Hugging Northern Ireland’s north-eastern edge, County Down offers beautiful landscapes — from the Mountains of Mourne to windswept Strangford Lough — as well as captivating historic towns to discover. With everything from simple B&Bs to elegant luxury hotels, accommodation options are wide ranging and fit for a whole host of budgets. Our pick of the best places to stay in County Down includes some wonderful ivy-clad country houses, stylish contemporary hideaways and laid-back guesthouses, all nestled amidst the region’s striking natural beauty.
Boasting some lovely, lively towns, pretty villages, great golf courses and miles of paths for coastal rambles and hilly hikes, County Down is a wonderful base for a relaxed couples’ escape, a fun getaway with friends, or an outdoorsy family holiday. For a seaside stay, try Bangor, where there are great gastro-pubs, a thriving marina, fantastic beaches and cultural attractions to admire — including the North Down Heritage Centre and Bangor Abbey. Pretty Holywood is also an attractive base on the shore of Belfast Lough, and the town’s annual jazz and blues festival is a real highlight.
Golfers can enjoy a round at the Royal County Down Golf Club, in a picturesque location near Newcastle, whilst walkers can explore the dramatic Mourne Mountains, crowned with granite peaks and criss-crossed with countless trails and offering the best hiking in Northern Ireland. Head to Tollymore Forest Park for walking and birdwatching. The Park’s Shimna River is also a popular sea trout and salmon fishing spot. Nature lovers will adore the Castlewellan Forest Park, too, which includes Northern Ireland’s national Arboretum, as well as the impressive Castlewellan Castle, a Scottish baronial-style edifice.
Strangford Lough, the largest inlet in the British Isles, is spectacularly atmospheric, with a wealth of archaeological evidence establishing the presence of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, Vikings and Normans in this fascinating wild landscape. See light-bellied brent geese flocking from Arctic Canada, learn about the region’s kelp industry, spot Irish Hares and stroll through meadows of wildflowers on day-long visits, or stay near Portaferry to soak up even more of what the area has to offer.
From hiking to golf, top-notch cuisine to ancient history, there’s stacks to see and do in County Down. Many of our favourite hideaways will happily point you in the right direction for great fishing, cycling and horse riding — all fun with friends or as a family. Whether you choose to spend your days clambering up granite hills or unwinding at the spa, the best places to stay in County Down promise a warm welcome in enchanting surroundings.