10 Hidden Gems Things to do in County Down That You Shouldn't Miss

September 21, 2021 Flossie Demartino

Discover the best top things to do in County Down, United Kingdom including Mourne Mountains, Northeast Adventures, Ardglass Golf Club, Seascope Hatchery, Good Craic Gifts and Souvenirs, The Echlinville Distillery, Mount Stewart, Castlewellan Forest Park, Ballynoe Stone Circle, Dundrum Castle.
Restaurants in County Down

1. Mourne Mountains

Northern Ireland
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 122 reviews

Mourne Mountains

The best known mountains in Ireland consist of 12 shapely summits rising above 2,000 feet on the eastern side, and the rugged peak of Slieve Donard that climbs steeply to 2,796 feet.

Reviewed By Bazalina - Rostrevor, United Kingdom

I'm not a hiker but I love driving through the Mournes. There are amazing stone walls everywhere and fields of sheep. My favourite loops is from Rostrevor, up past Spelga Dam and around to Dundrum then either back that way or along the coast. This area is a gem. So many great places to explore and exceptional scenery. Loads to enjoy even for the less active types although i gather the hiking is incredible too.

2. Northeast Adventures

Excellent
92%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Northeast Adventures

Paintball and 4x4 Off-Roading Centre. Northeast Adventures offers members of the public the chance to drive our modified 4x4 off road jeeps in they're natural environment under the instruction of trained instructors. Our 2 mile track will get your heart pumping and test your driving skills to the limits. Whether you're a first timer or expert off roader we can accommodate to your needs.

3. Ardglass Golf Club

Castle Place, Ardglass BT30 7TP Northern Ireland +44 28 4484 1219 [email protected] http://www.ardglassgolfclub.com/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 69 reviews

Ardglass Golf Club

Reviewed By MUMchampers

Not many courses have every hole with views of the sea. Challenging in a gale force wind but overall one of the best courses we have played. Great club house and friendly caddies show you the best lines. I felt it was as good as Royal County Down. A must see for all golfers.

4. Seascope Hatchery

15 Unit and 14 The Harbour, Kilkeel BT34 4AX Northern Ireland +44 28 4176 9700 [email protected] http://seascopehatchery.com/visit-us/
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

Seascope Hatchery

Let Lucy the Lobster take you on an adventure from tiny lobster eggs through the dangerous journey of reaching adulthood. Come and see our on of a kind experience be only inches away from hundreds of baby lobsters and monster mothers.Our interactive educational experience offers fun learning opportunities for all ages as well as kids crafts and interactive treasure hunts.

Reviewed By 309dessieg

Very small but Brilliant friendly informative place to learn all about sea life but mainly lobsters. Cheap as chips. Underutilised simply due to funding. Stacey is an amazing person placed perfectly between seascope and tourist information. Extremely friendly and engaging with children I hope stacey will continue to work here.

5. Good Craic Gifts and Souvenirs

13 Church Street, Rostrevor BT34 3BA Northern Ireland +44 7936 977029 [email protected] http://www.goodcraicgifts.com
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 39 reviews

Good Craic Gifts and Souvenirs

Good Craic Gifts is a great wee gift shop celebrating the village of Rostrevor and the local area. Much of the stock is hand-crafted locally. There is a fun range of quirky gifts and souvenirs. There is also a growing range of locally made greeting cards to suit almost any purpose. Local artists are most welcome to come in and discuss joining the fun. There is a small gallery space upstairs to host exhibitions for painters, photographers or other artists. There is also a life size painting of Giant Murphy. He was a real life giant from this area who was 8 foot tall!! Fabulous photo opportunity, guaranteed to make you feel short!!! We are also the informal tourist information centre with brochures, maps and suggestions for Rostrevor and the Mourne mountain area. The Good Craic Guide to Rostrevor and the Mournes is available free in store with suggestions of 40+ things to do in the area.

Reviewed By ecwalker - Western Ireland, Ireland

This gift shop is refreshingly unique with locally handcrafted items. We've seen new things each time we've been there.

6. The Echlinville Distillery

62 Gransha Road Echlinville House, Newtownards BT22 1AJ Northern Ireland +44 28 4273 8597 [email protected] http://echlinville.com
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 46 reviews

The Echlinville Distillery

Field-to-glass distillery crafting award winning spirits in the heart of County Down, Northern Ireland. Home to Dunville's Irish Whiskey, Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin, Jawbox Gin and Bán Poitín.

Reviewed By MarkH9406 - Newtownards, United Kingdom

Was bought a tour for Christmas and visited in January. Starts with tea/coffee and scones / buns and health and safety briefing with some history. Tour takes you from process start to finish showing gin poteen and whiskey distillation and the differences. Right through to the storage. Post tour you can use your voucher for some drams of the distillery's own whiskies or exchange them against value of some products and merchandise in the on site shop.

7. Mount Stewart

Portaferry Road, Newtownards BT22 2AD Northern Ireland +44 28 4278 8387 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 992 reviews

Mount Stewart

Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership. The garden reflects a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry that was the hallmark of Edith, Lady Londonderry. The mild climate of Strangford Lough allows astonishing levels of planting experimentation. 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. Mount Stewart House re-opened after our 3 year long restoration project. We've brought back the elegance and charm of the house when it was home of the 7th Marchioness Edith, Lady Londonderry and her family in the early 20th century and we look forward to welcoming you to enjoy in all its splendor. Six kilometers of walking trails wind through a landscape ‘lost in time’ and establishes Mount Stewart’s reputation as one of the best-preserved Irish country demesnes.

Reviewed By 174eleanora

Yet another great family day at mount stewart. Joined last year and we have had the best picnics,walks and good fun here.the freedom for the kids to run and learn about all the habitat.adventure play area and den building is a real hit for kids!!and competitive adults!!such beautiful lake walk and has been a pleasure enjoying all the changing seasons.halloween was great for the kids and staff are friendly and helpful.thanks to all who keep it one of the most beautiful places we are lucky to have.

8. Castlewellan Forest Park

Castlewellan Castle Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan BT31 9BU Northern Ireland +44 28 4377 8664 http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Castlewellan-Forest-Park-and-Peace-Maze-Castlewellan-P2881
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 374 reviews

Castlewellan Forest Park

Reviewed By BridS318 - Castlewellan, United Kingdom

Castlewellan Forest Park is in a stunning location, close to the Mourne’s and Newcastle. There are lots of varying levels of walks and mountain bike trails. The lake path is flat so suitable for prams and young children on bikes. Other walks are more hilly but less busy than the popular lake path. Also open spaces close to the car park for picnics, a maze and children’s play area. A great day out.

9. Ballynoe Stone Circle

135 Ballynoe Road Ballynoe,, Downpatrick BT30 8AR Northern Ireland +44 28 9054 3034
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Ballynoe Stone Circle

Reviewed By annieJB1976 - Belfast, United Kingdom

A lovely place to visit. The walk to the actually stones is just lovely. A little quiet hedge covered lane way with fairy doors and other little things left along the hedgerows. The stones themselves have a peaceful quietness around them and lovely just to sit on one and reflect in peace.

10. Dundrum Castle

Castle Hill Dundrum, Newcastle BT33 0LN Northern Ireland +44 28 9023 5000 http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Dundrum-Castle-Dundrum-Newcastle-P2866
Excellent
50%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 193 reviews

Dundrum Castle

Reviewed By jade191215

We were the only ones to visit the castle. It is incredible with a lovely view of Dundrum when you climb on top of it, and it is a 7 minute walk from the center of Dundrum.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.