Top 10 Historical & Heritage Tours in County Down, Northern Ireland

March 11, 2022 Kiesha Cripe

Discover the best top things to do in County Down, United Kingdom including Hillsborough Castle Experience, Guided Walk of St Patrick’s Way - Ireland's Camino from Mournes to Newcastle, The Pilgrim’s Walk and Lunch in Irish for Beginners, Pilgrim's Walk on St Patrick's Way and Lunch (9 hrs), 1/2 Day Pilgrim's Walk on St Patrick's Way and Lunch (4 hrs), 3-Day Discover Northern Ireland Small-Group Tour from Dublin, Private Tour Ards Peninsula Saint Patrick Trail with Strangford Lough and Ferry, Explore Ireland, Escorted 12 Day Tour of Ireland, Saints & Spirits Day Tour from Belfast , All Day Tour of Ireland's Golden Coast.
Restaurants in County Down

1. Hillsborough Castle Experience

Scenic Tours NI
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Ever wondered what it’s like in the Queen’s house? Enjoy the richness and diversity of the house and gardens at Hillsborough Castle, home to the British Royal Family whenever they visit Northern Ireland. Located in County Down, just 12 miles from Belfast, Scenic Tours NI enables you to take a guided tour of the historic property and its grounds, allowing you to enjoy the sheer splendour of your surroundings.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Mobile WiFi

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Reviewed By JohnnyClarke1981

Just home from a weekend in Belfast. Decided to do the Murals/peace wall tour whilst up there as it was recommended to us by friends . And now I'm doing the recommending . It was brilliant . Billy our driver was so friendly and so informative . He knew all the right places to bring us and left us genuinely astounded with his knowledge of everything in Belfasts past and present . Will definitely be back again . Thanks Billy

2. Guided Walk of St Patrick’s Way - Ireland's Camino from Mournes to Newcastle

The Saint Patrick Centre, 53A Market St, Downpatrick BT30 6LZ, UK The Saint Patrick Centre
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Be a pilgrim for a day and walk Saint Patrick's Camino - Saint Patrick's Way - through one of its most beautiful stretches. Your guides are former Adoration Sisters turned Tour Guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. Share their fascinating story and learn about Saint Patrick and Saint Donard on Saint Patrick's Way. Have refreshments in the quaint seaside Harbour Bar as an introduction, take a transfer to the Mourne Mountains and walk 8 miles through stunning scenery back to Newcastle through Tollymore Forest Park in time for an ice cream by the beach.

Inclusions: Coffee refreshments at the Harbour Inn., Private transportation, Have an Ice Cream when you return to Newcastle and a walk on the promenade.

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Reviewed By moiraweir80

Absolutely loved it. Tim was the "font of all knowledge" Jean fluent in Irish but translated for those not. Lovely terrain visited appropriate sites that tied in with historical facts. Lunch great. I would highly recommend the experience.

3. The Pilgrim’s Walk and Lunch in Irish for Beginners

The Saint Patrick Centre, 53A Market St, Downpatrick BT30 6LZ, UK The Saint Patrick Centre
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Discover the epic story of Saint Patrick at the Saint Patrick Centre and walk in his footsteps on our Pilgrim’s Way around the Medieval Town of Downpatrick. Explore the stunning countryside and visit important sites in Patrick’s story with our Irish Language Guide who will bring Saint Patrick’s story to life and discuss townlands and Irish names in our countryside. Pilgrims lunch included. After lunch walk to the top of Slieve Patrick and see the tallest statue of Saint Patrick in the World before walking along country lanes to the first healing wells in Ireland at Struell. Return to Downpatrick to see the mosaic shrine to Saint Patrick in Saint Patrick’s Church and finish at the Medieval Cathedral of Down and Saint Patrick’s Grave. The Pilgrim’s Walk and Lunch is completely guided by an Irish language Guide, follows paths and country roads and observes social distancing principles. This tour always starts from the Saint Patrick Centre at 12.00 Noon.

Inclusions: Pilgrim's Lunch of Soup, Sandwiches, Tea and Coffee at The Barn at Saul.

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Reviewed By 893bernadettem

What an amazing few days spent with Elaine and Martina following the way of St Patrick. The ladies were so informative and the craic was great too. Met some lovely people. Would highly recommend.

4. Pilgrim's Walk on St Patrick's Way and Lunch (9 hrs)

The Saint Patrick Centre, 53A Market St, Downpatrick BT30 6LZ, UK The Saint Patrick Centre
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Discover the epic story of Saint Patrick at the Saint Patrick Centre and walk in his footsteps on our Pilgrim’s Way around the Medieval Town of Downpatrick with Adoration Sisters turned pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. Once professional talkers now professional walkers the former-BBC political correspondent and former-barrister will bring Saint Patrick’s story to life and discuss spiritual aspects of his journey. Explore the stunning countryside and visit important sites in Patrick’s story and have a Pilgrim’s Lunch at The Barn in Saul (included). The Pilgrim’s Walk and Picnic is completely guided, follows paths and country roads and observes social distancing principles. It can be complete in a day doing the entire trail or as two half-day trips. The tour always starts from the Saint Patrick Centre in the morning.

Inclusions: Pilgrim's Lunch of Soup, Sandwiches, Tea and Coffee at The Barn at Saul.

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Reviewed By moiraweir80

Absolutely loved it. Tim was the "font of all knowledge" Jean fluent in Irish but translated for those not. Lovely terrain visited appropriate sites that tied in with historical facts. Lunch great. I would highly recommend the experience.

5. 1/2 Day Pilgrim's Walk on St Patrick's Way and Lunch (4 hrs)

The Saint Patrick Centre, 53A Market St, Downpatrick BT30 6LZ, UK The Saint Patrick Centre
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4.9 based on 8 reviews

Discover the epic story of Saint Patrick at the Saint Patrick Centre and walk in his footsteps on our Pilgrim’s Way around the Medieval Town of Downpatrick with Adoration Sisters turned pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. Once professional talkers now professional walkers the former-BBC political correspondent and former-barrister will bring Saint Patrick’s story to life and discuss spiritual aspects of his journey. Explore the stunning countryside and visit important sites in Patrick’s story and have a Pilgrim’s Lunch at The Barn in Saul (included). The Pilgrim’s Walk and Picnic is completely guided, follows paths and country roads and observes social distancing principles. It can be complete in a day doing the entire trail or as two half-day trips. The tour always starts from the Saint Patrick Centre in the morning.

Inclusions: Pilgrim's Lunch of Soup, Sandwiches, Tea and Coffee at The Barn at Saul.

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Reviewed By moiraweir80

Absolutely loved it. Tim was the "font of all knowledge" Jean fluent in Irish but translated for those not. Lovely terrain visited appropriate sites that tied in with historical facts. Lunch great. I would highly recommend the experience.

6. 3-Day Discover Northern Ireland Small-Group Tour from Dublin

Kilkenny Shop, 6 Nassau St, Dublin 2, D02 W865, Ireland Rabbie's
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4.3 based on 3 reviews

A 3 day exploration of the highlights of Northern Ireland including the iconic sites of The Giants Causeway, Belfast and the Titanic Quarter, one of the world’s great gardens at Mount Stewart, the brooding granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains and several of the dramatic locations used in the TV series “Game of Thrones”. For an in-depth insight into the wonderful scenery and history of this small country, this is the tour to choose.

Inclusions: 2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast, Driver Guide, Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers), Transport by top of the range Mercedes mini-coach

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, Food and drinks, Admission fees

Reviewed By veramit11

We just loved everthing about ireland, the friendliness, the fun, the tour guide, the small group travel. The scenery is just breathtaking. The ancient history is just jawdropping i mean these ancient women (queens) had some serious hootspur and gumtion. I mean they went out and did some serious stuff, got involved in wars, sailed ther own ships, left the babies home and got rid of husband who were just superfluous to requirements. I mean kudos to you girls. I know you are not gonna beleive this but we need you back. Northern ireland sad, such a waste of young life. Still feels haunted by the grief. Our hosts were b&b's, they were just delightful, and hilariously funny sometimes. Our tour guide (their were 10 of us) Gabriel was fantastic great sense of humour, very helpfull, fantastic with local knowledge and history. Thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

7. Private Tour Ards Peninsula Saint Patrick Trail with Strangford Lough and Ferry

Giants Causeway Tours

Completely Unique Irish Experience! This will suit travellers who have seen all the other sights! Follow in the footsteps of Ireland's patron saint with a full day County Down travel package, exploring the landmarks and legends of Saint Patrick all for an unbeatable price. Tour the Ards Peninsula, climb up Scrabo hill and see the Tower whilst admiring the amazing view, drive along the shore of Strangford Lough an area of outstanding natural beauty, visit the Game of Thrones filming location beautiful Inch Abbey as well as the medieval town of Downpatrick, you can visit Down County Museum as well asThe Saint Patrick Centre. Tour Saint Patrick's Grave, sight-see the cathedral as well as the largest Saint Patrick statue in the world! The tour also visits the beautiful Game of Thrones filming location of Inch Abbey. You can customise this tour to suit your needs. We can also incorporate some moderate walking if you want.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Free Pick Up Central Belfast, Optimize your time with hassle-free round-trip transfer from your hotel, Benefit from the personalized service and itinerary of a private tour, Let your driver handle navigation, leaving you free to admire the beautiful scenery, Gain intimate insight into Northern Ireland's history and culture from your guide, Admission to Down County Museum, Private Tour of Down Cathedral and Saint Patricks Grave

Exclusions: Tip For Your Guide, Upgrade to Top of The Range Luxury Mercedes V-Class for £30 (Where Available), Saint Patrick Center Admission, Add extra time to your tour from £50 per hour, Car Ferry Fee

Reviewed By LetsG0today

If you're in Northern Ireland you MUST go to Giants Causeway. This is an Iconic landmark and a must see. However if you go, make sure to take the bus back up the hill, it's a long walk.

8. Explore Ireland, Escorted 12 Day Tour of Ireland

Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, 23 O'Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin, D01 C3W7, Ireland Benny's Ireland Vacations

Explore Ireland" - Escorted 12 Day Tours. Explore the various facets of Ireland & experience the Beautiful landscapes of this "Emerald Ireland" Discover heart-warming moments and spectacular sights. Explore the Island of Ireland From the Causeway Coast and the Wild Atlantic Way to the Sunny South East and the 11 cities in between, now's the time to start exploring the Island of Ireland.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, 11 Nights Accommodation at 4 Star Hotels with Full Irish Breakfasts Each Morning

Exclusions: Flights & Airport Transfers, Guinness Storehouse – Supplement of $22.00 p.p.

9. Saints & Spirits Day Tour from Belfast

Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS, UK Condor Executive

If only every day could be a Saints & Spirits Day. You’ll reach out and touch the past, your emotions, and your senses too. This day is like an awakening, or a period of reflection where you will learn new things about Ireland and about yourself. It’s a time to step back from the rush of everyday life and explore the mystical, the moving and the inspired. As well as a journey by road, this is a journey inward. You’ll spend the day in the company of local people – your local driver, your local guide and local storytellers. Think of them as your family for the day. Between them, they’ll help you experience our history through their eyes. You’ll also feel the warm welcome that we’re known for. The places you’ll visit on this tour are moving, intriguing and stirring: the celestial heights of Saint Patrick’s life, the poignancy of The Somme, brisk winds as we cross Strangford Lough by ferry, the authentic craft of a local gin-maker and the complex fragrance of their artisan spirits.

Inclusions: Dedicated & experienced local driver, Dedicated & knowledgeable local storytelling guide, Private guided tours of Somme Heritage Centre, Down Cathedral & Echlinville Distillery, Ferry Crossing, Luxury Mini Coach, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By B5643IZnigelg

I cant recommend Darin and Tam highly enough, both Jillian and I had a wonderful time touring the north antrim coastline, Tams excellent naration made the time fly by. From the moment you are greeted you will be made to feel part of the family a truly wonderful trip. Looking forward to our next time.

10. All Day Tour of Ireland's Golden Coast

Belfastlad Tours

This a 5 star rated tour carried out by a qualified and published historian. You travel in luxury to the best sites and scenery in Ireland and hear the story of the Irish people told through the castles, mansions and living rocks of the ancient Irish landscape. From the Game of Thrones to the Battle of Waterloo and the Nazi's this is a unique tour with a professional guide who's 5 Star rated tours are in the top 5% rated tours worldwide. In 7 packed hours you will experience the best that Ireland has to offer with a qualified dedicated tour guide.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: Around 10 to 15 British Pounds for a light lunch., Admission to Mount Stewart at £17 per person

Reviewed By GgAltman

Frank was an exceptional tour guide that provided a completely customized tour of the causeway coastal route and a personal, very insightful tour of the Belfast Peace Wall and the Troubles. Frank is an educated guide who’s personal experience in the area adds fully to the experience. His personal knowledge of the region meant a tour that was well off the beaten track and full of historic gems that we had never heard of. All stops included a rich history of the area that is backed up with resources and fact! As well, there was a bit of myth thrown in for fun! The highlight of the day was wrapped up in an impactful tour of the Peace Walls, shared with understanding and perspective. We’ll be back for more history when time permits. You will not be disappointed.

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