County Down Hotels
County Down Rundown
County Down is one of Northern Ireland’s six counties, situated to the north east of the island. The county is named after Downpatrick, where St Paddy himself is buried. Down contains the southernmost point in Northern Ireland – Cranfield Point, and the easternmost – Burr Point. County Down takes in Belfast’s wealthiest locale and you will see a fair few big villas and top notch golf courses here as well as some fine dining establishments. See them at play in the antique shops of Saintfield and Greyabbey, or downing fresh oysters in Portaferry. ... Read more »
County Down is home to a stunning mountain tableau, the famously beautiful Mountains of Mourne, which sweep down to the sea most magnificently until they meet the upmarket Victorian seaside resort of Newcastle.
Fans of extreme sports need not fear, County Down will find them a few challenges yet, from canoeing, abseiling, or adrenaline junkies could try out a new type of sport – mountainboarding, at Tollymore, one of County Down’s main hubs of outdoor adventure.
County Down’s Top 10
10. Pickle Family Fun Park is Bangor’s main attraction. Fun with a capital F - pedal boats, an adventure playground and miniature steam train. |
5. Down County Museum can be found in the town’s former jail. See models of the pitiful prisoners and motte and bailey close by. |
9. Royal County Down Golf Course Rated one of the top 10 courses in the world and open to visitors. |
4. The Silent River Reservoir is where the Kilkeel River Dam was built in 1933. Scenic walks and an exhibition make for a full day out. |
8. Down Cathedral is according to legend where the angels laid St Patrick to rest. |
3. The North Down Heritage Centre is in Bangor Castle, and houses the oldest surviving Irish manuscript in the world. |
7. Bluelough Mountain & Water Sports Centre. For have-a-go outdoorsy types. Activities including rock-climbing and canoeing. |
2. Saint Patrick Centre in County Down, shares the life and legacy of Ireland’s patron saint. |
6. Exploris is County Down’s state of the art aquarium. Touch tanks and a seal sanctuary. |
1. Mount Stewart Northern Ireland’s most stately of homes with marble nudes and priceless artworks as standard, on County Down’s Ards Peninsula. |
County Down Events
The Maiden of the Mournes Festival takes place at Warrenpoint, County down during the month of August, an event which culminates in the crowning of the said lady.
In August the Tennent’s Vital music festival takes place in Ward Park, Bangor, County Down. Big names of rock and pop headline each year with tickets from £49.50.
BBC Proms in the Park takes place in County Down’s Castle Park, Bangor during the month of June, now in its 10th year.
20th Aspect World Literature Festival runs throughout September at various venues in Bangor – poetry and readings at this County Down highlight.
Seapark Fireworks & Family Fun is the place to be during October at County Down’s Seapark Recreation Grounds, Holywood.
Bangor Christmas Fireworks & Switch On takes place at the end of November at Bangor Town Hall and a County Down favourite.
The Family Day Meeting is always well attended at Downpatrick Racecourse, the county town of County Down during June. Face painting, pony rides and lots of fun.
The Festival of Flight takes place in Newcastle, County Down’s best-known seaside resort. The awesome Red Devils are a resident feature.
County Down’s Clandeboye Festival is an annual August/September event featuring classical performances.
The Mr & Miss Northern Ireland Model and Fitness Fair takes place at Castlereagh, County Down in the month of November.
When to Go
· Like the rest of Ireland, County Down has a mild climate and few extremes of weather. Parts of the county, including Bangor are some of the sunniest in the country – and winter frosts and snow are less common than places further inland.
· Average maximum temperatures in summer are 20°C or so, although they have been known to rise above 30°C at times. Winter temps average out at 8°C or thereabouts, but can drop below freezing during particularly cold spells.
· County Down receives about 900 mm of rain per year, positively tropical by Ireland’s standards, but perhaps not so much for the rest of us, so pack a brolly.
Getting There
· County Down is easily accessible by air from Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast Airport and the City of Derry Airport. Scheduled flights operate from almost all main UK airports and to European cities and a range of international destinations.
· County Down has excellent ferry connections with Scotland, England and the Isle of Man. High speed vessels together with competitive prices are making this an increasingly attractive mode of travel.
· Rail connections from Belfast link County Down to the rest of Ireland including services to Cork, Belfast and Limerick.
« Hide$250
- Overview
- Description
- Photos
- Map
- Amenities
Downs Road Newcastle County Down BT33 0AH
Offering friendly hospitality and utmost comfort, the Slieve Donard Restort and Spa is an ideal location for an exciti... More hotel details
$95
- Overview
- Description
- Photos
- Map
- Amenities
51 Ballykeel Road Ballynahinch County Down BT24 8UF
Ivy Cottage Ni B&B County Down is a Bed and Breakfast nestled in the County Down countryside between the historic vill... More hotel details
