Things to do in Downpatrick

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Down Cathedral featuring signage and a cemetery
Inch Abbey which includes building ruins and heritage elements
Inch Abbey which includes a ruin and heritage elements
Inch Abbey featuring a ruin and heritage elements
Inch Abbey showing heritage elements and building ruins

Downpatrick Attractions

Smaller cities have an aura about them you won't find in their larger counterparts. Make a list of all the exciting things to do in Downpatrick before you arrive so you can pack the most into your stay. You'll soon see that bigger doesn't always mean better!

If you're ready to hit the streets of Downpatrick, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly local show you some of the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {18 fun activities in Downpatrick fun activities in Downpatrick} are also worth a look.

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Most popular activities in Downpatrick

Tours & day trips

See all 13 activities
From Belfast: Mountain Bike Experience

From Belfast: Mountain Bike Experience

Free cancellation available
Price is $74 per adult
From Belfast: Mountain Bike ExperienceOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Scenic Restorative Yoga Class County Down in Ballynahinch

Scenic Restorative Yoga Class County Down in Ballynahinch

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $20 per adult
Scenic Restorative Yoga Class County Down in BallynahinchOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
From Belfast: Mountain Bike Experience

From Belfast: Mountain Bike Experience

Free cancellation available
Price is $74 per adult
From Belfast: Mountain Bike ExperienceOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Downpatrick

Number of things to do
18
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo Europe Package - United Kingdom: $3
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Downpatrick

Free Things to Do in Downpatrick

Traveling to Downpatrick on a budget? The following can be seen for nothing.

Down County Museum - Old or young, this gallery will stimulate your imagination and grip your attention.

Down Arts Centre - Satiate your arts and culture cravings here and witness local creativity at work.

Kilclief Castle - Get to know some of the interesting history of the area through this attraction.

Down Cathedral - No matter what you believe in, this place will inspire a sense of reverence in you.

Rossglass Beach - Skim rocks across the water, watch the sun rise or simply take in the views from the foreshore.

Ballynoe Stone Circle - It's easy to feel connected with Mother Nature at this stunning place.

Quoile Pondage Nature Reserve - Grab your picnic blanket, throw together a few snacks and find a shady area to be with nature.

Things to Do in Downpatrick with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you wander in Downpatrick. Here are some family friendly experiences you can try together that promise to make your getaway a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Downpatrick? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Downpatrick

St. John’s Point Lighthouse was first exhibited in 1844. The original lighthouse was painted white. In 1902 three black bands were added. Its current markings of black with two yellow bands have been in place since 1954. The color of the light was changed from white to red on 1st July 1860. The tower was originally only 14m tall. It was extended to its current dizzying height of 40m in the 1880's and is now the tallest onshore lighthouse on the Irish coast. The lighthouse was automated in 1981. St John’s Point is the perfect place for a quick visit or a proper refreshing time out. It is easily accessible by car. #Ireland #travel #adventure #hiking #lighthouse

St. John's Point Lighthouse

You can find out about the history of Downpatrick when you stop by St. John's Point Lighthouse. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

St. John's Point Lighthouse
Never saw so many butterflies feeding #lifeatexpedia

Seaforde Tropical Butterfly House

Explore the great outdoors at Seaforde Tropical Butterfly House, a lovely green space in Downpatrick. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Seaforde Tropical Butterfly House
Down Cathedral featuring signage and a cemetery

Down Cathedral

Consider the historic and religious significance of this imposing hilltop church, which is the purported burial spot of St. Patrick.

Down Cathedral
Inch Abbey which includes building ruins and heritage elements

Inch Abbey

Find out about the history of Downpatrick when you take a trip to Inch Abbey. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Inch Abbey

Killyleagh Castle

After visiting Killyleagh Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Killyleagh. While in this relaxing area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Killyleagh Castle

Castle Ward

Castle Ward is a building of two halves, the result of the ultimate marital compromise. Lord Bernard Ward wanted to live in a neoclassical mansion, but his wife Lady Anne was a big fan of Gothic architecture. So they built both.

Castle Ward

Downpatrick Racecourse

Catch an event at Downpatrick Racecourse during your trip to Downpatrick. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Downpatrick Racecourse

Tyrella Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Tyrella Beach during your trip to Downpatrick? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the cathedral while you're in the area.

Tyrella Beach

Downpatrick & County Down Railway

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Downpatrick & County Down Railway during your trip to Downpatrick. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Downpatrick & County Down Railway

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Downpatrick

Tollymore Forest Park which includes heritage elements and chateau or palace

Newcastle

Photo by Kathryn Howlett

Portaferry

Down

Ballynahinch

Mount Stewart House and Gardens featuring a house, a garden and heritage architecture

Newtownards

Photo by Amy Mac

Castlewellan

Frequently asked questions

Is Downpatrick worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to discover the cultural highlights and local charm or sample unique foods and explore the outdoors, there's no shortage of things to do in Downpatrick.
How do I spend a day in Downpatrick?
Killyleagh Castle and Castle Ward are two excellent places to kick-start your vacation adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Downpatrick while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Downpatrick?
The top tourist attraction in Downpatrick is Killyleagh Castle, so be sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Downpatrick?
Three days in Downpatrick is enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travelers spend two days on average. Killyleagh Castle, Castle Ward and Clearsky Adventure Centre are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Belfast.
Is Downpatrick a walkable city?
With major attractions like Castle Ward in the area, Downpatrick is every bit a destination to explore on foot. Want to discover some exciting neighborhoods a walkable distance from downtown? Saul is only 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Downpatrick with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Downpatrick with kids.
What to do in Downpatrick for adults?
From incredible food and cultural gems to outdoor activities and unique experiences, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Downpatrick for adults.
Are there free things to do in Downpatrick?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Downpatrick is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without taking your wallet out. Ballynoe Stone Circle is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.