Title: Visit County Down: 2026 Travel Guide for County Down, Northern Ireland | Expedia.com [County Down Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-County-Down.d6054336.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in County Down](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-County-Down.d6054336.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[County Down Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-County-Down.d6054336.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in County Down](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-County-Down.d6054336.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in County Down](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-County-Down.d6054336.Car-Rental-Destinations)[County Down Vacations](https://expedia.com/County-Down.d6054336.Destination-Travel-Guides) # County Down ## Northern Ireland ![Mount Stewart House and Gardens featuring a house, a garden and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083485/0e3d0f3f-e942-4e33-a8b7-135f78b76652.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mount Stewart House and Gardens featuring a house, a garden and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083485/0e3d0f3f-e942-4e33-a8b7-135f78b76652.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mount Stewart House and Gardens showing a bridge, a park and a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083485/e2a13992-d161-4e05-931d-5e14219a7d65.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mount Stewart House and Gardens featuring a lake or waterhole and a garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/182722/57fbc840-0af2-4d17-959c-a33ea6988dda.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mount Stewart House and Gardens showing fall colors](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083485/f8f0e846-5221-48c1-b826-dff6819d8179.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) #### Explore the pleasant green countryside and visit enchanting towns for the museums, castles and coastal promenades of this serene region. Down is a scenic county comprising sprawling meadows, quaint towns and a strong local flavor. Of note is the Ards Peninsula, where you will find some of the county’s most charming and traditional villages. Rent a car and stop in the various towns to appreciate local culture. At its southern end is the Exploris Aquarium, with its seal sanctuary and historic exhibits. The region’s largest town is Bangor, at the base of the Ards Peninsula. Stroll through Castle Park and admire the architectural gems of Bangor Castle and nearby Bangor Abbey. Bring your kids to the Snakes & Ladders adventure complex. For a change of scenery, stroll along the Marine Gardens coastal walk past Carnalea Golf Club. A little south is [Newtownards](https://www.expedia.com/Newtownards.d182722.Destination-Travel-Guides), a commuter town with intriguing cultural features. Go hiking in Scrabo Country Park and capture photos of the immense 19th-century Scrabo Tower. Among the highlights in the area is [Mount Stewart House and Gardens](https://www.expedia.com/Mount-Stewart-House-And-Gardens-Newtownards.d6086657.Vacation-Attraction), a 19th-century mansion with a neoclassical design and period décor. Continue south to the town of Downpatrick. Gaze up at the historic [Down Cathedral](https://www.expedia.com/Down-Cathedral-Downpatrick.d6086669.Vacation-Attraction), where the remains of St. Patrick allegedly lie. Learn about the region’s history of trains at Downpatrick and County Down Railway and visit Down County Museum. Head west to Newry for Burren Heritage Centre, Newry Cathedral and Newry Town Hall. See the impressive 17th-century Narrow Water Castle overlooking Carlingford Lough. Note the strong regional accent in this part of the country. The region is one of the six counties that form Northern Ireland. It is located in the country’s southeastern corner. Arrive at Belfast International Airport and drive south for about 30 minutes to reach the heart of the County Down. Its eastern shores are just across the Irish Sea from the Isle of Man and Great Britain. Down offers an insight into the history of a quaint and picturesque region. ### Popular cities in County Down [Belfast Known for Friendly people, Bars and Tours ](https://expedia.com/Belfast.dx6034919) The friendly capital of Northern Ireland has a fascinating history and is just an hour away from the country’s scenic Atlantic coastline. ## Reasons to visit - Waterfront Hall - Queen's University of Belfast - Grand Opera House [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Belfast.dx6034919)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Belfast-Hotels.d6034919.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Downpatrick Known for Golf, Horse racing and Ruins ](https://expedia.com/Downpatrick.dx182715) Explore Downpatrick: its golf, horse racing, horseback riding, and more! ## Reasons to visit - St. John's Point Lighthouse - Seaforde Tropical Butterfly House - Down Cathedral [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Downpatrick.dx182715)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Downpatrick-Hotels.d182715.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Newry Known for Friendly people, Dining and Bars ](https://expedia.com/Newry.dx182721) Trip time! Discover the bars, parks, and soccer in Newry. ## Reasons to visit - Slieve Donard - Ring of Gullion [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Newry.dx182721)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Newry-Hotels.d182721.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Newcastle Known for Friendly people, Spas and Mountains ](https://expedia.com/Newcastle.dx4979) Relaxing Newcastle is calling! Discover its spas, mountain views, beaches, and more. ## Reasons to visit - Tollymore Forest Park - Dundrum Castle [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Newcastle.dx4979)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Newcastle-Hotels.d4979.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Bangor Known for Friendly people, Marinas and Historical ](https://expedia.com/Bangor.dx182709) Escape to Bangor! Enjoy its marina, parks, and castle. [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Bangor.dx182709)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Bangor-Hotels.d182709.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Lisburn Known for Friendly people, Spas and Golf ](https://expedia.com/Lisburn.dx6140078) Lisburn awaits: its spas, golf, theater, and more! [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Lisburn.dx6140078)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Lisburn-Hotels.d6140078.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. 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