County Down Attractions and Heritage Sites (Places to Visit)
We have compiled a list of Attractions in County Down to visit during your stay. We hope the information about the attractions in County Down helps you with your holiday planning.
1. Downpatrick & County Down Railway - Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ - Tel No: 08002 218941
The Downpatrick & County Down Railway is in Down. It is a heritage railway which runs from the station in Down to the ruins of the Cistercian Inch Abbey approximately two miles away. Visitors can see exhibitions and worksheds at the station. There is a small photo exhibition. A model Thomas the Tank Engine railway is laid out for children.
2. Mount Stewart House - Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT22 2AD - Tel No: 02842 788387
Mount Stewart House is on the shore of Strangford Lough. Plants from every continent can be seen in the gardens here. Some of the gardens are the Sunken Garden, the Italian Garden and the Spanish Garden. The house has paintings and historic artifacts. Tours of the house are available.
3. Castlewellan Forest Park - Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9BU - Tel No: 02843 778664
Castlewellan Forest Park is north of the Mourne Mountains. There are places for walking, camping and horseback riding in this forest park. The lake in the park is surrounded by 18th century landscaping. Trees in the park have been imported from Japan, Chile, Australia and other countries. The Peace Maze was planted in 2000. Visitors try to find their way to the peace bell at the center of the maze.
4. Spruce Meadows Activity Farm - 112 Ravarnette Road, Lisburn, County Down, BT27 5NF - Tel No: 02892 678392
The Spruce Meadows Activity Farm is near Lisburn. Visitors can fish, play golf and ride quads. The farm has play areas for children. There are animals on the farm including a donkey, a horse and sheep. Lunch is served daily in the coffee shop. Snacks and drinks are also available.
5. Exploris Aquarium - The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1NZ - Tel No: 02842 728062
Exploris Aquarium is in Portaferry on the shore of the marine nature reserve of Strangford Lough. Strangford Lough is home to most of the marine species that can be found in Northern Ireland. Visitors can see starfish, sea urchins and small sharks in the Discovery Pools. A Seal Cam overlooks the seal ponds. Various marine species can be seen in the different tanks that are located throughout the aquarium.
6. Murlough National Nature Reserve - The Stableyard, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0NQ - Tel No: 02843 751467
The Murlough National Nature Reserve is off the A2 near Dundrum Village. This Reserve is a sand dune system that is 6000 years old. Part of the trail through the Reserve goes to the beach. Boardwalks have been laid directly on the sand to protect the fragile dunes. The mountains of Mourne are visible through a gap in the dunes. Different species of seabirds can be seen in the area during the summer months.
7. Seaforde Gardens - Seaforde, County Down, BT30 8PG - Tel No: 02844 811225
Seaforde Gardens is located half a mile north of the village of Seaforde. There are Gardens, a Nursery and a Tropical Butterfly House on the property. The Gardens have a hornbeam maze at the center of a walled garden. It is believed that this garden may date back to the 18th century. The entire maze can be seen from a viewing platform at the nearby Mogul Tower. The Nursery sells plants. The Tropical Butterfly House has butterflies, parrots and reptiles.
8. Castle Ward - Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7LS - Tel No: 02844 881204
Castle Ward is one and half miles from Strangford. It overlooks Strangford Lough. This walled property has 820 acres. Visitors can take paths through a wooded area to the edge of the Lough. The 18th century house is open for tours. A pastimes centre for children and a farmyard are located on the property.
9. Delamont Country Park - Killyleagh, County Down - Tel No: 02844 828333
Delamont Country Park is less than a mile from Killyleagh. This park houses the longest miniature railway in the country. The Strangford Stone in the park is 10 meters high and is sometimes referred to as the Millennium Stone. Visitors to the park can take boat trips on Strangford Lough. There are places to camp in the park.
10. Ballycopeland Windmill - Windmill Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2DS - Tel No: 02890 546552
Ballycopeland Windmill is a mile west of Millisle. The mill was built in the late 18th century and has been restored to working condition. The outbuildings are a visitor centre with displays and models. The miller's house is open for tours. Visitors may have a chance to mill barley if weather permits.
