County Down Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around in County Down, Northern Ireland, with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to County Down

County Down, which is located in Northern Ireland, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating historical sites. It is home to charming towns and villages, stunning coastlines, and lush green countryside that is perfect for outdoor adventures.

Whether you are interested in exploring ancient ruins, hiking or biking along scenic trails, or simply relaxing and soaking up the local culture, County Down has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we will help you discover the best places to go, the top things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in County Down

Discover the top tourist attractions and hidden gems of County Down with our comprehensive list of must-visit places.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Ulster Museum
  • Castle Ward
  • Down County Museum
  • Mount Stewart House and Gardens
  • Nendrum Monastic Site

Natural Attractions of County Down: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Mourne Mountains
  • Tollymore Forest Park
  • Strangford Lough
  • Castlewellan Forest Park
  • Slieve Gullion

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Down

County Down is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an array of excellent hiking and biking trails.

  • Mourne Way
  • Slieve Donard
  • Castle Ward Trail
  • Strangford Lough Cycle Route
  • Lough Shannagh Walk

Best Things to Do in County Down: Activities and Tours

Experience the best of County Down with these top-rated things to do.

  • Take a scenic drive along the Ards Peninsula
  • Visit Saint Patrick’s Grave in Downpatrick
  • Take a boat tour of Strangford Lough
  • Go sea kayaking in Dundrum Bay
  • Attend the Ulster Folk Museum

Week-Long Itinerary for County Down

If you have a week to explore County Down, here is a suggested itinerary that will allow you to see the best that the area has to offer.

Day Location
1 Ards Peninsula
2 Strangford Lough
3 Tollymore Forest Park
4 Mourne Mountains
5 Downpatrick
6 Castle Ward
7 Mount Stewart House and Gardens

Food and Drink Scene of County Down

Indulge in the delicious local cuisine and traditional drinks of County Down.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Irish stew
  • Soda bread
  • MacNean house and restaurant

Local Beverages

  • Guinness
  • Bushmills whiskey
  • Irish coffee

Where to Stay in County Down: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel, a cozy B&B, or a budget-friendly hostel, County Down has plenty of options to suit every traveler’s needs and budget.

  • Europa Hotel
  • Culloden Estate and Spa
  • Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
  • Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
  • Number Nine Luxury Bed and Breakfast

What to Buy in County Down: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take home a piece of County Down with these unique souvenirs and local products.

  • Cakes and bakes from Winnie’s Bakery
  • Craft beers from Boundary Brewing
  • Handmade pottery from Mourne Pottery
  • Artisan cheese from Ballylisk of Armagh
  • Handwoven textiles from Mourne Textiles

Local Culture and Customs of County Down

Get acquainted with the local customs and traditions of County Down before your trip.

Best Time to Visit County Down

The best time to visit County Down is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Down

Follow these tips to make the most of your trip to County Down.

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Take plenty of photos of the stunning natural landscape
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the weather, which can be changeable
  • Be disrespectful to others
  • Leave trash behind in natural areas

Safety and Health

Stay safe and healthy while exploring County Down with these tips.

Safety in County Down

  • Take caution when hiking or biking in the mountains
  • Follow all safety instructions on boat tours or other water-based activities
  • Keep valuables secure at all times

Health in County Down

  • Drink plenty of water, particularly during hot weather
  • Apply sunscreen regularly
  • Be aware of any food allergies

Getting to County Down: Transportation Options and Logistics

County Down is easily accessible from other parts of Northern Ireland and the UK.

Airports Near County Down

  • Belfast International Airport
  • George Best Belfast City Airport

Bus Stations Near County Down

  • Laganside Bus Centre in Belfast
  • Downpatrick Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train service to Belfast from Dublin

How to Get Around in County Down

Getting around County Down is easy with these transportation options.

  • Rental car
  • Public bus
  • Train

Where to Go Next from County Down: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Extend your trip and explore some of the nearby destinations and excursions.

  • Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland
  • Giant’s Causeway
  • Belfast city centre

Conclusion

County Down is a must-visit destination for lovers of culture, history, and the great outdoors. With a wealth of attractions, activities, and accommodation options to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your trip to County Down today and discover all that this stunning region has to offer.

Inch Abbey, Downpatrick Inch Abbey, Downpatrick Ferry across Carlingford Lough Ferry across Carlingford Lough Castle Ward, Strangford Castle Ward, Strangford Inside Crown Liquor Saloon Inside Crown Liquor Saloon


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