County Down

County Down

You will find a mixture of cultivated hills and rugged Mountains in County Down.  The County also has over 7000 years of history, many important archaeological sites and ancient monuments. Newcastle, Bangor, Donaghadee, and Warrenpoint are some of the fine resorts that line the Down coast. The County has much to offer in the form of activities and outdoor sports – great for walkers and climbers alike. There is also pony-trekking, bouldering, canoeing, abseiling, hill-walking and mountain-boarding.

There are also outstanding forest parks, a Blue Flag beach at Cranfield and great shopping at Newry.

Northern Ireland’s capital city Belfast - the 'birthplace of the Titanic' is in County Down as well as County Antrim.  There are many trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. The city offers great entertainment, an Opera House, Ice Hockey, the Queen’s University, Botanical Gardens, the Ulster Museum and the City Hall. The Laganside Walk is spectacular

Some ideas for things to do include:

Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan – which is located in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, this is one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe.

Murlough National Nature Reserve, Dundrum, Newcastle - Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967.

Nendrum Monastic Site, Comber, Newtownards - Nendrum Monastery, was founded with the blessing of St Patrick, and was at its prime in the year 1000. It is a magic spot, a beautiful island accessible by bridges, with dry stone walls, heavenly views and a guide & site display.