Top Things to do in County Down
Things to do in County Down, Northern Ireland: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in County Down, United Kingdom including Mourne Mountains, Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails, Bangor Marina, Castle Park, Crawfordsburn Country Park, Castlewellan Forest Park, Dundrum Castle, Kilbroney Park, Murlough National Nature Reserve, Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs.
Restaurants in County Down
1. Mourne Mountains
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 122 reviews
The best known mountains in Ireland consist of 12 shapely summits rising above 2,000 feet on the eastern side, and the rugged peak of Slieve Donard that climbs steeply to 2,796 feet.
Reviewed By Bazalina - Rostrevor, United Kingdom
I'm not a hiker but I love driving through the Mournes. There are amazing stone walls everywhere and fields of sheep. My favourite loops is from Rostrevor, up past Spelga Dam and around to Dundrum then either back that way or along the coast. This area is a gem. So many great places to explore and exceptional scenery. Loads to enjoy even for the less active types although i gather the hiking is incredible too.
2. Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Award winning trails complete with extensive facilities inc Bike Hire (Hard Tail | Full Suspension | Electric Hard Tail | Electric Full Suspension | Kids), Coaching & Guiding. One of Northern Ireland's most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views and fast-flowing mountain bike trails; all just minutes from the lively village of Castlewellan. Castlewellan Forest Park boasts all of this and more. With green, blue and red grade trails (including black options) Castlewellan is a must-visit for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities.
Reviewed By fred644
5 of us hired electric bikes for a couple of hours. Was just the best craic I’ve had in a long time. Adeline, laughs, thrills & fantastic scenery. The guys at Castlewellan were very (funny?) and extremely helpful. Would defiance recommend this activity. Devon, Paul and all the others, thanks for great memories.
3. Bangor Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By TamaraW6
My friend and I stayed at the Marine Court Hotel for a week. From this convenient location, we were able to tour Bangor on foot, including the Marina. The Eisenhower Pier wraps its arm around the marina and, along with its interesting WWII history, boasts walking path along the wall with views out to the channel, inlaid mosaic art, and the iconic little red lighthouse at pier's end. I enjoyed a morning stroll along both sides of the marina, including little beach covered in smoothly rounded pebbles and seagrass and the path past Pickie Fun Park to the coastal walkway (which, unfortunately, I didn't have time to do). We watched a young rowing team practicing in the bay. The Red Berry coffee, snack and ice-cream shop is on the corner by the Marina with outdoor seating. We enjoyed the night lights and activity of the city streets at dusk and the fog rolling in or bright sunshine for breakfast. We weren't moored there, but we heard from locals the friendly hope that those who do will spend time in Bangor in addition to their other Northern Ireland activities. Close to train and bus routes to Belfast, coastal village routes and a main road into the Mourne Mountains.
4. Castle Park
5. Crawfordsburn Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
Reviewed By Y4712ZCnicholasd - Larne, United Kingdom
Lovely day trip to Crawfordsburn Forest Park and Helen's Bay on the North County Down Coast near Bangor. The latest Saturday excursion by me and my brothers during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions took us around muddy pathways, Autumnal leaf covered walkways and strolls along the sandy beaches on an unusual warm sunny day in November. We walked around the different terrains of the park for nearly two hours, exploring the whole of the park lands and also taking our time to admire the views from coastline looking towards the County Antrim coastal towns of Carrickfergus and Whitehead. Highly recommend people to visit the area with their families, friends and dogs and it is such an easy place to get to with great road links from Belfast and also a train station nearby on the Bangor - Belfast train line. I'll think i'll plan a summer visit next year.
6. Castlewellan Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
Reviewed By BridS318 - Castlewellan, United Kingdom
Castlewellan Forest Park is in a stunning location, close to the Mourne’s and Newcastle. There are lots of varying levels of walks and mountain bike trails. The lake path is flat so suitable for prams and young children on bikes. Other walks are more hilly but less busy than the popular lake path. Also open spaces close to the car park for picnics, a maze and children’s play area. A great day out.
7. Dundrum Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By jade191215
We were the only ones to visit the castle. It is incredible with a lovely view of Dundrum when you climb on top of it, and it is a 7 minute walk from the center of Dundrum.
8. Kilbroney Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By Bigred2099 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Great park, well worth a walk up to the big stone! Excellent picnic tables near the top with a fantastic view down to the sea.
9. Murlough National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By machinmad - Norwich, United Kingdom
From the car park we took the right hand boardwalk to the beach then followed the shoreline right round the peninsular and back inland to the road bridge. It was high tide and very wet, but was just manageable . The sea walk was spectacular, as the big waves crashed in. Seals basked on the opposite shore, oblivious to the sound of gunfire from the military firing range. A stunning 2hr circular walk despite the heavy rain on the way back!
10. Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 365 reviews
Reviewed By Destination84931
Arrived on a sunny Saturday, the view ofthe reservoir was absolutely amazing .Walk a mere three miles and up 270 steps to Ben crom dam.one wishes a drone would capture the true essence of the beauty of the scenery. Stop of on your way back for a cup of coffee in the victorian tea room.
