tourist attractions around north down

Nendrum owes its origin to St Mochaoi who died before 500, and who is said to have been converted to Christianity by St. Patrick. It may not have developed into a monastery until the 7th century, when its island location made it easily accessible by sea, though this later proved a disadvantage when it probably fell a prey to the Vikings.
The location of the ancient monastery was rediscovered by Bishop Reeves in 1844, and Lawlor's extensive, if inadequately recorded, archaeological ex...

In the midst of a beautiful 700 acre estate on the shores of Strangford Lough, seven miles east of Downpatrick, stands Castle Ward - an 18th century "architectrual wonder"....

The Saint Patrick Centre tells the story of Ireland's patron saint through a dynamic and informative exhibition. It's housed in an amazing new building which gives close access to St Patrick's Grave and Down Cathedral. The centre is open all the year round.

It houses a cafe, craft shop and a tourist information centre. Meeting facilities and an education programme are available. Please note that the last admission to the exhibition area is 1.5 hours before closing time....

Hillsborough Castle is an 18th century historic house, built in the 1770's by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire. It is now the official home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The castle is open to visitors on Saturdays during the months of May & June. You can also take a stroll around the magnificent gardens....

A fine artillery fort, 270 feet square and with spear-shaped bastions at the corners, was built here by Colonel Arthur Hill around 1650 to command the road from Dublin to Belfast and Carrickfergus. It stands on the site of an Early Christian period rath, the circular ditch of which has been left open in the central grassed area of the fort. In the min 18th century, the Hill family transformed the north-western gatehouse entrance into a two-storey 'gothick' fort or castle for the entertainment...

This centre allows you to share the experiences of the men and women who served in the armed forces and the factories during the First World War. The centre displays artefacts of the time including uniforms, weapons and personal items. Through the use of a computer database, visitors can also find casualty information on individuals who fell at the Somme....

Mount Stewart offers to the visitor one of the most complete gardens in the care of the National Trust. The garden, designed by Edith, Lady of Londonderry from 1921, includes almost every style of gardening and supports an incomparable plant collection.

Frances and Charles, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, became celebrated figures, leading a glittering social life and travelling extensively. They collected works of art and furniture on their travels and brought them back to Mount Stewa...