Attractions and Places To See around East Down - Top 20

East Down boasts a wealth of natural beauty. You can hike in the majestic Mourne Mountains, explore the diverse landscapes of Tollymore Forest Park, or discover the unique arboretum and walled garden at Castlewellan Forest Park. Strangford Lough is a haven for wildlife, ideal for birdwatching and kayaking, while Murlough National Nature Reserve offers ancient sand dunes and diverse flora and fauna. Don't miss the tranquil Silent Valley Mountain Park or the scenic coastal views from Rostrevor Forest.

Absolutely. East Down is rich in history. Downpatrick is the believed burial place of St. Patrick, with his grave located at Down Cathedral. You can also visit the Saint Patrick Centre for interactive exhibits. Explore the unique architecture of Castle Ward, the Norman ruins of Dundrum Castle, or the iconic Scrabo Tower for panoramic views. Inch Abbey, Nendrum Monastic Site, Legananny Dolmen, and Ballynoe Stone Circle offer glimpses into ancient history.

Families will find plenty to do. Castlewellan Forest Park features one of Europe's largest hedge mazes. Delamont Country Park on Strangford Lough offers open spaces and activities. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum provides an immersive historical experience, and Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry is Northern Ireland's only aquarium and seal rehabilitation center. Many forest parks like Tollymore and Crawfordsburn offer trails suitable for all ages.

East Down offers several stunning beaches. Newcastle Beach is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. Cranfield Beach is a Blue Flag beach, while Ballyholme Beach is popular for kitesurfing. Tyrella Beach provides a more secluded experience. Crawfordsburn Country Park also features two lovely beaches, Crawfordsburn Beach and Helen's Bay Beach.

East Down is a hiker's paradise. The Mourne Mountains offer challenging trails, including the ascent of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak. Tollymore Forest Park and Castlewellan Forest Park provide trails for various fitness levels amidst beautiful woodlands and waterways. Rostrevor Forest offers superb views and walking routes, and the Murlough National Nature Reserve has paths and boardwalks through its unique dune system.

Beyond historical sites, East Down offers cultural experiences. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Holywood provides a fascinating look at Ulster's past and transport history, including an exhibition on the Titanic. Hillsborough Castle & Gardens is a stately home with open rooms and gardens. Mount Stewart House and Gardens is renowned for its award-winning formal gardens and significant collections.

Yes, East Down is excellent for wildlife enthusiasts. Strangford Lough is a designated Special Area of Conservation and a Marine Nature Reserve, home to over 2,000 marine species, including seals and migratory birds. Murlough National Nature Reserve is known for its diverse species, including over twenty-two varieties of butterflies. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre near Comber offers close encounters with Ireland's largest collection of native and exotic waterbirds.

Fans of 'Game of Thrones' can visit Castle Ward, which served as a filming location for Winterfell. Tollymore Forest Park was also used for various scenes in the series, adding an extra layer of magic to its already enchanting woodlands.

For breathtaking vistas, head to Scrabo Tower, which offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the Irish landscape, including Strangford Lough and, on clear days, the coast of Scotland. Dundrum Castle provides stunning panoramic views of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. The Mourne Mountains themselves offer numerous viewpoints, especially from higher elevations like Slieve Donard.

East Down is home to several magnificent gardens. Castlewellan Forest Park features an outstanding arboretum and the Annesley Walled Garden. Mount Stewart House and Gardens is internationally recognized for its award-winning formal gardens. Rowallane Garden is another spectacular example, known for its shrubs and flowers set within a beautiful natural landscape.

Newcastle is a charming coastal town situated at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, offering outdoor activities and scenic views. Bangor, recently granted city status, boasts an award-winning marina and coastal walks. Portaferry is a scenic loughside town and the gateway to Exploris Aquarium. Killyleagh, with its 12th-century castle, is another beautiful village on Strangford Lough.

Yes, the majestic Mourne Mountains are believed to have inspired C.S. Lewis's Narnia. Additionally, Rostrevor Forest features a dedicated C.S. Lewis-inspired Narnia Trail within Kilbroney Forest Park, offering a magical experience for visitors.