For a mix of landscapes, sceneries and activities then County Down can rival any other location in the UK. Making up the six counties of Northern Ireland it offers a wide variety of attractions to visitors including the city of Belfast (most of which falls within its boundaries), the dramatic Mourne Mountains and also a beautiful stretched coastline. Indeed, the county is a paradise for both outdoor and urban lovers and provides great appeal in both areas. Read more
Situated in the heart of Ards Peninsula, two miles from the Irish Sea, these seven beautiful Four star holiday cottages accommodate three to seven guests or larger parties if rented together. Just a mile from Strangford Lough, one of Europe's top bird sanctuaries, this a perfect place to relax amongst countyside and coast. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Much of County Down is characterised by rural and coastal landscapes and the majestic Mourne Mountains are testament to this. Slieve Donard is the highest peak at 850 meters high and the region has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Beauty. The mountains themselves provide great views and they have challenging walks and climbs to suit all fitness levels. Within the area are various forms of wildlife including sheep grazing high up on the hills, Meadow Pipit’s, Grey Wagtail’s, Stonechat’s, Ravens and it was once home to a Golden Eagle, however they haven’t been seen for nearly 200 years.
The rugged coastline is another feature of the county with various small villages and towns dotted around the edge of the waters. Beaches are in abundance in the region and there are many coastal walks to help blow off the cobwebs while enjoying the views out over the Irish Sea. County Down is also a home of golf and there are numerous courses in its jurisdiction offering varying degrees of difficulty. Royal County Down is the most well-known and challenging of the bunch and is a course that every golfer should play at least once.
One of the biggest draws to County Down is the capital city of Belfast. While the entire city does not fall into the county (it is actually shared with County Antrim) it has been named as one of the top growing cities in the whole of Europe. With millions of pounds being ploughed in for regeneration in the last 10 years, Belfast has emerged as a city to rival the best in the continent. Visitors can shop in the luxury Victoria Square, enjoy the numerous pubs and clubs around the city centre – including Whites Tavern the oldest in Belfast that can trace its history back to the 1600’s – and learn about the troubled history of the region with tours of the city.
Indeed, Belfast was also where the Titanic was built and there has been a multi-million pound area built specifically to commemorate this event. The Titanic Quarter has hotels, bars and a visitor’s centre where tourists can learn the history of the famous ship and what it means for the city.
County Down is a region that provides some of the most fascinating and beautiful scenery that Northern Ireland has to offer. Combined with this, is a bustling and rapidly growing city in Belfast, that can offer everything you would expect from a capital. The county is just waiting to be explored and can accommodate the tastes and activities of everyone who visits.
