Down

Down

Escape into St Patrick Country for a holiday to remember

Walking in the Mourne Mountains
Castle Ward
Swimming in the Mournes
Mount Steward House and Gardens

From left to right: Walking in the Mourne Mountains, Castle Ward, Swimming in the Mournes, Mount Steward House and Gardens

Take a glimpse into the fascinating life of Saint Patrick with a trip to scenic County Down. 

With a history that covers over 7,000 years, Down is blessed with a wealth of heritage sites, but the most famous of all is Downpatrick, where Ireland’s patron saint is reputed to be buried. 

County Down is a picturesque spot filled mostly with low, rolling hills that contrast spectacularly with the rugged Mountains of Mourne and Slieve Donnard, which rise dramatically to a height of 848 metres. 

Strangford Lough, meanwhile, is an abundant nature reserve with seals, geese, terns and wildfowl nestling amidst its peaceful shores. 

What's On

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Garden Show Ireland

18 May 2012 - 21 May 2012

With over 25,000 people from throughout Ireland and beyond visiting the event, Garden Show Ireland is firmly established on the...

N.I Hospice Walk in the Mournes

19 May 2012 - 20 May 2012

Start & Finishing Point: Donard Car Park, Newcastle

Lough Lively celebrates "The Shore"

19 May 2012 - 19 May 2012

Have you ever seen or touched an American oscar? You will have the opportunity at Lough Lively celebrates “The Shore” taking place...

Meet the Monks at Grey Abbey

19 May 2012 - 20 May 2012

Meet the Cistercian Monks who will introduce you to their way of life and prayer with demonstrations of calligraphy and...

Living History at Grey Abbey

19 May 2012 - 20 May 2012

Join a cistercian monk to hear about life

Meet the Maker - Craft Workshop with Glass Artist, Irene McBride of Discovery Glass

19 May 2012 - 20 May 2012

‘Create a Tiffany Lightcatcher’

2012 Portaferry Proms

19 May 2012 - 20 May 2012

Join us for the first of our 2012 Portaferry Proms when Craig Ogden, the internationally recognised guitarist, and favourite of...

Ireland Coast to Coast Multisport Race

19 May 2012 - 20 May 2012

Traversing the country in a west to east format the route of the 26 Extreme Coast to Coast Multisport Race across Ireland will...

Meet the Monks at Nendrum Monastic Site

20 May 2012 - 21 May 2012

St Machaoi is said to have founded this site with St Patrick's blessing. Learn about the "daily grind" from the Early Christian...

14th Annual International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival

24 May 2012 - 29 May 2012

The events include music workshops, jazz picnic in the park, blues busking competitions, tall ships and over 90 free fantastic...

Friday Night Live with Linley Hamilton

25 May 2012 - 26 May 2012

Bring a bottle, sit back, relax and enjoy the best affordable live music in town. Belfast Trumpeter Linley Hamilton is a recent...

Ards Comedy Festival

25 May 2012 - 28 May 2012

On the Saturday we are pleased to present our Titanic Night of

Meet the Man at Arms at Audley's Castle

26 May 2012 - 27 May 2012

Meet the 15th Century Man at Arms who will explain his part in defending a medieval tower house and display his costume and...

Strangford Lough Boat Trips

27 May 2012 - 20 Aug 2012

The boat trips take approximately an hour and a half and are suitable for all age groups.

Meet the Man at Arms at Sketrick Castle

27 May 2012 - 28 May 2012

Meet the 15th Century Man at Arms who will explain his part in defending a medieval tower house and display his costume and...

"The Boat Factory" A play by Dan Gordon

30 May 2012 - 01 Jun 2012

The current generations of Andrews Hall users know the hall as the home of Andrews Memorial Primary School's renowned plays. Each...

Bird Watching Morning

31 May 2012 - 01 Jun 2012

Join Dot Blakely our resident expert, to find out more about birds in and around the grounds.

South Eastern Regional College Photography Exhibition

01 Jun 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

Display of work by staff & students based at South Eastern Regional College.

Cultra Hill Climb

02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Motoring enthusiasts are getting in gear for this year’s much anticipated Cultra Hillclimb event at the Ulster Folk & Transport...

China Painting Workshop - Donald Nelson

02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Donald, who was trained by the Head China Painter at Royal Worchester Pottery, will guide and help you to China Paint a piece of...

Art in the Loft - Workshop with Mike Yeomans‘Using photographs in the development of a painting’

02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Artist Mike Yeomans will lead this workshop which is suitable for beginners. Participants should bring at least 4 colour...

Turn O' the Tide Festival

02 Jun 2012 - 04 Jun 2012

The annual “Turn O’ The Tide” festival, celebrates Strangford Lough's ancient and modern maritime traditions, and its world...

Stag and Hen Adventures

02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Session durations: Mornings (10-12.30) or afternoons (2-4.30)

Meet the Monks at Newtownards Priory

02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

A Blackfriars master and novice inhabit the beautiful covered stone doorway converting it into a scriptorium for the day. Learn...

Turn 'O The Tide Festival - Strangford Lough Seaweed Squelch

02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Get your hands on red, green and brown seaweed in all shapes and sizes. Rejuvenate your skin with its silky gel, make beautiful...

Ards Puppet Festival

02 Jun 2012 - 05 Jun 2012

Now in its 11th year, the Ards Puppet Festival has become a firm family favourite, offering people of all ages the opportunity to...

Cloghy Rocks Seal Watch

02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Join Northern Ireland Environment Agency experts for a unique opportunity to watch seals up close in their natural habitat at...

Turn 'O The Tide Festival Strangford Lough - The Yurt

02 Jun 2012 - 04 Jun 2012

Seaweed art, heritage pyramids, storytelling and lots of fun activities all day in the Yurt.

Painting Workshop - Mike Yeoman

02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Artist Mike Yeomans will lead this workshop which is suitable for beginners. Participants should bring at least 4 colour...

Jubilee Celebrations - Bangor

02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Come along to Bangor Town Centre for fantastic family fun to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.

IDRA Northern Championship & Laser 2000 Championship

02 Jun 2012 - 05 Jun 2012

Get ahead of the 2012 Olympics witht the IDRA Northern Championship & Laser 2000 Championship. The Irish Dinghy Racing Association...

GO Coasteering

02 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Course pre-requisites:

‘Exploring Colour; people and places’ an Exhibition of work by Mike & Maggie Yeomans

02 Jun 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

The Drawings, Paintings and Ceramics in this exhibition focus on the wide range of colour found in images of people and places...

Big Birthday Bonanza - Exploris Aquarium

02 Jun 2012 - 07 Jun 2012

Join us for our Big Birthday Weekend and help us celebrate 25 years. There will be puppet shows, drop in puppet making workshops...

Crawfordsburn Lifestyle Green 2012

03 Jun 2012 - 05 Jun 2012

The extended Jubilee weekend in early June is the ideal time to head to this event that brings affordable, realistic and...

Mini Nests Exhibition

03 Jun 2012 - 20 Jun 2012

Nest….A glorious and poignant celebration

Big Bug Hunt

03 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Big Bug Hunt

Conservation Skills Series, Nature Reserve Management

03 Jun 2012 - 04 Jun 2012

What have ponies and conies to do with dune land, flowers and rare butterflies? Come along and you will find out more from one of...

Van Morrison - Dinner & Show, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa

03 Jun 2012 - 03 Jun 2012

Van Morrison - Dinner and Show at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa - "The road to coney island"

Meet the Monks at Struell Wells

03 Jun 2012 - 04 Jun 2012

Meet the medieval monks who tended the church and wells and learn about their connection with St Patrick.

Chicken Licken - Puppet Show @ Castle Espie

03 Jun 2012 - 04 Jun 2012

Ards Puppet Festival will be performing the

Newry City Marathon

03 Jun 2012 - 04 Jun 2012

Think you could outrun Usain Bolt? Why not warm up for the 2012 Olympics at the Newry City Marathon- Full Marathon, Half Marathon...

Friday Fun Sailing Nights - Donaghadee Sailing Club

04 Jun 2012 - 30 Jun 2012

This is your chance to try your hand at

Light A Beacon for the Queen's Diamond Jubliee at Slieve Donard

04 Jun 2012 - 04 Jun 2012

LIGHTING A BEACON AT THE HIGHEST POINT OF NORTHERN IRELAND - SLIEVE DONARD

International Bread Festival - Rise Up and Celebrate

04 Jun 2012 - 05 Jun 2012

Bread demonstrations, Taster sessions, Local food producers, Artisan breads, Bread talks, Speciality foods, Entertainment,...

Jubilee Jamboree @ The Ark Farm, Newtownards

04 Jun 2012 - 06 Jun 2012

This is a Jubilee two day event with

Hill Walking Skills 2 Day

04 Jun 2012 - 05 Jun 2012

Discover the breathtaking activity of Hill Walking in the tranquil Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland on our 2 day beginners...

Magic Show at Delamont Country Park

04 Jun 2012 - 05 Jun 2012

Situated on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough, amidst rolling countryside, Delamont offers you the chance to 'get away...

A Space for Glass Exhibition - The Space, Ards Crafts

05 Jun 2012 - 27 May 2012

An exhibition of work by glass artist, Irene

Downy Duckling Tours @ Castle Espie

06 Jun 2012 - 28 Jun 2012

Get up and close to nature’s little wonders.

N.I Olympic Torch Relay - Down District

07 Jun 2012 - 08 Jun 2012

The Olympic Flame is expected to travel for 70 days an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK giving thousands of communities and...

Behing-the-Scenes Tours @ Castle Espie

09 Jun 2012 - 11 Jun 2012

Join our Wildlife Reserve Manager and learn exactly what it takes to run the Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetland Centre day to day.

Mourne Way Challenge Walk - 26 Miles

09 Jun 2012 - 10 Jun 2012

26 Extreme are pleased to announce that the 2012 Mourne Way Challenge Walk is set to take place on Saturday 9 June 2012. Following...

Mourne Way Ultra Marathon - 52 Miles

09 Jun 2012 - 10 Jun 2012

26 Extreme are pleased to announce that the 2012 Mourne Way Ultra Marathon is set to take place on Saturday 9 June 2012. Following...

East Coast Adventure, Warrenpoint & Rostrevor

09 Jun 2012 - 10 Jun 2012

26Extreme & Mourne Way Marathon 9th June Adventure Day

Ards Festival of Speed

09 Jun 2012 - 11 Jun 2012

The 2012 Ards Festival of Speed is back in its second year after storming onto the events scene in 2011. In only 12 months the...

Mourne Way Marathon

09 Jun 2012 - 10 Jun 2012

26 Extreme are pleased to announce that the 2012 Mourne Way Marathon is set to take place on Saturday 9 June 2012. Following on...

'Gala Day' at the Somme Heritage Centre

10 Jun 2012 - 11 Jun 2012

Come along and enjoy a family day out at the Somme Heritage Centre - military displays, mini battlefields tour, raffles, darts and...

Seamus O'Neill Summer School

15 Jun 2012 - 17 Jun 2012

Séamus Ó Neill (1910-1986) was from Clarkhill, a town land just outside Castlewellan. He produced a great variety of literary work...

Adventure Sports Weekend

15 Jun 2012 - 16 Jun 2012

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Map DOWN ANTRIM ARMAGH FERMANAGH LONDONDERRY TYRONE DONEGAL CARLOW CAVAN CLARE CORK DUBLIN GALWAY KERRY KILDARE KILKENNY LAOIS LEITRIM LIMERICK LONGFORD LOUTH MAYO MEATH MONAGHAN OFFALY OFFALY WEST OFFALY EAST ROSCOMMON SLIGO TIPPERARY NORTH TIPPERARY SOUTH WATERFORD WESTMEATH WEXFORD WICKLOW

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Did you know?

St Patrick retired to County Down where he died on March 17th, 461 AD.