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Down

Escape into St Patrick Country for a holiday to remember

Sightseeing

Learn all about St Patrick, and explore some of the finest gardens in Europe

Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan

Over 460 acres of tranquil parkland, Castlewellan contains a castle, lakes and an internationally renowned arboretum that dates back to 1860.

Down Cathedral

Situated on the Hill of Down, the cathedral’s organ is one of the finest in Ireland. St Patrick is reputed to be buried in the graveyard.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Located on the shores of Strangford Lough, Mount Stewart is a neo-classical house with gardens that are among the finest in Europe.

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Mountains of Mourne, County Down

Famed in the Percy French song: ‘Where the Mountains o’ Mourne sweep down to the sea’, these wild and remote mountains are also famous for their granite tors and sea views, and are amongst Ireland's tallest.

St Patrick Centre, Downpatrick

Learn all about the life and times of Ireland’s patron saint with this multi-media exhibition.

Strangford Lough, County Down

Located on Ireland's northeast coast, Strangford Lough is an area of splendid natural beauty – the perfect setting for a magical holiday.

Activities

Discover heavenly golf courses and try your hand at the sport of the kings

Birdwatching

Head to Strangford Lough where as well as being a breeding ground for seals, you can see pale-bellied Brent geese from Arctic Canada and lots of terns.

Down District Walking Festival

Taking place annually in early August, this suits all types of walker from the indolent to the energetic with routes varying from 7km to 19km.

Golf

Down is one of the best places Ireland for spectacular and scenic golf courses. Try the Ardglass Golf Club with spectacular cliffs overlooking the sea, and the Royal County Down with the magnificent Mourne Mountains as a backdrop.

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Horse Racing

Enjoy all the thrill of the sport of kings at Down Royal and Downpatrick Race Course.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is on offer at Strangford Lough

Children

County Down is a kids’ playground with huge play centres and a fantastic aquarium

Cocos Adventure Playground, Newcastle

Large indoor playground for the under-14s with slides, activity playgrounds, assault courses, ball pools and a soft play area for toddlers.

Exploris Aquarium

With a seal sanctuary caring for injured or abandoned pups, excellent discovery pools, and a large open sea tank, Exploris is ideal for getting close to marine life.

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex

One of the largest and busiest leisure facilities in the UK with an eight-lane swimming pool and more.

Culture & festivals

Down does culture in style with opera seasons and oyster festivals

Castle Ward Opera Season

Enjoy world-class opera in the grounds of this stunning National Trust Property.

Fiddler’s Green Folk Festival

Attracting singers from around the world to the small town of Rostrevor, the highlight of the lively Fiddler’s Green Folk Festival is the biggest crossroads céilí in the world. Get your dancing shoes on…

Hillsborough Oyster Festival

Set in the pretty Georgian village of Hillsborough, the International Oyster Festival features the World Oyster Eating Championships, as well as lots of entertainment, food and drink.

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St Patrick Centre

The Centre in Downpatrick houses the first permanent exhibition to tell the story of Ireland's patron saint.

Eating, Drinking & Luxury

Nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, Down has a great selection of places to eat, drink and stay

Denvirs Pub, Downpatrick

There are no clichés at this place – Denvirs exudes a totally genuine old-world atmosphere and make a truly lovely spot to wile away the hours in front of a creamy pint.

Glassdrumman Lodge, County Down

A delightful country house situated in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains overlooking the Irish Sea. Glassdrumman Lodge is a rural jewel where luxury and comfort go hand in hand.

The Mill at Ballyduggan, Downpatrick

Extensively and spectacularly restored by the current owner, this 18th-century mill houses a coffee shop, restaurant, function rooms and accommodation.