Countryside
Explore the castles, parklands and seascapes of Down's endlessly fascinating countryside. Where deep green forests, warm sunlit pastures and secluded beaches welcome you to a holiday that will live forever in your memory.
Countryside Visitors Guide 2010
For public transport, please view the .
For cycling routes, please view our Cycling Page
Castle Ward
Near Strangford
Downpatrick,
BT30 7LS
T: 0 28 4488 1204
F: 0 28 4488 1729
E: castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Within this beautiful 820 acre walled estate you will find woodland walks, an exotic sunken garden and paths that open on to the tranquil shores of Strangford Lough.
Opening Hours:
Grounds: 1 Jan – 31 Mar: 10am – 4pm daily,
1 Apr – 30 Sep: 10am – 8pm daily
1 Oct – 31 Dec: 10am – 4pm daily
Admission: Please contact property directly for Admission Rates
House & Wildlife Centre: 17 to 19 March 13:00 - 18:00
1 April to 30 June 13:00 to 18:00 weekends, bank holidays and public holidays (inc. 6 - 15 April daily).
1 July to 31 August 13:00 - 18:00 dailly.
1 September to 30 September 13:00 - 18:00 weekends only.
Last tour is one hour before closing.
Tea Room and Shop as per House and close at 17:30.
Admissions:
Grounds and Wildlife Centre only: Adult £4.50, Child £2.00, Family £10.50, Group £3.10.
Adult £6.50, Child £3.00, Family £16.00; Group £5.00, Group outside normal hours £6.50.
Directions:
Castle Ward is 7 miles from Downpatrick along the A25 from Downpatrick to Strangford. Castle Ward is signposted off to the left before Strangford Village.
Castlewellan Forest Park
East District Forest Office,
Castlewellan,
BT31 9BU
T: 0 28 4377 8664
F: 0 28 4377 1762
E: customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
W: www.forestserviceni.gov.uk/
Way marked trails round the lake and forest, plus a fascinating arboretum.
Castlewellan Peace Maze is a must to visit.
Opening Hours: 10:00 to dusk.
Admission: Car £4.00, Minibus £10.00, Coach £25.00, Motorcycle £2.00.
Annual Permits: Car £35.00, Minibus £70.00, over 60s concessionary rate £17.50.
Pedestrian Entrance from Castlewellan: Adult £2.00; Child 50p
(Prices subject to Review)
Directions: From Newcastle take A50 to Castlewellan. At roundabout turn right to top of hill, turn left following signpost to Forest Park.
Delamont Country Park
Mullagh, Killyleagh
T: 0 28 4482 8333
F: 0 28 4482 8333
Caravan and Camping Bookings: 0 28 4482 1833
E: delamont.park@downdc.gov.uk
W: www.delamontcountrypark.com/
This stunning and beautiful 200 acre Country Park renowned for its favourable, dry, warm climate offers: Woodland & Countryside Walks 1km – 7km on the shores of Strangford Lough, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Stunning views across the Lough to the Mourne Mountains. Open areas for family picnics, BBQ and games. Irelands only fresh-air gym, free to use and accessible to all. 5* Award winning Caravan & Camping Site. Outdoor Adventure Playground. Ride on Miniature Railway 1km long – Thomas the Tank look-a-like. Delamont Stone – tallest megalith in Ireland. Heronry, largest in Northern Ireland & Bird Hide. BBQ area & Room for hire. Horse Riding by Permit. Mobility Scooters available. Events throughout the year. Children’s Events throughout July and August. Access to Strangford Lough Canoe Trails.
Opening Hours: 365 days, dawn to dusk
Admission: Car £4, Motorcycles £2, Minibus £10 - £15, Coach £30.
Season Ticket available from Downpatrick and Newcastle Tourist Information Centres
Directions: Delamont is located on the A22 Downpatrick to Comber Road.
5 minutes drive from Downpatrick
Murlough National Nature Reserve
Dundrum
T: 0 28 4375 1467
F: 028 4375 1467
E: murlough@nationaltrust.org.uk
W: www.ntni.org.uk/
Murlough is fantastic walking country and a haven for bird watchers. A network of paths and boardwalks enables you to discover this amazing nature reserve.
Access all year!
Facilities Open:
13 March – 28 March: 10am-6pm w/ends & BH/PH,
3 April–31 May: 10am-6pm w/ends & BH/PH,
2 Apr–11 Apr: 1-6pm daily (Easter),
1 Jun –31 Aug: 10am-6pm daily,
4-26 Sept: 10am-6pm w/ends only
Admission :
Please contact property directly for Admission Rates.
Directions:
From Newcastle, take A24 towards Dundrum. Murlough is signposted on right before the Twelve Arches.
Quoile Countryside Centre
5 Quay Road
Downpatrick
BT30 7JB
T: 0 28 4461 5520
F: 0 28 4461 3280
W: www.ni-nvironment.gov.uk/quoile
The Countryside Centre is an attractive stone cottage with a wildflower garden. The centre features displays on the wildlife and history of the area.
Opening Hours:
Easter to 30th September: Monday to Sunday 10.00am - 6.00pm. last October to Easter: Sundays 12 noon - 4.00pm
Directions: From Downpatrick take A25 to Strangford. Turn left following signposts for Quoile Countryside Centre.
Rowallane Gardens
Saintfield,
T: 0 28 9751 0131
F: 0 28 9751 1242
E: rowallane@nationaltrust.org.uk
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Rowallane is an enchanted 52 acre garden with many trees, plants and shrubs introduced from other parts of the world.
Opening Hours:
2 Jan-28 Feb: 10am-4pm daily,
1 Mar -30 Apr: 10am-6pm daily,
1 May -31 Aug: 10am-8pm daily,
1 Sep -31 Oct: 10am-6pm daily,
1 Nov – 31 Dec: 10am-4pm daily.
Closed 25 & 26 Dec & 1st Jan.
Admission:
Please contact property directly for Admission Rates
Directions:
From Downpatrick take A7 through Crossgar. Signpost for Rowallane on left before Saintfield.
Strangford Lough Wildlife Centre
Castleward Estate
Strangford
T: 0 28 4488 1204
F: 0 28 4488 1729
E: strangford@nationaltrust.org.uk
W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Located within Castle Ward Estate, the Wildlife Centre provides information on marine, plant life and birdlife of Strangford Lough.
Opening Hours:
2 Apr-11 Apr: 12 Noon-5pm (Easter),
17 Apr–30 June: 12 Noon–5pm w/ends only,
1 July–31 Aug: 12 Noon–5pm Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon,
1st-26th Sep: 12 Noon–5pm w/ends only
Admission:
Please contact property directly for Admission Rates
Directions:
Located within Castle Ward Estate, on A25, 7 miles from Downpatrick and 1.5 miles from Strangford.
Tollymore Forest Park
Newcastle
T: 0 28 4372 2428 and 0 28 4377 8664
F: 0 28 4377 1762
E: customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
W: http://www.forestserviceni.gov.uk/
One of Northern Ireland's largest and most attractive forest parks.
Opening Hours: 10:00 to dusk
Admission: Car £4.00, Minibus £10.00, Coach £25.00, Motorcycle £2.00.
Season Permit: Car £35.00, Minibus £70.00, over 60s season car permit £17.50.
Pedestrian entrance from Bryansford Village: Adult £2.00, Child £50p.
Directions: From Newcastle take the Bryansford Road. Tollymore is on the left before Bryansford Village.
Tropical Butterfly House and Gardens
Seaforde Demesne
Seaforde
T: 0 28 4481 1225
F: 0 28 4481 1370
W: http://www.seafordegardens.com/
Hundreds of free flying tropical butterflies, also parrots, reptiles, and insects. The beautiful garden with many rare trees and shrubs also features a maze, planted with hornbeam hedges.
Opening Hours:
Butterfly House: Easter to September 10:00 - 17:00 Monday-Saturday,
13:00 - 18:00 Sunday.
Gardens open all year 10:00 - 17:00 Monday - Saturday, 13:00 -18:00 Sunday.
Admission: Adult £3.00, Child £2.00.
Directions: From Newcastle take A24 towards Ballynahinch. At roundabout in Clough village take first turn off into Seaforde village. Tropical Butterfly House is situated 0.5 miles north of Seaforde.
Accommodation
Accommodation Downpatrick
Accommodation Newcastle
Accommodation Strangford
Contacts
Downpatrick Tourist Information
The Saint Patrick Centre,
53a Market Street
Downpatrick, BT30 6LZ
T 0 28 4461 2233
F 0 28 4461 2350
E downpatrick.tic@downdc.gov.uk
Newcastle Tourist Information Centre
10-14 Central Promenade,
Newcastle, BT33 0AA
T 0 28 4372 2222
F 0 28 4372 2400
E newcastle.tic@downdc.gov.uk