County Down Ireland Map Travel Guide
Discovering the Best of County Down
Located in Northern Ireland, County Down offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the stunning Mourne Mountains to the vibrant nightlife of Bangor and the rich history of Belfast, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventure seeker, or a history buff, County Down has it all.
Top Attractions
One of the top attractions in County Down is the stunning Mourne Mountains. These majestic peaks offer some of the best hiking and outdoor activities in the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the forests, lakes, and waterfalls that dot the landscape. Another must-see attraction is the historic town of Downpatrick, which is home to the gravesite of St. Patrick and a wealth of historical landmarks. Other top attractions include the picturesque coastal town of Newcastle and the stunning gardens at Mount Stewart.
Hidden Gems
For those looking to get off the beaten path, County Down has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Take a stroll through the charming village of Greyabbey, which is home to a number of historic buildings and quaint shops. Or head to the seaside village of Strangford, which offers stunning views of Strangford Lough and a variety of outdoor activities. Another hidden gem is the Ulster Folk Museum, which offers a glimpse into life in Northern Ireland in the early 20th century.
Food Scene
County Down is known for its excellent food scene, with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs serving up delicious local cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the region’s best seafood, including fresh oysters and mussels from Strangford Lough. Other local specialties include Irish stew, soda bread, and Ulster fry, a hearty breakfast dish that includes bacon, eggs, sausage, and black pudding.
Budget-Friendly Tips
County Down can be an affordable destination if you know where to look. To save money on accommodations, consider staying in a hostel or bed and breakfast instead of a hotel. You can also save money by taking advantage of free attractions like hiking in the Mourne Mountains or visiting the Ulster Museum in Belfast. And don’t forget to take advantage of happy hour specials at local pubs and restaurants.
Outdoor Adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, County Down is a dream destination. In addition to hiking in the Mourne Mountains, visitors can also enjoy cycling, kayaking, and fishing in the region’s many lakes and rivers. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the coastal areas of County Down, which offer stunning views of the Irish Sea and a variety of water sports.
Family-Friendly Activities
County Down is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. Visit the Ulster Folk Museum to learn about life in Northern Ireland in the early 20th century, or head to the Exploris Aquarium to see a variety of sea creatures up close. Other family-friendly activities include hiking in the Mourne Mountains, visiting the National Trust properties at Mount Stewart and Castle Ward, and enjoying the sandy beaches at Newcastle and Warrenpoint.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for a unique experience in County Down, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path options to choose from. Take a guided tour of the historic Ards Peninsula, which is home to a number of ancient ruins and historic sites. Or head to the shores of Strangford Lough to learn about the region’s rich maritime history. Other off-the-beaten-path experiences include exploring the abandoned village of Tyrella and visiting the historic mills at Ballydugan.
Natural Wonders
County Down is home to a number of natural wonders that are worth exploring. In addition to the stunning Mourne Mountains, visitors can also explore the Tollymore Forest Park, which features a variety of hiking trails and stunning waterfalls. Other natural wonders in the region include the Strangford Lough Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of bird species, and the Ring of Gullion, a unique geological formation that is believed to be the result of a meteor impact.
Vibrant Nightlife
County Down has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of pubs, bars, and nightclubs to choose from. In Bangor, don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the many waterfront bars and restaurants, which offer stunning views of Belfast Lough. Other popular nightlife destinations include the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast, which is home to a variety of pubs and live music venues, and the seaside town of Newcastle, which is known for its lively bars and nightclubs.
Local Markets
For those looking to experience the local culture of County Down, there are plenty of markets and festivals to choose from. The St. George’s Market in Belfast is a must-visit for foodies, with a wide variety of local specialties and artisanal products on offer. Other popular markets in the region include the Strangford Lough Farmers’ Market and the Castlewellan Christmas Market.
Beaches and Mountains
County Down is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and mountains in Ireland. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the sandy beaches at Newcastle and Warrenpoint, or hike to the summit of Slieve Bearnagh in the Mourne Mountains for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other popular beaches in the region include Tyrella Beach and Murlough Beach, both of which offer a variety of outdoor activities.
Cultural Immersion
County Down offers plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion, with a variety of museums, galleries, and historic sites to explore. Visit the Ulster Museum in Belfast to learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage, or explore the ancient ruins at Navan Fort. Other cultural attractions in the region include the Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick and the Down County Museum in Downpatrick.
Art and Music Scene
County Down has a thriving art and music scene, with a variety of galleries, theaters, and live music venues to choose from. Don’t miss the opportunity to see a show at the Grand Opera House in Belfast, or catch a concert at the Waterfront Hall. Other popular cultural destinations include the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, which celebrates the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning poet, and the Ballymaloe Cookery School, which offers a variety of cooking classes and culinary events.
Walking Tours
County Down is a great destination for walking tours, with a variety of guided tours and self-guided routes to choose from. Take a tour of the historic city of Belfast, which is home to a number of landmarks and historic sites, or explore the scenic countryside around Castlewellan. Other popular walking tours in the region include the Comber Greenway, a 7-mile trail that connects Belfast and Comber, and the Lecale Way, a 20-mile trail that explores the stunning coastline of County Down.
Architectural Marvels
County Down is home to a variety of architectural marvels, from ancient ruins to contemporary masterpieces. Visit the historic Castle Ward, which is home to a variety of buildings dating back to the 18th century, or explore the stunning St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast. Other architectural marvels in the region include the Scrabo Tower, a 135-foot tower that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and the Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art museum that tells the story of the ill-fated ocean liner.
Historical Sites
County Down has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with a variety of historic sites and landmarks to explore. Visit the ancient burial mounds at Slieve Croob, or explore the ruins of the medieval Inch Abbey. Other popular historical sites in the region include the historic town of Downpatrick, the Ardglass Castle, and the Ulster Folk Museum.
Biking Routes
County Down is a great destination for biking, with a variety of scenic routes to choose from. Take a leisurely ride along the Comber Greenway, or tackle the challenging climbs of the Mourne Mountains. Other popular biking routes in the region include the Lagan Towpath, a 11-mile trail that follows the River Lagan from Belfast to Lisburn, and the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail, a 58-mile route that explores the stunning coastline of County Down.
Wellness Retreats
County Down is a great destination for wellness retreats, with a variety of spas, yoga retreats, and wellness centers to choose from. Relax and rejuvenate at the Culloden Estate and Spa, which offers a variety of treatments and therapies, or book a yoga retreat at the Castlewellan Forest Park. Other popular wellness destinations in the region include the Galgorm Resort and Spa and the Ardtara Country House.
With so much to see and do in County Down, it’s no wonder that this region is one of the most popular destinations in Northern Ireland. From the stunning natural beauty of the Mourne Mountains to the vibrant nightlife of Bangor and Belfast, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.