County Down

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County Down stretches along the eastern coast of Northern Ireland, from the shores of Belfast Lough to the granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains. It is a county of quiet harbours, ancient monuments, and landscapes so striking they inspired one of the greatest fantasy worlds ever written. Whether you come for the hillwalking, the history, or the simple pleasure of a seaside town done right, County Down delivers.

The Mourne Mountains

The Mournes are the headline act. This compact granite range, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, rises sharply from the coastal plain to a high point of 850 metres at Slieve Donard — the tallest peak in Northern Ireland. The mountains are famous for the Mourne Wall, a remarkable dry-stone boundary that traverses fifteen summits across 35 kilometres, built between 1904 and 1922 to protect the Silent Valley Reservoir’s catchment area.

C.S. Lewis grew up within sight of these peaks, and their brooding silhouette is widely credited as the inspiration for the mountains of Narnia. Walking through the Mournes on a misty morning, with granite tors looming through the cloud, it is easy to see why. The range offers routes for every ability — from gentle valley walks around the Silent Valley to serious ridge scrambles over the Brandy Pad and the Hare’s Gap.

The Mournes also served as a filming location for Game of Thrones, with the forests and valleys standing in for parts of Westeros.

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Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough is the largest sea inlet in the British Isles, a vast tidal lake connected to the Irish Sea through a narrow channel known as the Narrows. The lough covers around 150 square kilometres and is home to an extraordinary array of marine life — its waters shelter over 2,000 species, earning it designation as a Marine Nature Reserve.

The shores of Strangford Lough are dotted with tower houses, Norman ruins, and small fishing villages. Castle Ward, a grand 18th-century estate on the lough’s western shore, doubled as Winterfell in the early series of Game of Thrones. Visitors can take boat trips across the lough, kayak through the islands, or simply walk the shoreline and watch the tidal race funnel through the Narrows at speeds of up to eight knots.

Newcastle

Newcastle sits where the Mournes sweep down to the sea — quite literally, as the old song goes. This Victorian seaside resort town has been drawing visitors since the 19th century, and its long sandy beach, backed by the dramatic wall of Slieve Donard, remains one of the finest coastal views in Ireland.

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The town is the main gateway to the Mournes, with trailheads for Slieve Donard and Donard Forest starting right at the edge of town. Newcastle also boasts the Royal County Down Golf Club, regularly ranked among the top golf courses in the world. The promenade is perfect for an evening stroll, and the town has a good selection of pubs and restaurants serving fresh seafood from the local fleet.

Downpatrick and Saint Patrick

Downpatrick is the spiritual heart of County Down — and, many would argue, of all Ireland. This is where Saint Patrick is traditionally believed to be buried, in the grounds of Down Cathedral. A large granite slab marked with a simple cross sits in the cathedral graveyard, and it draws pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

The Saint Patrick Centre in the town tells the full story of Ireland’s patron saint, from his capture by Irish raiders as a young Roman-British boy to his return as a missionary. Nearby, the ruins of Inch Abbey sit peacefully on the banks of the River Quoile — a Cistercian monastery founded in 1180 that also appeared in Game of Thrones.

Bangor

Bangor is County Down’s largest town and one of Northern Ireland’s most pleasant seaside destinations. Its Victorian seafront, marina, and award-winning parks give it a relaxed, genteel character. The town has a surprisingly deep history — Bangor Abbey was founded in 558 AD and became one of the most important centres of learning in early Christian Europe, sending missionaries across the continent.

Today, Bangor’s marina is the starting point for the Coastal Path that runs south towards Groomsport and Ballyholme Bay. The town centre has independent shops, good cafes, and the refurbished Pickie Fun Park along the waterfront — a hit with families.

Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Castle is the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Royal Family’s residence when visiting the region. Set in over 100 acres of gardens, the castle dates from the 1770s and has played a central role in Northern Irish political history — the Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed here in 1985.

The walled garden, ornamental lake, and sweeping lawns are now open to the public through Historic Royal Palaces. The charming village of Hillsborough itself, with its Georgian architecture and independent shops, is worth a visit in its own right.

Tollymore Forest Park

Tollymore, at the foot of the Mournes near Newcastle, was Ireland’s first state forest park and remains one of its finest. The park follows the Shimna River through ancient woodland, past Gothic stone bridges, grottoes, and follies built by the original estate owners in the 18th century.

Tollymore featured heavily in Game of Thrones — the atmospheric opening scenes of the very first episode were filmed here, and the forest doubled as the Haunted Forest beyond the Wall. Even without the television connection, the park is a beautiful place for a walk, with waymarked trails ranging from easy riverside strolls to longer mountain-edge routes.

The Lecale Peninsula

The Lecale Peninsula, stretching south from Downpatrick towards the Irish Sea, is one of County Down’s quieter treasures. This low-lying headland is rich in early Christian sites, Norman earthworks, and small fishing harbours. Ardglass, once one of the busiest ports in medieval Ulster, still has several tower houses clustered around its harbour.

Killough is a sleepy planned village with a fine harbour, while Tyrella Beach is a sweeping two-kilometre strand backed by dunes — one of the best beaches in Northern Ireland and rarely crowded. The peninsula rewards slow exploration, ideally by bicycle or on foot, with views across to the Isle of Man on clear days.

Getting There

County Down is easily reached from Belfast, with most destinations within an hour’s drive. Newcastle is about 50 kilometres south of Belfast via the A24. Regular bus services connect Belfast to Downpatrick, Newcastle, and Bangor. The county is also a natural extension of any trip along the Causeway Coast — loop south from Belfast and you can combine Antrim’s dramatic cliffs with Down’s gentler but equally rewarding landscapes.

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