With the backdrop of the Mourne mountains, spectacular coasts, and a warm Ulster welcome from
some of the friendliest people anywhere, Co. Down ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Sitting on the Down coastline, Bangor, with its lively night life will entertain you.
Home to the fascinating Ulster folk and Transport museum. The wonderful folk museum allows you to stroll through Ulster buildings from the turn of the century with reproductions of typical Ulster buildings including shops, a school, cottages, farm houses, a forge and a flax mill stepping back in a time where Ulster horse drawn carts were all a go. The Transport museum which houses the Irish Railway Collection also has exhibits from various transportation firms such as Harland and Wolff (shipbuilders of the ill-fated Titanic), and DeLorean sports car (manufacturers of the 'Back To The Future' car.
Bangor is also the site of one of the most famous early Irish monasteries founded by St. Comgall in 559, who was thought to be graced with miraculous saliva (St. Comgalls spit could shatter a rock). Ravaged by history, nothing remains of Comgalls or the medieval house.
Why not pursue one of the many outdoor activities on the offering ?. Pickie Fun Park, beside the extensive marina in Bangor is the ideal adventure park for children. Among an adventure playground and a miniature railway there is also a paddle-boat lagoon for a splashing great time.
Sweeping along this attractive stretch of Ulster coastline enroute to the Down capital, namely Downpatrick, we arrive at Donaghadee, another resort town with an attractive harbour. In good weather Scotland is visible from here.
To the south from here stretches the Ards Peninsula which embraces the beautiful waterside towns of Portaferry, Strangford, Killyleagh and Newtownards. This magnificent peninsula is enriched with history. Home to many historical sites and houses, Killyleagh Castle is one of the finest examples, a seventeen century scots-baronial style structure rebuilt in 1666 in fairy-tale style. Along with a series of Norman castles, Strangford Lough dates from the fifth century and is set majestically against the skyline. Strangford Lough itself is often referred to as one of Ireland's scenic gems, framed by the Drumlins (small rounded hills formed by glacial action) and covering much of County Down.
Downpatrick is one of the prime centres in the Ards. Rich in ancient association, Downpatrick is reputed to be the burial place of St. Patrick, Irelands Patron saint. There are many sites and relics studded around Downpatrick devoted to this famous saint.
Combine the leisurely sightseeing of the spectacular Down coastline, with the backdrop of the Mourne mountains, add rich historical and cultural tradition with some of the friendliest people anywhere and what you get is an unforgettable stay in an ancient land.
