- The Banshee of Scrabo Hill: Near Newtownards, the banshee is said to appear on Scrabo Hill, combing her long hair and wailing to foretell death in certain old families; her cries echo across the landscape on misty nights.
- Fairy Rings and Lights in Dundonald: In the area around Dundonald, circular fairy rings in fields are avoided, with stories of lights seen dancing within them at midnight, believed to be fairies holding revels that mortals should not disturb.
- The Giant’s Causeway Link to Slieve Donard: Legends connect the massive stones thrown by giants, with one tale of a giant from the Mourne Mountains hurling rocks towards Scotland, leaving marks and boulders scattered across Down’s hills.
- Hidden Treasure in Ring Forts near Downpatrick: Many ancient ring forts around Downpatrick are reputed to guard buried treasure from Viking times, protected by supernatural forces; attempts to dig often end with strange noises or visions driving seekers away.
- Saint Patrick’s Well and Miracles: Associated with Saint Patrick in County Down, particularly near Saul and Downpatrick, tales recount holy wells where the saint performed miracles, blessing waters that cure ailments to this day.
Folklore
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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