Top Things to do in County Down
What to do and see in County Down, Northern Ireland: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in County Down, United Kingdom including Marine Gardens Coastal Walk, Mount Ida Pottery, Struell Wells, Mount Stewart, Ballynoe Stone Circle, Castle Ward, Inch Abbey, Dundrum Castle, The Ark Open Farm, Down Cathedral.
Restaurants in County Down
1. Marine Gardens Coastal Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By deirodeir - Bangor, United Kingdom
This is part of a coastal walk from Donaghadee to Holywood, and is usually called just the Coastal Path by locals. Beautiful views of Belfast Lough, looking across to the Antrim Hills, from the undulating paved path. Popular with walkers (with and without dogs) and joggers, and some cyclists, the latter on mountain bikes who frequently treat it as a race course. Incredibly, there are plans to widen the path and encourage cycling, so make the most of the pleasnt path as it is now, in case this error of judgement comes to pass.
2. Mount Ida Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By 288angelat - Belfast, United Kingdom
Fantastic unique pieces Designed with great thought has gone into each piece Fab gift ideas for all occasions Or for pieces around the house
3. Struell Wells
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Jayceeni - Belfast, United Kingdom
Situated just about 1-2 miles outside Downpatrick the site is an interesting place to visit, there are a few stone buildings and a few wells, there are descriptive signs next to a few of the building and one b4 you enter the outer wall. The site has a good road to it and a car park big enough for 6-8 cars maybe more. I have visited this site so many times 30+ as a child and adult. It's a open area great for kids to run around with supervision , if the day is good bring a picnic and enjoy the fresh air.
4. Mount Stewart
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 992 reviews
Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership. The garden reflects a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry that was the hallmark of Edith, Lady Londonderry. The mild climate of Strangford Lough allows astonishing levels of planting experimentation. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season. Mount Stewart House re-opened after our 3 year long restoration project. We've brought back the elegance and charm of the house when it was home of the 7th Marchioness Edith, Lady Londonderry and her family in the early 20th century and we look forward to welcoming you to enjoy in all its splendor. Six kilometers of walking trails wind through a landscape ‘lost in time’ and establishes Mount Stewart’s reputation as one of the best-preserved Irish country demesnes.
Reviewed By 174eleanora
Yet another great family day at mount stewart. Joined last year and we have had the best picnics,walks and good fun here.the freedom for the kids to run and learn about all the habitat.adventure play area and den building is a real hit for kids!!and competitive adults!!such beautiful lake walk and has been a pleasure enjoying all the changing seasons.halloween was great for the kids and staff are friendly and helpful.thanks to all who keep it one of the most beautiful places we are lucky to have.
5. Ballynoe Stone Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By annieJB1976 - Belfast, United Kingdom
A lovely place to visit. The walk to the actually stones is just lovely. A little quiet hedge covered lane way with fairy doors and other little things left along the hedgerows. The stones themselves have a peaceful quietness around them and lovely just to sit on one and reflect in peace.
6. Castle Ward
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 628 reviews
Castle Ward will take you on a journey of discovery. The 18th-century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, classical and Gothic, will entice you to explore further. This truly beautiful 332-hectare (820-acre) walled demesne, with walking trails, exotic garden, stunning vistas and picturesque farmyard, will unlock your imagination through family history, leisure pursuits, events and industrial heritage. A children's pastimes centre and laundry room are a short walk from the house in the stableyard, alongside a gift shop, second-hand bookshop and tea-room.
Reviewed By shivaom6 - Castlewellan, United Kingdom
Beautiful location, fantastic scenery Forest walks The castle gardens Game of thrones fame as winterfell The tour of the old castle ward national trust was well worth a visit- historic old house well kept and maintained from the Victorian age Lovely gardens
7. Inch Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By AliCat939 - Portaferry, United Kingdom
Inch Abbey is a 12th & 13th century Abbey, set on the banks of the river Quoile. It is a stunningly beautiful setting, made more famous as the scene where Robb Stark celebrated victory, with his army, after the 'Battle of the Whispering Wood'. It is a lovely place to visit, to walk your dag, have a picnic or just wander about learning about its history & the lifestyle of the monks from the very informative plaques set around the site. Expect to see a GoT's tour bus, with excited cape wearing, sword bearing tourists!
8. 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.
9. The Ark Open Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
The Ark Open Farm is a fantastic family day out; the farm itself is set in 40 acres of beautiful countryside between Newtownards and Bangor. It’s home to a huge selection of farm animals and some that are a little more exotic. We opened the farm back in 1990 as one of the first open farms in Northern Ireland specialising in rare breeds of farm animals. Over the years we have added to our collection as well as developing our facilities to include indoor & outdoor play areas, quad & tractor rides and a really cool fairy-tale forest. The Ark Open Farm is a family run business and our team consists of passionate, animal loving folks who strive to make your experience on the farm extra special. There is something for everyone; animals, activities, lovely food and friendly people.
Reviewed By sjw142015 - Bangor, United Kingdom
Went to the Ark farm today with my husband, daughter, son in Law and one year old grandson. We had a wonderful day, there was so much to do and the tractor trailer ride to the Fairytale forest was a great hit. There were lots of play areas for little ones to run around and explore, a large variety of animals to see. There were one way systems in place and lots of hand washing facilities as well as plenty of hand sanitizer. We had lunch in the cafe which was good value and enjoyable. What made the day extra special was the wonderful staff who as well as keeping everywhere clean ensured everyone had an enjoyable day.
10. Down Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By 2020vision
A " must see" on a tour of Downpatrick . The adjoining graveyard supposedly holds the final resting place of Saint Patrick . The church building itself is lovely , lots of interesting things to see .
