Top things to do in County Down

County Down has it all – majestic mountains, a tranquil lough, pretty coastal villages and Michelin-rated restaurants. If you can only linger a while, here’s what you must see and do.

Indulge your golfing dreams

From Rory McIlroy’s favourites – world-class Royal County Down (Voted Number 1 in the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses, Golf Digest, 2017 or his home club in Holywood – to the fantastic links of Ardglass, the parkland of Warrenpoint and the undulating greens at Kilkeel, the golf in County Down just couldn’t get any better.

Dip into Exploris

Discover a sea kingdom for small and big kids alike. Brave the Exploris Aquarium touch-tank to see if you can tantalise a tentacle or two. Cute seals and energetic otters might steal the show, but don’t miss the talks in the reptile area and the shimmering snake and crocodile.

Roam Mount Stewart

Make your way to Mount Stewart to indulge in the splendour of an aristocratic home. Stop off at Greyabbey to browse the antique shops.

Wander the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

Experience life at the turn of the century at the captivating Ulster Folk & Transport Museum. Discover cottages, farms, schools and shops as you wander through the beautiful parkland. Don´t miss one of Europe´s most interesting selection of cars, trains, planes and more, all with Northern Irish links.

Tour St.Patrick’s heartland

Sit in peace and tranquillity in Downpatrick, the final resting place of St. Patrick, where, in the grounds of Down Cathedral, his grave is marked by a single slab of Mourne granite.

Sink into a secret swamp

Find wildlife fun at Castle Espie throughout the year. Take a tour of the spring duckery, grab a bag of seed and play pied piper to a flock of fluffy ducklings. Watch you don’t fall into the secret swamp with its upside-down trees and zip lines.

See the Game of Thrones castle

Castle Ward in reality; Winterfell on the set of the Game of Thrones fantasy world – either way it’s a must see. Game of Thrones fans can indulge in an immersive on set experience with Clearsky Adventures.

Tour the Queen’s palace

Amble up the hill in the quaint village of Hillsborough to the seat of royalty. The glorious gardens are open all year and are well worth investigating, before descending the hill to one of the many village pubs or restaurants.

Visit Down County Museum

County Down Museum was once a Georgian gaol used as a final staging post for convicts bound for Australia. Experience the cell conditions the prisoners endured prior to their journey.