Make a holiday rental home or holiday cottage in County Down your doorway to St Patrick's Land

County Down is one of the nine counties forming the province of Ulster. Bangor is the largest town but the counties main town is Downpatrick. Northern Ireland's principle city, Belfast sits astride the border between County Antrim and County Down. Cranfield Point is the southernmost point in Northern Ireland and Burr Point, the easternmost point.

Places to holiday in County Down, Ireland

County Down is a remarkable place. It has many low attractively cultivated hills, yet the south has the rocky and jagged Mountains of Mourne shaped from harsh granite, which contrast strikingly to the arable land. Slieve Croob tops a group of hills in the centre of County Down and Slieve Donard rises to almost nine hundred metres. This is what makes this area so popular with tourists and there are many country house hotels and guesthouses.

However, the most economical way to see all that County Down has on offer is by renting self-catering accommodation or country holiday cottages. County Down has a history dating back over seven thousand years and has many ancient monuments and important archaeological sites to explore. An Irish cottage gives you the freedom to plan without having to worry about mealtime restrictions. The Ards Peninsula in the east forms a barrier between landlocked Strangford Lough and the sea. It has many attractions for the walker, climber and sportsman.

County Down has something for everyone and Belfast cottages and self-catering accommodation are ideal for those looking for nightlife, bar, restaurants and trendy cafes. Popular Belfast attractions include the Botanic Gardens, Queens University, City Hall and the Ulster Museum. The Odyssey Stadium hosts everything from pop concerts to ice hockey. Donaghadee, Bangor, Warrenpoint and Newcastle are excellent resorts to explore from a seaside cottage in Ireland.

Things to do in County Down, Ireland

County Down has a heritage railway on the St Patrick's Trail in the town of Downpatrick. It offers a number of exciting events such as specials for St Patrick's Day, Easter, May Day, nostalgic trips, living history at King Magnus's Grave, World War 2 re-enactment weekends, Halloween ghost trains, Santa and mince pie on the way to the ruins of 12th century Inch Abbey.

Newcastle has a five-mile beach and is close the Royal County Down Golf Course. It has recreation grounds with miniature golf, tennis, children's boating pool and Bowling Green. Its harbour is full of sailing boats and walkers will be tempted to walk by the Glen River into the heart of the mountains. Another pleasant walk in County Down is along the wide towpath of the Newry-Portadown canal, which follows the railway and road between Carva and Poyntz Pass.

Ballynahinch is a rural market town. It has a golf course and you can watch the staghounds meet in Montalto Park. There is a lovely cathedral in Dromore and the town has a Norman mote on the banks of the Lagan River as well as a Celtic cross. The old stocks in the square are occasionally used to imprison brides and grooms before they get married.

Weather in County Down, Ireland

The climate of County Down is influenced by the Gulf Stream making it mild and moist at a fairly constant level throughout the year.

Travel to County Down

Belfast Airport and Belfast Port serve County Down. There is a bus service between the towns, but many have to connect in Belfast.