County Down

County Down sweeps from Belfast's commuter belt to the dramatic Mourne Mountains and the wildlife haven of Strangford Lough. It's St Patrick's final resting place.

Why Visit Down?

Mountains, coast, and early Christian heritage:

• Mourne Mountains - "Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea"
• Strangford Lough - One of Europe's great wildlife sites
• St Patrick's grave - In Down Cathedral, Downpatrick
• Elegant estates - Mount Stewart and Castleward
• Coastal towns - Newcastle, Portaferry, Strangford

Top Attractions

Mourne Mountains

Granite peaks rising to Slieve Donard (850m), Northern Ireland's highest point. The Mourne Wall, 35km of dry stone, is an incredible feat of construction.

Strangford Lough

A sea lough teeming with wildlife - seals, birds, and basking sharks. The ferry crossing from Portaferry to Strangford is a lovely short trip.

Downpatrick

The traditional burial place of St Patrick. Down Cathedral, the Saint Patrick Centre, and Struell Wells tell his story.

Mount Stewart

One of Ireland's greatest houses with world-famous gardens. A National Trust property with extraordinary plant collections.

Newcastle

A Victorian seaside resort at the foot of the Mournes. Donard Park is the starting point for walks into the mountains.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March-May): Mount Stewart gardens, mountain walking
• Summer (June-August): Best mountain weather, beaches
• Autumn (September-October): Heather blooms on the Mournes
• Winter (November-February): Dramatic mountain scenery, fewer walkers

Getting Around

Good roads serve the main towns. The Mournes require walking - there are no roads into the heart of the mountains.

Local Tips

• The Mourne Coastal Route is a lovely drive
• The Strangford ferry runs to a published timetable, not the tide - half-hourly, about 15 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. The vehicle fare covers the driver only; passengers pay separately
• Mount Stewart needs at least half a day
• Slieve Donard is a serious walk - be prepared