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.

Self-catering holiday homes in County Down

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Luxury apartment with stunning mountain & bay views, Co Down, Northern Ireland

— Property 86767
Golf Holiday Rental
County Down apartment rental - Relax and enjoy stunning mountain and bay views
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5,
Apartment, 2 Bathrooms, beach, mountain, balcony
Rates - per property (GBP)
£60 - £90/night
£400 - £600/week
Calendar Updated 7 Nov 2009

Property Review

coming from the hustle bustle of Miami, Dundrum was so relaxing, calm and serene. The views from this apartment are incredible and ever changing throughout the day and evening. Many hours were...
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Beautifully Restored Listed Terraced House NITB 4* with Lough views

— Property 713761
County Down house rental - View of house from quay
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6,
House, 2 Bathrooms, village, waterfront, garden
Rates - per property (GBP)
£450 - £600/week
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Self catering seaside rental, in a beautiful part of Northern Ireland

— Property 408876
County Down house rental - 4 bedroom house
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6,
House, 1 Bathroom, beach, village, garden
Rates - per property (GBP)
£400 - £700/week
Calendar Updated 3 Nov 2009

Property Review

We really enjoyed being there and all the facilities you have provided. Look forward to another time maybe coming over with friends and enjoying the area.
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Beautiful bay side apartment with spectacular views.

— Property 423951
Golf Holiday Rental
County Down apartment rental - Stunning view from the balcony in winter
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5,
Apartment, 3 Bathrooms, beach, waterfront, balcony
Rates - per property (GBP)
£60 - £95/night
£400 - £575/week
Calendar Updated 6 Nov 2009

Property Review

My Wife and I ,together with my daughter had a wonderful 4 days in this apartment. The location is excellent the wonderful views from the balcony and the Mountains of Morne do really come down...
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Self contained, cottage, Banbridge, Co Down

— Property 417178
County Down cottage rental - Lynwood Cottage
1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4,
Cottage, 1 Bathroom, town, garden
Rates - per property (GBP)
£50 - £65/night
£200 - £320/week
Calendar Updated 4 Nov 2009

Property Review

We stayed in this beautiful cottage over a weekend fri-mon. Everything was provided including some delicious home-baking on arrival. The owners were more than helpful and extremely pleasant. We...
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Northern Ireland Tourist Board ****

— Property 720489
County Down cottage rental - The Brambles
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8,
Cottage, 4 Bathrooms, beach, near the sea, garden
Rates - per property (GBP)
£375 - £575/week
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Self-catering bungalow in beautiful south-Down countryside

— Property 56374
County Down bungalow rental - A heaven of rest
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6,
Bungalow, 2 Bathrooms, mountain, rural, garden
Rates - per property (GBP)
£175/night
£300/week
Calendar Updated 16 Oct 2009

Property Review

We stayed at Fernhill lodge during a cracking week in September - we being myself, the wife and two small boys (3 years and 7 months). First off, the house is very large. All the rooms are big,...
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A NITB 4 Star townhouse on harbour front

— Property 710313
County Down house rental - View of living room and Strangford Lough beyond
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5,
House, 2 Bathrooms, near the sea, town, pets considered
Rates - per property (GBP)
£325 - £450/week
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nestled in water's edge

— Property 733536
County Down house rental - The Tower
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5,
House, 1 Bathroom, beach, near the sea, terrace
Rates - per property (GBP)
£175/night
£375/week
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Luxury accommodation in an area of outstanding natural beauty

— Property 418292
County Down cottage rental - Tollymore Gate
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6,
Cottage, 2 Bathrooms, mountain, rural, garden
Rates - per property (GBP)
£340/week
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New semi-detached house on quay

— Property 733258
County Down house rental
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4,
House, 3 Bathrooms, 2 Separate Toilets, near the sea, rural, garden
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Moira Cottage next to railway station

— Property 416707
County Down cottage rental - Cottage exterior
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4,
Cottage, 3 Bathrooms, 1 Separate Toilet, rural, town, garden