The 10 Best Museums in County Down, Northern Ireland

Good Craic Gifts is a great wee gift shop celebrating the village of Rostrevor and the local area. Much of the stock is hand-crafted locally. There is a fun range of quirky gifts and souvenirs. There is also a growing range of locally made greeting cards to suit almost any purpose. Local artists are most welcome to come in and discuss joining the fun. There is a small gallery space upstairs to host exhibitions for painters, photographers or other artists. There is also a life size painting of Giant Murphy. He was a real life giant from this area who was 8 foot tall!! Fabulous photo opportunity, guaranteed to make you feel short!!! We are also the informal tourist information centre with brochures, maps and suggestions for Rostrevor and the Mourne mountain area. The Good Craic Guide to Rostrevor and the Mournes is available free in store with suggestions of 40+ things to do in the area.

Spy Pond Photo Space is Northern Ireland’s newest gallery concentrating in photography. We are located in Newcastle in County Down just a few steps away from Town Centre, The Tropicana and the Beach.

The Ulster Transport Museum is part of National Museums NI. Explore one of the most comprehensive transport collections in Europe. You’ll find majestic locomotives, horse-drawn carriages, vintage motorbikes & cars.

This museum contains a popular Titanic exhibit featuring drawings by Thomas Andrew, the ship's designer and former Belfast resident.

North Down Museum tells the story of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day through a series of rooms, each dedicated to a particular era of history. Key artifacts on display include the Bronze Age Ballycroghan Swords, the Bangor Bell from the hugely important Bangor Abbey settlement, and the Raven Maps, the only complete folio of Plantation era maps in Ireland. North Down Museum is situated at the rear of the Town Hall, Bangor Castle, on Castle Park Avenue. The Castle, built for the Hon. R.E. Ward in 1852, had a courtyard and stables and the Museum has developed around these. North Down Museum is a FREE attraction in the heart of Bangor. Here you can also rest and enjoy a meal or snack in Coffee Cure, the Museum café.

The Downpatrick and County Down Railway runs through the drumlin countryside of County Down - St. Patrick's Country - over the River Quoile and under the graceful Down Cathedral. With a mix of steam and diesel trains, and vintage carriages, there's plenty for train fans of all ages - from wee kids to "big kids". Run by volunteers, society membership entitles you to free travel.

Somme Museum The Somme Museum opened in 1994, it examines Ireland's role in the First World War, with special reference to local cross-community involvement in the three volunteer Divisions raised in Ireland: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions, and the 36th (Ulster) Division. The Museum is fully registered and accredited and houses an extensive collection of material from the Great War period which is displayed on a rotational basis. The collection includes uniforms, medals, weapons and personal items which tell the stories of those who served, fought and experienced the First World War. Visitors to the Museum have an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the First World War as they make their way from the Home Rule Crisis to the Recruiting Office and on to the trenches of the Western Front. Audio visual displays and experienced and knowledgeable guides bring the experience to life.