COUNTY DOWN HOTELS SECTION

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See Down, Northern Ireland with GNWS

County Down in the southeastern corner of Northern Ireland is crowned for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes, its relatively dry climate and its rich heritage. Its fine coastal resorts on the Ards Peninsula attract a wealth of visitors and day-trippers from neighbouring Belfast and beyond to engage in leisure pursuits, hillwalking or to enjoy a peaceful short break in one of the many guesthouses and luxury hotels that are interspersed throughout the county.

Steeped in history, the county unveils its past at the County Down Museum in Downpatrick, housed in a former gaol dating from the late 18th Century. You can discover County Down's and South East Northern Ireland's allegiances with Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick in which the county town of Downpatrick is named in honour of, as well as its early Celtic Christian origins. The former governor's residence contains a varied collection of artefacts and curiosities relating to the people and social fabric of County Down or why not view the restored 18th cell block where convicts were held prior to execution or being shipped to Australia. A visit to Down Cathedral in Downpatrick is an essential part to the itinerary and is famed for its chequered past following Viking and Norman invasion and Edward The Bruce's Destruction in 1315. Originating from 1177, Down Cathedral is the site of St Patrick's burial ground and draws in visitors from all corners of the globe to the 9th Century grounds and Monolith engraved 'Patric'.

In the south of County Down, The Mourne Mountains occupy its southern coastline and interior where you can enjoy magnificent eagle's eye views over to County Louth in the Irish Republic. The Centre of this beautiful mountainous region is desolate walking country by stunning chain of natural features such as the Silent Valley, the mountain lake of Lough Shannagh with its sandy beach and network of 15 summits rising above 2,000 feet. The highest peak in the range is Slieve Donard and is within easy reach of the bustling coastal town of Newcastle, home to the Route 66 American Car Museum. The less adventurous can take in some pleasant forest walks or enjoy picnics at nearby Donard Forest Park and Tollymore Forest Park.

Occupying the centre of County Down and separating the Ards peninsula from the rest of the county, Strangford Lough is a pleasant natural environment to spot the region's remarkable wildlife from migrating foul and wading birds to colonies of common seals. The picturesque conservation village of Strangford, north east of Downpatrick is certainly worth a stop-off, dominated by its 16th Century Castle restored to its former glory. Take a walk around the grounds of the castle with its vast network of paths leading to spectacular vistas over Strangford Lough. Why not embark on a pleasure cruise from the village or various other locations around the lough where you can appreciate the area's outstanding natural beauty close up.

Bangor, the largest town in County Down serves as an excellent holiday base for exploring the treasures and awe-inspiring natural beauty of Northern Ireland's South East. Within close proximity to Belfast (14 miles to the west), Bangor is a thriving coastal town that provides visitors with a varied selection of accommodation and restaurants to choose from as well as some of Ulster's leading attractions such as The Ulster Folk Museum, North Down and Somme Heritage Centres all situated nearby. Whether visiting County Down for relaxation or for an adventure-packed weekend away, you are assured to greeted with genuine hospitality in one of Northern Ireland's most romantic destinations.

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Overview

Hotels

Annalong
Ardglass
Ballyculter
Ballyhornan
Ballymartin
Ballywalter
Bar Hall
Bishops Court
Bloody Bridge
Brackenagh
Bryansford
Carrowdore
Chapeltown
Cloghoge
Dunmore
Glasdrumman
Glastry
Greencastle
Greyabbey
Jonesborough
Kilclief
Kilkeel
Killough
Killowen
Kircubbin
Lisnacree
Maghera
Meigh
Moyad
Newcastle
Nuns Quarter
Portaferry
Portavogie
Raholp
Ringboy
Riverside
Rossglass
Rosstrevor
Rostrevor
Widows Row