- Mourne Mountains: A granite mountain range in the south of the county, including Slieve Donard, county Down’s highest peak at 850m. Visitors can expect scenic hiking trails, from challenging ascents to gentle walks, with breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and rolling drumlins. Popular routes include the Mourne Wall and Glen River path. Free to access, but sturdy footwear and weather checks are essential. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
- Tollymore Forest Park: Near Newcastle, this 630-hectare park, established in 1955, features woodlands, rivers, and Gothic follies along the Shimna River. Visitors can expect walking trails (e.g., Arboretum Path, Mountain Trail), waterfalls, and iconic sites like the stone bridges seen in Game of Thrones. Picnic areas and a café make it family-friendly. Entry is free, with a small parking fee. Perfect for nature lovers and film fans.
- Castle Ward: An 18th-century National Trust estate on Strangford Lough, famous for its dual architectural styles (Classical and Gothic) and as Winterfell in Game of Thrones. Visitors can expect guided house tours, 820 acres of gardens, woodlands, and trails, plus a Victorian play area and farmyard. Activities include archery and boat rides. Entry fees apply for non-members; a tea room enhances the visit. Ideal for history buffs and families.
- Strangford Lough: Ireland’s largest sea lough, a Special Area of Conservation near Downpatrick, teeming with wildlife like seals, otters, and migratory birds. Visitors can expect boat tours, kayaking, or cycling along coastal paths, with views of islands and quaint villages like Portaferry. The Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry offers marine exhibits. Free to explore, though activities may have costs. Perfect for water sports and nature enthusiasts.
- Down Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Grave: In Downpatrick, this 12th-century cathedral is a pilgrimage site,-Ag where St. Patrick is said to be buried. Visitors can expect a serene, historic setting with guided tours of the Gothic cathedral, ancient artifacts, and the grave slab in the churchyard. Free entry to the grounds, with a small fee for the cathedral. A spiritual and historical experience for all visitors.
- Ulster Folk and Transport Museum: Located in Holywood, one of Europe’s top open-air museums, it features a folk park with reconstructed historic buildings and a transport section with vintage vehicles, including steam trains and a Titanic exhibition. Visitors can expect immersive experiences like stepping into 1900s Irish life, exploring a weaver’s cottage, or riding a tram. Entry fees apply; open daily. Ideal for history and culture enthusiasts.
- Murlough National Nature Reserve: Near Dundrum, this 6,000-year-old dune system along Dundrum Bay is a haven for wildlife, including seals, birds, and rare plants. Visitors can expect scenic walks through dunes, heathlands, and beaches, with boardwalks and interpretive signs. The 18th-century Murlough House offers guided tours. Free entry to the reserve, managed by the National Trust; parking fees apply. Perfect for nature lovers and walkers.
Attractions
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth\ – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Down:
Ireland’s county Down offers a mix of historic sites and scenic landscapes, with Downpatrick’s Saint Patrick Centre and cathedral providing insights into Ireland’s patron saint. The Mourne Mountains offer hiking trails with sweeping views, while Strangford Lough provides kayaking and wildlife spotting. Other attractions include the historic Tollymore Forest Park. Down is Ireland’s 12th largest county by size (2,447 square km) and fourth largest by population (553,261). Population peaked at 361,446 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 204,303, in 1911. In terms of hospitality, Down is Ireland’s 18th most visited tourist county with around 127,000 international visitors per year.
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