Free Down Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Down with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Down
Down photo 2
Down photo 3
All photos

Explore County Down for Mourne Mountain walks, Strangford Lough shores, Saint Patrick heritage, historic estates and Northern Irish coastal food.

County Down occupies a varied corner of Northern Ireland, stretching from the urban shores of Belfast Lough and the Ards Peninsula to the granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains. It is a county of contrasting landscapes: broad tidal waters, drumlin farmland, wooded demesnes, sandy beaches and exposed uplands. The coast is never far away, yet the interior quickly becomes rural, with winding lanes leading towards small market towns and villages.
Read more about Down
The Mournes form the county's most recognisable natural feature. Rising behind Newcastle, their rounded summits and steep valleys shape some of Northern Ireland's finest walking country, including routes around Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, and the Silent Valley area. Tollymore Forest Park provides an easier woodland setting, with rivers, bridges and views towards the mountains. Further north, Strangford Lough is a vast marine inlet known for islands, rocky shores, birdlife and a long tradition of fishing and sailing.
County Down's historic identity is closely associated with early Christianity. Downpatrick, the county town, is linked by tradition with Saint Patrick and contains the grave traditionally attributed to him at Down Cathedral. Nearby Inch Abbey preserves substantial remains of a medieval Cistercian foundation, while the Lecale peninsula combines ecclesiastical history with open farmland and coastal scenery. On the eastern side of Strangford Lough, grand estates such as Mount Stewart and Castle Ward reveal the influence of landed families, changing architectural tastes and the designed landscapes of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The Ards Peninsula has an individual character, shaped by the lough on its western side and the Irish Sea to the east. Newtownards is its principal commercial centre, while villages such as Greyabbey and Portaferry offer access to abbeys, historic houses, ferries and shoreline walks. Bangor and Holywood, at the northern end of the county, are more urban in feel and benefit from their waterfronts and proximity to Belfast, which lies immediately beyond the county's northern urban edge. The area is also useful for visitors seeking a base with rail and road connections rather than a purely rural stay.
Food reflects both land and water. County Down is associated with potatoes from the fertile Comber area, seafood from Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea, local beef and lamb, farmhouse produce and strong baking traditions shared across Northern Ireland. Walking, cycling, birdwatching, sailing, golf, heritage visits and scenic driving all work well here, but distances and transport options vary considerably. A thoughtful itinerary usually combines one coastal or loughside area with either the Mournes or the historic landscapes around Downpatrick, rather than attempting to cover the whole county in a single day.

When is the best time to visit Down?

Best: June–August · 19–21°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January780
February870
March1070
April1360
May1660
June (best)1950
July (best)2160
August (best)2160
September1860
October1480
November1080
December890

Getting to and around Down

How to get there

County Down is reached most easily through the Belfast area. Belfast City Airport is a practical gateway for destinations around Belfast Lough and northern County Down, while Belfast International Airport, outside the county, serves a wider range of routes and is connected by road services to the region. Belfast's main railway and coach connections provide onward access, with rail services serving Bangor, Holywood and other northern parts of the county. Roads from Belfast lead towards Newtownards, Downpatrick, Newcastle and the Mournes; visitors arriving from the Republic of Ireland commonly approach via routes from Dublin, Dundalk or Monaghan, depending on their destination.

Transportation

Rail travel is most useful in northern County Down, particularly along the Belfast–Bangor line. Buses connect the principal towns, but rural services can be less frequent and are not always convenient for estates, trailheads or isolated coastal sites. A car is helpful for combining the Mournes, Lecale, Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula, although narrow lanes require patience and care. Taxis are available in larger towns, while walking and cycling are rewarding around selected forest parks, lough shores and town environs. Check ferry arrangements across Strangford Lough before relying on them for a tightly timed itinerary.

Top city travel guides in Down

The cities of Down, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Down

County Down's attractions range from mountain landscapes to ecclesiastical ruins and carefully preserved estates. The Mourne Mountains provide the county's major outdoor focus, with walking routes around Newcastle, Tollymore Forest Park and the Silent Valley area. Strangford Lough offers opportunities for birdwatching, sailing, shore exploration and visits to communities such as Portaferry, while the Ards Peninsula combines coastal scenery with historic houses and villages. Downpatrick is the centre of the county's Saint Patrick story, with Down Cathedral, the Saint Patrick Centre and nearby Inch Abbey forming an important heritage group. Castle Ward and Mount Stewart bring together architecture, gardens and evidence of aristocratic estate life, while Grey Abbey preserves a notable medieval monastic setting. Murlough National Nature Reserve is valued for its dune habitat and wildlife, and the National Trust property at Castle Ward is also known for its contrasting architectural styles. Smaller museums, galleries, farm attractions and golf courses broaden the offer, but the county's strongest appeal lies in combining outdoor activity with sites that explain its religious, agricultural and maritime past.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Down

The granite outline of the Mourne Mountains is County Down's defining natural landmark, particularly when viewed from Newcastle, the coast or the surrounding lowlands. Slieve Donard, the highest summit in Northern Ireland, gives the range its greatest elevation, while the Mourne Wall is a notable nineteenth-century work of engineering crossing the uplands. At Downpatrick, Down Cathedral occupies a historically important hilltop associated by tradition with Saint Patrick, and the nearby remains of Inch Abbey form one of the county's most evocative medieval monuments. Scrabo Tower, rising above Newtownards, is a prominent nineteenth-century landmark built in memory of Charles Stewart, third Marquess of Londonderry. Around Strangford Lough, the towers, demesnes and shoreline settings of Castle Ward and Mount Stewart express the power of former landed estates, while Grey Abbey's stone ruins recall the region's Norman and monastic past. The lough itself, with its islands, narrow channels and changing tidal light, is as important a geographical landmark as any constructed monument.

Show more landmarks

Explore Down on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Down

Dining in County Down reflects Northern Ireland's farmed landscape and extensive coastline. Menus in towns, villages and country inns commonly draw on local beef, lamb, poultry, seasonal vegetables and dairy produce, while the fertile land around Comber is particularly associated with potatoes. Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea supply seafood, including oysters and mussels from local waters when in season, as well as fish used in contemporary and traditional cooking. Downpatrick, Newcastle, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards and smaller coastal communities offer the widest choice of cafés, pubs and restaurants, ranging from simple daytime food to modern menus built around regional ingredients. Bakeries and cafés are useful for traybakes, scones and other Northern Irish favourites, while farmers' markets and farm shops provide a way to buy cheese, preserves, meat and seasonal produce. Menus change with supply and season, so local specialities are best treated as regional possibilities rather than guaranteed dishes in every establishment.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Down

County Down's evening life is centred more on pubs, restaurants, live music and waterfront socialising than on a large nightclub circuit. Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Downpatrick and Newcastle have the broadest concentration of bars, with options ranging from traditional pubs and historic inns to contemporary venues serving cocktails, craft beer and food. Smaller towns and villages generally offer a quieter evening built around local pubs, conversation and occasional live music, while the county's coastal resorts become busier during the warmer months. Portaferry and other Strangford Lough communities provide a relaxed setting for a drink after a day outdoors, although late-night transport can be limited. Visitors staying in rural areas should plan how they will return to their accommodation, particularly where taxis are scarce and public transport finishes early. Belfast, immediately beyond northern County Down, offers a much larger club and theatre scene for those prepared to travel outside the county.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Down

County Down's evening life is centred more on pubs, restaurants, live music and waterfront socialising than on a large nightclub circuit. Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Downpatrick and Newcastle have the broadest concentration of bars, with options ranging from traditional pubs and historic inns to contemporary venues serving cocktails, craft beer and food. Smaller towns and villages generally offer a quieter evening built around local pubs, conversation and occasional live music, while the county's coastal resorts become busier during the warmer months. Portaferry and other Strangford Lough communities provide a relaxed setting for a drink after a day outdoors, although late-night transport can be limited. Visitors staying in rural areas should plan how they will return to their accommodation, particularly where taxis are scarce and public transport finishes early. Belfast, immediately beyond northern County Down, offers a much larger club and theatre scene for those prepared to travel outside the county.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Down

Shopping in County Down is distributed among market towns, coastal centres, village shops and rural food outlets rather than concentrated in one major retail district. Newtownards has the broadest traditional town-centre offer on the Ards Peninsula, while Bangor and Holywood provide a mixture of high-street retailers, independent businesses, cafés, galleries and gift shops. Downpatrick is useful for heritage-related purchases and everyday shopping, and Newcastle combines resort shops with outdoor clothing, books, crafts and locally themed gifts. Farmers' markets, farm shops and specialist food retailers are good places to look for Northern Irish cheese, preserves, baked goods, potatoes, smoked products and seasonal produce. Around historic estates and tourist attractions, visitors may find books, garden goods, craftwork and locally made gifts, though stock varies by season. The county is better suited to buying regional food, crafts, outdoor equipment and small independent finds than to luxury designer shopping, for which nearby Belfast has a wider choice.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Down, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Down essentials

Currency and Payment
County Down uses the pound sterling, with the currency code GBP, as part of the United Kingdom. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, museums and larger shops, particularly in Bangor, Newtownards, Downpatrick and Newcastle. Carry some cash for small rural businesses, car parks, cafés, markets and occasional service interruptions. Northern Ireland banknotes are sterling notes and are generally accepted across the United Kingdom, although businesses elsewhere may be less familiar with particular designs.
Safety
County Down is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain sensible in towns, on public transport and at busy attractions. Outdoor safety matters more in the Mournes: weather can change quickly, paths may be wet or difficult to follow, and mobile coverage is not universal. Keep away from unstable cliff edges and respect warning signs around quarries, rivers and tidal shores. On rural roads, expect blind bends, slow farm vehicles, cyclists and livestock. At beaches and loughs, take account of tides, currents and changing conditions rather than relying solely on the appearance of calm water.
Emergency Situations
For police, fire or ambulance emergencies in County Down, call 999 or 112, the United Kingdom's national emergency numbers. State your exact location, especially when walking in the Mournes or on a remote shoreline, and provide a named road, car park, trail feature or grid reference if available. Coastguard assistance is requested through the same emergency numbers where a coastal incident is involved. For non-urgent medical help, pharmacies, local medical services and NHS 111 arrangements can vary within Northern Ireland, so accommodation providers can help identify the appropriate current service.
Do's and Don'ts
Do allow other road users to pass safely on narrow country lanes, close gates, follow the Countryside Code and take all litter home. Do dress suitably for churches, cathedrals and historic houses, and ask before photographing people or private property. Do not climb on monuments, disturb wildlife or cross farmland without observing access signs. In pubs and restaurants, queueing and polite ordering are appreciated; tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory, with around 10 percent often used for good table service. Northern Ireland's political history can be sensitive, so avoid assuming that symbols, identity or terminology mean the same thing to everyone.
Local Tips
Downpatrick works well for combining Saint Patrick heritage with Inch Abbey and the wider Lecale countryside, while Newcastle is a practical base for the Mournes and the coast. The Ards Peninsula is best explored slowly, with time for villages, shoreline views and historic estates rather than a rapid through-journey. Strangford Lough's scenery changes markedly with weather, light and tide, and its roads can be slower than expected. For a less strenuous landscape day, Tollymore Forest Park offers woodland walks beneath the Mournes; for wildlife and open water, the lough shores and Murlough area reward early or late visits.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHiya[hai-uh]
GoodbyeCheerio[cheer-ee-oh]
YesYeah[yeh]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo worries[no wuh-reez]
Thank youCheers[cheerz]
Excuse me/SorrySorry mate[saw-ree mayt]
How are you?How's it going?[how's it go-ing]
Fine. And you?All good, you?[awl good, you?]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[doo yah speek ing-glish?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[can I see the men-yoo, pleez?]
I don't eat meatI’m a veggie[I’m a veji]
Cheers!Cheers![cheerz!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the bill, please?[can I get the bil, pleez?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help!]
Go away!Get lost![get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a doktor!]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI’m feeling unwell[I’m feel-ing un-well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing, thanks[just brows-ing, thanks]
How much is it?What's the price?[what's the price?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep[that's a bit steep]
Can you lower the price?Can you knock down the price?[can you nok down the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What’s the time?[what's the time?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[it's wun]
Half past (10)Half ten[half ten]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[afternoon]
EveningEvening[evening]
YesterdayYesterday[yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[to-mor-row]
1One[wun]
2Two[too]
3Three[three]
4Four[for]
5Five[fiv]
6Six[siks]
7Seven[sev-en]
8Eight[ayt]
9Nine[nin]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where’s the...?[where's the...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[what's the ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?[can you show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[when's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[a tik-it to...]

History of Down

Neolithic and Bronze Age Landscapes

County Down contains important evidence of prehistoric settlement and ritual activity, including portal tombs, standing stones and burial monuments. The best-known example is the Legananny Dolmen near Castlewellan, a large megalithic monument formed from carefully placed stones. Such sites belong to communities that farmed, traded and commemorated the dead long before written records. Their survival in the modern landscape shows how fields, hills and routes in County Down have been used over many centuries, although the precise meanings of individual monuments remain a matter for archaeological interpretation.

Early Christian Down and Saint Patrick

Downpatrick became a major ecclesiastical centre during the early Christian period and is traditionally associated with Saint Patrick, one of Ireland's best-known patron saints. The saint's reputed grave at Down Cathedral has made the town an important destination for religious and historical visitors. Early monasteries and church sites helped connect County Down to wider networks of learning, pilgrimage and political influence. The medieval and modern landscape around Downpatrick still preserves the memory of this tradition through ecclesiastical ruins, place names and museums.

Norman Expansion and Medieval Settlements

Anglo-Norman expansion reached County Down in the late twelfth century, bringing new forms of lordship, castle building and monastic patronage. Medieval foundations such as Inch Abbey, established for Cistercian monks, reflect the county's integration into wider religious and political systems. Downpatrick and other settlements developed within contested territories where Gaelic Irish and incoming Anglo-Norman interests interacted. The remains of abbeys, earthworks and fortified sites provide tangible evidence of a period in which control of land and coastal routes was repeatedly disputed.

Estate Landscapes and Plantation-era Settlement

From the seventeenth century onwards, political change and new patterns of landholding reshaped eastern Ulster. English and Scottish settlers joined existing communities, contributing to the growth of Ulster-Scots culture in parts of County Down. Later generations of landed families developed large estates, especially around Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula. Houses and designed landscapes such as Mount Stewart, Castle Ward and Scrabo Hill reflect changing wealth, politics and architectural fashion. Agriculture remained central, while ports and market towns connected the county to regional trade.

The 1798 Rebellion

County Down was a significant centre of the United Irishmen's rebellion in 1798. Fighting took place at locations including Saintfield and Ballynahinch, where rebel forces confronted government troops and local loyalist forces. The campaign exposed deep political, religious and social divisions in the county, as well as opposition to the existing system of government. Although the rebellion was suppressed, its memory remains part of County Down's historical identity and is marked by monuments, local interpretation and place-based accounts of the conflict.

Agriculture, Linen and Coastal Trade

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, County Down's economy combined farming with linen production, milling, fishing, quarrying and coastal trade. Market towns such as Newtownards and Downpatrick served surrounding agricultural districts, while ports and loughside communities connected the county with Belfast and other Irish Sea destinations. The expansion of roads, railways and improved harbours altered patterns of movement and commerce. Estate villages, farm buildings and industrial remnants still show how agricultural production and small-scale manufacturing shaped the countryside.

Partition and Contemporary County Down

The partition of Ireland in 1921 placed County Down within Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, creating a political setting that has continued to influence local life. During the twentieth century, town growth, improved roads and commuting expanded the northern part of the county, particularly around Bangor, Holywood and the Belfast Lough shore. The Troubles also affected communities across Northern Ireland, including County Down, though experiences varied between places. Since the peace process, heritage, outdoor recreation, conservation and food production have become increasingly important to the county's visitor economy.

Down in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Down

The closest regions to Down, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

United Kingdom
More of the region

Explore more of United Kingdom

Discover the United Kingdom: A blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a unique travel experience for every visitor.

Explore United Kingdom
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Down, UK

Discover Down with Evendo: A 100% free app-based guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images and descriptions
  • Local tips and advice
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Make the most of your trip to Down, United Kingdom with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Discover, plan, and book everything in one place.

  • Interactive maps and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
  • History of Down and travel essentials
  • Easy navigation through the app and city
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for a local-like experience
  • 100% free with no additional costs

Planning a trip to Down, United Kingdom? Look no further than Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app that ensures you make the most out of your visit. Start your journey by exploring Down's iconic attractions like the Down Cathedral, where Saint Patrick is reputedly buried, or the Strangford Lough, a stunning inlet boasting rich wildlife and scenic views. For history enthusiasts, the Down County Museum offers a deep dive into the region's past.

Food lovers will be thrilled with Evendo's curated list of top restaurants. Enjoy a traditional meal at The Cuan, or savor contemporary dishes at the award-winning Brunel's Restaurant. When the sun sets, discover vibrant nightlife at local bars and nightclubs, or unwind at cozy pubs like Denvir's Coaching Inn.

The app provides detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each listing includes images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easier than ever to plan and organize your trip. Whether you're looking to explore historic sites, dine at the best restaurants, or book a hotel and tours, Evendo has it all in one place.

With features like 'Near Me' to locate nearby attractions, curated local tips to experience Down like a local, and easy navigation, Evendo ensures you won't miss a thing. Plus, the app is 100% free to use forever, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Download Evendo today and unlock the best of Down and over 7,000 other destinations worldwide.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.