Northern Ireland’s only standard guage (i.e. full size) heritage railway. Founded in 1985 and staffed by volunteers, the Downpatrick & Co. Down Railway runs steam (and sometimes heritage diesel) trains between Downpatrick and Inch Abbey on a restored railway line. Read more...
On of the best in Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. Tollymore’s river dashes over cascades and Castlewellan’s large lake provides pleasure boating and angling. Each forest park has a cafe, exhibition hall and well equipped caravan and camp sites. Read more...
Near Downpatrick, ruined is a Norman foundation beautifully situated on the edge of the Quoile river. Quoile Pondage, where the river joins Strangford Lough, is a freshwater nature reserve with a visitor centre next to the 17th century ruined castle. Read more...
Walled gardens and tropical butterfly house offering the perfect day out for the family. Enjoy the experience and beauty of free-flying tropical butterflies as you walk through the steamy jungle of the butterfly house; or have a go at finding your way to the centre of Ireland’s oldest maze or climb the Moghul Tower and survey the walled garden from above or simply Read more...
Highly commended within the Information & Communication Category at The Northern Ireland Tourism Awards Ceremony (2004) Telling the story of Ireland’s patron saint through a dynamic and informative exhibition. Housed in an amazing new building which gi ves close access to St Patrick’s Grave and Down Cathedral. The centre is open all the year round. It houses a cafe, craft Read more...
A year round arts venue with exhibitions by local and international, contemporary artists. A performing arts programme of monthly music, drama and dance events and ongoing series of art classes for adults and children. Adult evening art classes: Mon-Thu 1 9:30-21:30; Children’s art classes: Fri: 15:30-17:00. From latin dance to lace-making. Ards International Guitar Festival, 1st weekend in Oct includes Read more...
