Down
Attractions in County Down
Attractions County Down Quick Links
Towns in County Down Quick Links
Ards Peninsula
Ards Peninsula in County Down Ireland, named from the Irish nAird Uladh meaning Peninsula of the Ulstermen, separates Strangford Lough from the Irish Sea. The peninsula is home to some of the most fertile land in Ireland and there are several towns and villages along the route including Newtownards, Greyabbey, Ballywalter, Portaferry and Protavogie. For sightseeing in Ireland the landscape along Ards Peninsula in County Down Ireland is an enchanting mix of pretty villages and natural coastline with stunning seascapes.
Mount Stewart House and Gardens
Mount Stewart House and Gardens once home to the Marquess of London-derry are now owned and maintained by the National Trust and the gardens which were landscaped by Lady Londonderry wife of the seventh Marquess are some of the most magnificent in the National Trust’s possession and are the main attraction at Mount Stewart. These remarkable gardens in County Down show brilliant planting skills and include the shamrock Garden, the Spanish Garden the Italian Garden and the Sunk Garden.
Mourne Mountains
The Mourne Mountains, also referred to as the Mountains of Mourne are a mountain range in County Down Ireland that include the highest mountain in Ulster, Sieve Donard. Along with the mountains with names beginning with Slieve (from the Irish sliabh meaning mountain) such as Slieve Donard and Slieve Binnian there are also a number with peculiar names such as Brandy Pad, the Devil’s Coach Road, Pigeon Roack and Buzzard’s Roost! The Mourne Mountains are a beautiful attraction for sightseeing in Ireland and are ideal for hill walkers, cyclists, rock climbers and those looking for a spectacular nature experience.
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
Set up in 1958 the exceptional Ulster Folk and Transport Museum allows you to step back in time and discover the life and traditions of people in County Down and in Northern Ireland from years ago with the outdoor museum telling the story of life in Ulster during the 1900’s. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum offers demonstrations of historical crafts and farming methods and visitors can discover up to 30 restored buildings of times gone by such as cottages, schools and shops and also a transport museum home to horse drawn carriages, electric trams and vintage motorbikes and cars.
Downpatrick
Downpatrick is one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic towns. The town’s name from the Irish Dún Pádraig meaning Patricks stronghold is due to Downpatrick’s connection with St. Patrick the patron saint of Ireland who is said to have been buried within the grounds of Down Cathedral in 461. A medium sized town, Downpatrick is the County town of Down and offers plenty to see for visitors to the area.
Newcastle
Newcastle County Down Ireland is a lively seaside resort situated approximately 48 km south of Belfast and 139 km north of Dublin. The town is set within a stunning natural environment with the Irish Sea on one side and the magnificent Mourne Mountains on the other. Newcastle is located within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a stunningly beautiful coastline. The surrounding area is blessed with forests, lakes and rivers and a host of historical features.
Newry
Considered the gateway to the North from the East coast due to its close proximity to the Repulic of Ireland, Newry in County Down is 67 miles (108km) from Dublin and 34 miles (55km) from Belfast. It is one of the largest towns in the North and one of the best shopping towns in Ireland.
