Down Visitor Attractions

Ballywalter Park, Newtownards, Co Down

Ballywalter Park the historic and magnificent surroundings of the Ballywalter Park Mansion House, built between 1846 and 1870 and home of the 6th Baron Dunleath provide a truly different venue for those seeking somewhere special to hold their corporate or other prestigious event.

Bronte Homeland Interpretive Centre, Rathfriland, Co Down

You can easily follow the story of Patrick Brontë and his family through the buildings that survive within the Brontë Homeland. The Brontë Homeland Drive starts at Drumballyroney Church and School near Rathfriland, ten miles south of Banbridge. It is well signposted along the 10-mile route. A centre dedicated to the life of the Bronte's. The fertile land of County Down has been farming country for centuries. It was here that Patrick Brunty, father to Charlotte, Emily and Anne - the famous Bronte sisters, was born into a farming family on 17 March 1777 - St Patrick's Day! The name Bronte or Brunty, in various forms, has been associated with this delightful part of Northern Ireland for over two hundred years. The area of County Down which is now known as the Bronte Country lies to the south of Banbridg

Downpatrick Railway Museum, Co Down

The Downpatrick & Co. Down Railway is a non profit society as well as a registered charity and museum with just under 200 members from all over the world. Revenue is earned from the fares charged per trip, donations and membership subscriptions. The railway is Northern Ireland's only standard gauge (i.e. full size)heritage railway and was set up in 1985.

Dundrum Castle, Newcastle, Co Down

Dundrum Castle, County Down is one of Ulster's medieval ruin, founded by the legendary Norman adventurer John de Courcy following his invasion of Ulster in 1177.There are views of Dundrum Bay and the plains of Lecale from the Castle.

Fergusons Irish Linen, Banbridge, Co Down

The Company, bears the name of its founder, Thomas Ferguson and has been offering quality Irish linen to customers since 1854. Today there are still a few weavers weaving plain linens for apparel, but Thomas Ferguson is the only Irish linen damask weaver still remaining in the whole of Ireland weaving traditional Irish damask table linen. Linen is yarn, and fabric made from flax fibres. Before linen can be produced, the fibre has to be first removed from the flax plant. Linen manufacturing is a complicated and lengthy process which requires great skill at each stage of production.

Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, Co Down

This Cistercian Abbey was founded by John de Courcy in 1180, who led the 1177 Anglo-Norman invasion of East Ulster. The ruins are set in a beautiful location beside the River Quoile, with distant views towards de Courcy's cathedral town of Downpatrick.

Mount Stewart House & Garden, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co Down

Mount Stewart Gardens enjoys the mild climate of Strangford Lough. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season. The house is also open to the public.

Tullymore Forest Park, Newcastle

Tolymore Forest Park has numerous stone follies and bridges, and a magnificent Cork Oak in the arboretum.

Bangor Abbey

Bangor Castle Walled Garden Walk up the rolling lawn to view this imposing building built in 1852 for Robert Edward Ward. It is presently the headquarters of North Down Borough Council who use the mansion’s spectacular grand saloon as the council chamber.The building was completed in 1852 for The Hon Robert Edward Ward, this imposing building is an elegant mansion in the Elizabethan-Jacobean revival style. It had no fewer than 35 bedrooms and incorporated a huge saloon for musical recitals. When the then municipal authority, Bangor Borough Council, acquired the Castle and grounds, the music saloon became the Council Chamber.

Castle Ward

, Downpatrick Road, Stangford, Co Down, Castlewellan Forest Park, Co Down Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour The old fishermen's thatched cottages have not lost their original charm with the heritage cottage depicting what Cockle Row would have been like around 1910. Down Cathedral Down County Museum

Legananny Dolmen

Legananny Dolmen, This is perhaps Ulster's most famous Stone Age monument and is found just west of Slieve Croob. The tripod dolmen is less bulky than most and its elevated position gives it the impressive backdrop of the Mourne Mountains to the south. Legananny Dolmen is situated 7 miles south of Dromara, signposted from Dromara and Castlewellan. There is no entrance free and visitors are welcome to visit all year round Mourne Mountains

Scarva Visitor Centre

Scarva Visitor Centre, Scarva, Co Down Located in the village of Scarva, Scarva Visitor Centre invites you to trace the history of canal building and the role of the Newry Canal in the linen industry in this tranquil canal side setting. It rests beside the Newry Canal Towpath, one of eight long-distance Way marked Ways in Northern Ireland. The area boasts magnificent archaeological sites such as the Dane’s Cast and Lisnagade Fort.

Somme Heritage Centre

Somme Heritage Centre, Newtownards, Co Down Somme Heritage Centre examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division. Guided tours bring the visitor back in time to 1910 where they learn about the Home Rule Crisis, recruiting and training of men and life in the trenches.

Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Holywood, Co Down Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Holywood is set in 170 acres. The Folk Museum includes the Outdoor Folk Museum which features Ballycultra town, the Rural area and the Folk Galleries.