Introduction
County Down presents Northern Ireland's most diverse landscapes within remarkably compact boundaries. The granite-peaked Mourne Mountains sweep dramatically to the sea, having inspired C.S. Lewis's Narnia and countless photographers. Castle Ward's architectural schizophrenia - classical on one facade, Gothic on the other - reflects the county's dual traditions, while its Game of Thrones fame draws new generations of visitors. Nearby Tollymore Forest offers enchanting woodland walks. Downpatrick connects visitors to Ireland's patron saint through both its ancient cathedral and modern interpretive center. From bustling coastal towns to tranquil rural backroads, Down encapsulates Northern Ireland's evolving identity.
Featured Places
Banbridge
Banbridge’s heartbeat begins where The Cut (Downshire Bridge) slices through its center - a steep, stone-lined thoroughfare so steep it feels more like a staircase for mail coaches than a main street. This architectural quirk, flanked by Victorian...
Castlewellan
Castlewellan, County Down, Northern Ireland, is a place where mountains meet the sea and human creativity intertwines with ancient landscapes. At its heart lies Castlewellan Forest Park, a living museum of global flora boasting towering Chilean...
Comber
Step onto the quiet streets of Comber in County Down, Northern Ireland, and you’ll find a town where history grows as readily as its famed Comber Earlies potatoes - Protected Geographical Indication spuds whose earthy aroma lingers at local...
Kilkeel
Kilkeel, County Down, is where the Mountains of Mourne slope down to meet the Irish Sea, crafting a town steeped in maritime grit and pastoral beauty. Founded on the Gaelic “Cill Choal” (The Church of the Narrow Place), its story unfolds at the...
Newry
Perched where the jagged peaks of the Mourne Mountains plunge toward Carlingford Lough, Newry feels like a crossroads between land and sea - and nations too. This vibrant town straddles County Down and County Armagh near Ireland’s southern border,...
Donaghadee
Perched on Northern Ireland’s northeast coast where the Ards Peninsula meets the Irish Sea, Donaghadee offers a postcard-perfect blend of history, seafaring spirit, and quiet charm. On clear days, the distant Scottish headlands shimmer just 19...
Rostrevor
The air in Rostrevor hums with the twang of fiddles from summer festivals, where melodies drift over Carlingford Lough like the mist rising from its shores. This County Down gem clings to Northern Ireland’s east coast, framed by the brooding peaks...
Featured Attractions
Castle Espie Wetland Centre
Where winter skies fill with wild geese. Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Strangford Lough: A WWT haven teeming with life. Witness nature's spectacle.
Castlewellan Castle
A Scottish Baronial dream by a world-famous Arboretum. Castlewellan Castle offers stunning views & history in Co. Down's unique Forest Park.
Castlewellan Forest Park
Lose yourself among world trees & find peace. Castlewellan Forest Park combines a legendary Arboretum & poignant Peace Maze under the Mournes.
Castlewellan Peace Maze
Walk the path to peace in a living labyrinth. Castlewellan's unique Peace Maze invites reflection & challenge within Co. Down's forest park.
Comber Earlies Food Festival
Celebrate Comber Earlies Food Festival: Taste PGI potatoes, Northern Ireland's local delicacies, family fun, and farm-to-table excellence in Comber.
Comber Town Trail
Discover Comber Town Trail's history: Titanic designer's roots, 15th-century stones, and EU-protected potatoes in scenic County Down, Northern Ireland.
Copeland Bird Observatory (Lighthouse Island)
Witness thousands of Manx shearwaters! Visit Copeland Bird Observatory, NI's island haven for vital conservation. A unique boat trip into nature awaits.