with Paul Cunningham in the Walled Garden

Helen's Bay

Address

The Walled Garden, 47 Craigdarragh Road, Helen's Bay, County Down, BT19 1UB

Telephone
07704456109

info@thewalledgardenhelensbay.com

Price
Price £120.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Join us for an unforgettable evening at 'Forage and Feast with Paul Cunningham in the Walled Garden, Helen's Bay'. This is a unique dining experience rooted in the land and inspired by nature's wild pantry.

Dates

From:
9 Oct 2025Open 19:00 - 22:00

Price
Price £120.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking