UK › Northern Ireland › County Down
Top 10 things to do in County Down
County Down has the Mourne Mountains, Strangford Lough, historic gardens and pretty coastal towns. It is quiet, green and scenic.
- 1
Mourne Mountains
📍 NewcastleWalks, sceneryGranite mountains that run down to the sea, with a famous drystone wall.
- 2
Slieve Donard
📍 NewcastleMountain, walksThe highest peak in Northern Ireland, with a challenging path.
- 3
Strangford Lough
📍 Portaferry and StrangfordWildlife, boatsA sea lough with tidal flats, birds and seals.
- 4
Mount Stewart
📍 Near NewtownardsHouse, gardensA grand house with outstanding gardens, among the best in the world.
- 5
Castle Ward
📍 Near StrangfordHouse, estateA house in two styles, with an estate and a Game of Thrones site.
- 6
Downpatrick: St Patrick Centre
📍 DownpatrickHistory, faithThe story of St Patrick, with Down Cathedral nearby.
- 7
Ulster Folk Museum
📍 Cultra, near HolywoodHistory, freeAn open-air museum of old Ulster buildings and trades.
- 8
Ulster Transport Museum
📍 CultraTrains, carsA museum of trains, planes and cars next to the Folk Museum.
- 9
Murlough National Nature Reserve
📍 DundrumDunes, wildlifeA dune reserve and beach under the Mournes.
- 10
Bangor Seafront
📍 BangorSeasideA seaside town with a marina and a promenade on Belfast Lough.
Where to base yourself
Newcastle suits the Mournes and the beach. Portaferry suits Strangford Lough. Downpatrick suits St Patrick. Bangor suits the seafront.
Last checked: October 2026.