Nature and History in County Down
Renowned for their beauty, the Mourne Mountains sweepdown to the sea, creating an amazing vista across CarlingfordLough, the glacial fjord at the foot of the granite mountains. Head to StJohn’s Point for a particularly clear view of the Mournes across the sereneinlet that forms part of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
The Mountains of Mourne include the largest peaks inNorthern Ireland. The highest summit, SlieveDonard, stands at an impressive 2,790 feet and offers fantastic viewsover the forest and water below. The Mourne is an official area of outstandingnatural beauty crowned the first ever national park in the country, it is alocal must-see that will delight visitors of all ages.
There are two impressive peninsulas inCounty Down - Ards Peninsula and Lecales. Thereare a number of interesting historical buildings on Ards Peninsula, including ScraboTower, which overlooks the northern point and is situated in abeautiful country park, offering ample opportunity to explore and enjoy thewonderful views.
Places of Interest in County Down
Grey Abbey stands close to the Ards Peninsula. TheAbbey was built in 1193 as a Cistercian priory and it remains, in the quaintvillage of Greyabbey,as a national heritage site and point of interest for visitors to the area.
Literature buffs should head to the south-east region,located between Rathfriland and Banbridge, to an area known as the BrontëHomeland. Here you can follow the story of British literature's mostprestigious family through surviving buildings such as the church and schoolnear Rathfriland. Patrick Brontë is said to have grown up in the area and thefamily visited many times throughout their lives.
SaintPatrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is said to be buried at DownCathedral in Downpatrick. This ornate Church of Irelandcathedral stands on Cathedral Hill overlooking the town and is a populartourist destination for visitors from all over the world.
Explore Northern Ireland’s Capital
The east part of Belfastbelongs to County Down. Enjoy bustling nightlife,excellent restaurants and the beautiful contrast between old and newarchitecture in Northern Ireland’s capital city.
For those looking for some retail therapy, head toVictoria Square where you will find a wide range of boutique, independent andhigh street stores, as well as several bars and restaurants to suit any pricerange.
Enjoy County Down
Explore the rugged, unspoilt coasts, glacial fjordsand mystical mountain ranges of County Down. Hereyou will also find traditional Irish hospitality alongside rich history andcultural heritage, sure to make your trip to one of Northern Ireland’s mostbeautiful counties a memorable and enjoyable experience.