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
Castlewellan Castle
Castlewellan Castle: Scottish Baronial architecture surrounded by 1,800 tree species and serene lake views. Perfect for history and nature lovers.
Castlewellan Forest Park
Explore Castlewellan Forest Park: 20k global trees in its National Arboretum, Peace Maze, and scenic Mourne trails—ideal for all!
Castlewellan Peace Maze
Castlewellan Peace Maze: Northern Ireland's largest yew maze symbolizing unity. Explore 3km paths to the central Peace Bell in serene Castlewellan 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)
Explore seabird migrations, historic lighthouse ruins, and rare Manx shearwaters at Copeland Bird Observatory, Northern Ireland's only bird observatory.