- Star of the County Down: A traditional love song celebrating a beautiful woman from Banbridge, County Down, met near the town’s market. The narrator is smitten by her charm, with vivid imagery of the county’s rural setting. It’s a staple of Irish folk music, deeply tied to Down’s identity. Traditional; lyrics attributed to Cathal MacGarvey in some versions, c. 19th century. Popularized by artists like Van Morrison and The Irish Rovers.
- The Mountains of Mourne: A humorous yet nostalgic ballad about an Irish emigrant in London longing for the Mourne Mountains, which “sweep down to the sea” in County Down. It contrasts urban life with the beauty of Down’s landscapes, particularly around Newcastle, and is a beloved anthem for the county. Written by Percy French, written in 1896.
- The County Down: A modern folk song celebrating the pride and unity of County Down’s communities, particularly its GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) clubs. It reflects the county’s sporting culture and sense of togetherness, performed collaboratively by 120 singers and musicians from Down’s 47 GAA clubs. Written by Tommy Sands, a Rostrevor native and renowned folk singer-songwriter.
- Downpatrick Town: A traditional song praising Downpatrick, the historic town associated with St. Patrick, County Down’s patron saint. It highlights the town’s cultural and religious significance, with references to its cathedral and local pride. Traditional; part of Down’s folk repertoire.
- The Flower of Sweet Strabane: A love ballad set in Strabane, which spans Counties Tyrone and Down, but often associated with Down’s border communities. It celebrates a local woman’s beauty and the charm of the region’s rivers and hills, reflecting rural Down’s romantic folklore. Traditional.; sometimes linked to Tyrone but popular in Down.
- The Road to Warrenpoint: A folk song about traveling to Warrenpoint, a coastal town in County Down, capturing the scenic beauty of the Mourne coastline and the town’s lively community. It evokes nostalgia for Down’s seaside traditions. Traditional.
- Newcastle by the Sea: A song celebrating Newcastle, a resort town nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. It highlights the town’s beaches, promenade, and vibrant summer atmosphere, reflecting Down’s coastal charm. Traditional.; often sung locally.
- The Hills of South Down: A traditional ballad praising the rolling hills and drumlins of South Down, particularly around areas like Hilltown and Rathfriland. It reflects the county’s agricultural heritage and rural tranquility. Traditional.
- The Maid of Mourne Shore: A romantic folk song about a young woman from the Mourne region, blending themes of love and the rugged beauty of County Down’s coastal and mountain landscapes. It captures the county’s poetic connection to its scenery. Traditional.; often performed by local artists.
- Brown Eyed Girl: A classic rock song by Van Morrison, inspired by his youth in County Down, particularly around Belfast and Downpatrick. While not explicitly about a specific Down community, it references local landscapes and experiences, like “going down to the hollow,” and is tied to Down’s cultural identity through Morrison’s roots. Written by Van Morrison, written in 1967.
Songs
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 Anthem
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.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – New – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
