Sightseeing

Castlewellan Forest Park - Located in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, this is one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Aboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world. The annual open air concerts, festivals and galas make Castlewellan a lively place to visit.

Strangford Lough and Wildlife Centre - Strangford Lough is a special and wonderful place. The largest sea lough in the British Isles, it is almost landlocked apart from its connection to the Irish sea through the Strangford Narrows. The Trust's Wildlife Scheme manages and provides access to 15,000 acres, which includes foreshore, fifty islands, woodland, wetlands, saltmarsh and agricultural fields.

Co Down - Take a glimpse into the fascinating life of Saint Patrick with a trip to scenic County Down. With a history that covers over 7,000 years, Down is blessed with a wealth of heritage sites, but the most famous of all is Downpatrick, where Ireland’s patron saint is reputed to be buried. County Down is a picturesque spot filled mostly with low, rolling hills that contrast spectacularly with the rugged Mountains of Mourne and Slieve Donnard, which rise dramatically to a height of 848 metres

Tyrella Beach and conservation area is a small, enclosed dune complex within Dundrum Bay. It is a wide, flat, sandy beach two kilometres long and backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes in a conservation area. The beach offers a car free zone, off-beach parking, safe bathing, ranger service, amenities, walks, beach entertainment, shop and tourist information. Lifeguards patrol the beach daily during July and August. Tyrella Beach has been awarded the prestigious Seaside Award annually since 1997. Tyrella is a well managed beach where you can be assured of excellent standards of cleanliness and safety making Tyrella the perfect location for family fun. Wheelchair access and toilets.

Portaferry - Right at the tip of the Ards Peninsula is Portaferry, a fishing and holiday resort. The quaint rows of houses, its seafront and traditional layout give Portaferry it character, with many buildings of historical and architectural importance. Portaferry is linked to the village of Strangford across The Narrows by a car ferry service which operates every half hour. The powerful current which rushes through The Narrows carries 400 million gallons of water with every tide. It is little wonder the Vikings named the Lough the ‘Strong Fiord’.

Local Castle Tourist Spot