Pride of place in County Downis the Mourne Mountains, the longest and highest mountain range in NorthernIreland. In the words of a song made famous by Percy French “where the mountains of Mourne sweep down tothe sea” this area is an adventurer’s paradise. If scaling the 850 metrehigh SlieveDonard is too daunting a challenge whilst on holiday then the nearbygranite trail may be more suitable, each offering rewarding views over the popularseaside town of Newcastle and the surrounding area.
The seaside town of Newcastle is the perfectlocation for family holidays in Down. The nearbyTollymore Outdoor Adventure Centre offers pony-trekking, bouldering, canoeing,abseiling and hillwalking. While Tollymore and Castlewellaneach have their own outstanding forest parks with the peace maze inCastlewellan offering an exciting challenge for the whole family. Castlewellanforest park is also a must for mountain bike enthusiasts with its newly openedtrails offering different degrees of challenges for all levels. If it’s the beachyou seek while on holiday then Murlough a five minute drive outside ofNewcastle, one of Down’s unspoilt beaches isperfect for the whole family to escape together and enjoy.
The scenic coastal towns of Rostrevor and Warrenpointare worth visiting on a trip to Down, withKilbroney Park in Rostrevor a hot spot for locals and tourists alike during thesummer months. Like CastlewellanForest Park, Kilbroney has a series of mountain bike trails, some ofwhich have seen some of the world’s best mountain bikers accept the challenge.If you’ve a head for heights try out the black trail and be rewarded withwonderful views of nearby Carlingford Lough.
If shopping is more to your taste then Downhas a number of popular shopping towns and cities ranging from every day high streetshops to boutiques and hidden gems. Lisburnand Newryboth have a great choice of shops and both easily accessible from Belfast,while the towns of Bangor, Hillsborough and Banbridge also attract the keenshopping customers.
One of Northern Irelands most popular museums canbe found in Down with the UlsterFolk & Transport Museum offering insight in to a wayof life from over 100 years ago. Discover cottages, farms, schools and shops asyou wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum chatting tocostume visitor guides demonstrating traditional crafts. Climb on and offmajestic steam locomotives or experience the sensation of flight in theTransport Museum bursting with horse drawn carriages, electric trams,motorbikes, fire engines and vintage cars.
County Downoffers golfers the chance to play truly challenging links golf, epitomised byArdglass with its opening five holes hugging the cliffs with splendid viewsacross the Irish Sea, it is clear the Ardglass course is something special.However the jewel in Down’s golfing crown is theworld famous RoyalCounty Down Golf Course in Newcastle, home of the 2015 Irish Open.Regularly voted in top 10 golf course lists around the world, Royal CountyDown will give you a golfing holiday in Downto remember. Be sure to take in the wonderful view of the Mourne Mountains inthe background as you prepare to tee off at the famous 9th hole.
Given his status as the Patron Saint ofIreland,delve into Northern Ireland's strong Saint Patrick connectionswith sites and attractions within Down offeringthe chance to learn his story. The St Patrick’s Centre in the market town of Downpatrickoffers the chance to explore St Patrick’s life and legacy or pick up on thefinal leg of the St Patricks trail which reaches across Ireland with a visit tothe burial site of Ireland’s patron saint at DownCathedral.
If you enjoy a holiday with great food,entertainment and a celebratory drink or two, then Downcertainly has plenty to offer. You canfind some great fine dining establishments in towns like Warrenpoint andNewcastle in the south or Newtownards, Comber and Bangor in the north. Traditional music and bustling bars arecommon scenes throughout Down, especially in thesummer months when many of the small towns and villages celebrate festivals andcountry fairs.