County Down is one of the best grain-growing areas in Ireland and windmills have long been a prominent feature of the landscape. At one time over 100 windmills were recorded in the county of Down and although there are several remains left, Only Ballycopeland Windmills survives. It has been fully restored to its former fully working condition, as h - click here for more details
Castle Ward is full of personality. Situated in a stunning location overlooking Strangford Lough, the lawns rise up to the unique 18th century house and its Gothic facade. This fascinating house features both Gothic and Classical styles of architectural treatment, internally and externally. Inside the beautiful 820 acre walled demesne you will find - click here for more details
Crawfordsburn Country Park is situated on the southern shores of Belfast Lough. It is full of variety, featuring 3.5.km of coastline, often rugged and rocky, the two best beaches in the Belfast area, a deep wooded glen with an impressive waterfall at its head, a pond and wildflower meadows with excellent views over the Lough.
The Park also incl - click here for more details
On stunning beautiful Strangford Lough, amidst rolling countryside, Delamont offers you the chance to get away from it all in tranquil, rural surroundings. The parks relaxing atmosphere makes it a place to dream and settle into the slow rhythm of the countryside Marvel at the wonder of the Strangford Stone, a 10 metres high megalith, erected using - click here for more details
The Ropewalk Castle Street, Portaferry, Co. Down BT22 1NZ
Exploris is Northern Irelands public Aquarium and seal sanctuary. Discovery pool demonstrations, run by experienced guides, at regular intervals throughout each day give you the opportunity to interact with a variety of living marine animals. You can see how Exploris rehabilitates Northern Irelands sick, injured or orphaned seals back to health in - click here for more details
Ruined Cistercian abbey founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy. Beautiful parkland setting and medieval style garden.
Opening Times
Winter (1st October - 31st March)
Open only on Saturday & Sunday
Saturday 10.00 to 16.00 & Sunday 14.00 to 16.00
Site may be opened on request.
Summer (1st April - 30th September)
Clo - click here for more details
This splendid Georgian market house was built c.1760 in classical style, in a market square, as a focus within the planned development of Hillsborough. It was also used as a Courthouse from 1810, and the court room is still an evocative feature. There is an exhibition showing courtroom proceedings through the ages. A major conservation scheme won a - click here for more details
These extensive remains are of a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1180, by John de Courcy, who led the 1177 Anglo-Norman invasion of East Ulster. It is set in a beautiful location beside the River Quoile, with distant views towards de Courcy's Cathedral town of Downpatrick. De Courcy's wife, Affreca, founded Grey Abbey, also a Cistercian house. It is se - click here for more details
