Located along the border with Northern Ireland, County Down is on the eastern coast in what many consider an outlying area of the country. It is known for having its own rare brand of isolated and idyllic natural beauty, coupled…
Strangford Lough
Extending along much of the eastern coast of County Down, Strangford Lough is long and shallow. Much of the waterway is greatly affected by the tidal cycles, with large exposed sand flats that can be seen in low…
Silent Valley Reservoir
This huge basin holds and delivers the water supply to Belfast. It was created in the 1920′s in response to the rapidly growing demand for water in the city. Several sites were considered for the project, and the…
Tollymore Forest Park
The first state forest to be granted Forest Park status in Northern Ireland, Tollymore Forest Park celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005.
This attractive park features the whimsical designs of Thomas Wright (1711-1786). It contains caves, bridges, and…
Grey Abbey
Located on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough, the remains of Grey Abbey sit in the middle of picturesque parkland. The 12th century Cistercian monastery church and cloister are still visible, as well as the re-created herb garden used…
Castlewellan Forest Park
The manor house at Castlewellan is a granite structure built by the Annesley family in 1856. Its style is Scottish Baronial and its appearance castle like. The house currently serves as a conference centre for private groups. The nearby…
Rowallane Garden
Rowallane Garden is famous for its beautiful rhododendrons and simple but uniquely artistic arrangements of a wide variety of plants. The manor house on the grounds was built in 1861, and Reverend John Moore designed the gardens.
The…
Tyrella Beach
This picturesque beach and dune area is operated by Down District with the goal of preserving its diverse natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations. The recreational area includes a wide sandy beach, backed by a vast…
Ardglass
Ardglass sits thirty miles south of Belfast along the Irish Sea. This historic port city was destroyed in the 1641 rebellion.
The fishing port is nearly 2000 years old, and was used by the Celts before they…
Struell Wells
Nestled in the verdant countryside of County Down amid stone ruins from the 17th century, these wells are said to have healing powers ever since the Middle Ages. Pilgrims made the journey here until the late 1800′s. It…