Northern Ireland

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Newcastle

Nestling at the foot of the world famous Slieve Donard, Mountains of Mourne, Newcastle's natural attractions draw visitors by the thousands. With a population of 7,214 Newcastle is Down's second largest populated town. Five mile stretch of golden sands is still the essence of the resort and is hugely popular for swimming, sunbathing and other forms of recreation.

Local Places of Interest and Activities

Rowallane Gardens — A natural landscape, 21 hectares of which is planted with an outstanding collection of trees, shrubs and other plants from many parts of the world, creating a colourful display of form and colour throughout the year. Established in the 1860's by the Rev. John Moore, and carried on by his plant-collecting nephew in the early 1900's. Planting and collecting continue today. Facilities: Tea room, Disabled carpark and toilets. Guided tours: Last Saturday each month, available by appointment.

St Patricks Centre — Telling the story of Ireland's patron saint through a dynamic and informative exhibition using multimedia technology. Housed in an amazing new building which gives close access to St Patrick's Grave and Down Cathedral - a Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. It was built in 1183 as a Benedictine Monastry. In the graveyard we have the reputed grave of St. Patrick. Magnificent stain glass windows, box pews and beautiful organ case enhances this interesting building. Souvenir shop and toilet facilities.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens — The famous gardens at Mount Stewart were planted in the 1920s and have been nominated a World Heritage Site. The magnificent series of outdoor ‘rooms’ and vibrant parterres contain many rare plants that thrive in the mild climate of the Ards. There are dramatic views over Strangford Lough from the Temple of the Winds. The house tour includes world-famous paintings and stories about the prominent political figures to whom the Londonderry family played host.

Castle Ward — A 750 acre walled estate is in a stunning location overlooking Strangford Lough. The mid-Georgian mansion is an architectural curiosity of its time, built inside and out in two distinct styles, Classical and Gothic. The Victorian laundry, playroom, cornmill, leadmine and sawmill give the full flavour of how the estate worked. The grounds encompass woodland and lough-side paths and horse trails, formal gardens, Old Castle Ward, Temple Water and the Strangford Lough Wildlife Centre.

Kilkeel —Situated in the heart of the Kingdom of the Mournes. It is renowned for its thriving fishing industry, which can be experienced through a visit down to the Harbour. It is home to one of the largest and best equipped fishing fleets in Ireland, fresh fish is available all year round. The Nautilus Centre provides visitors with the opportunity to see how nets and boats are mended and they can also sample some of the local catch, which is mainly king prawns.

Tollymore Forest Park — Home to Northern Ireland's first forest park. The forest park was given to the Department of Agriculture by the Roden Family in 1957, and its stunning views of the Mournes play host to thousands of visitors to the Park annually. There are many splendid walks through the beautiful forest to attractions including Hermitage, the Salmon Leap and the Drinns. The arboretum contains a wide variety of mature confers, broadleaves and colourful shrubs including Cork Oak from Portugal and a Strawberry Tree, the only tree special native to Ireland and not Great Britain.

Ardglass — with its magnificent harbour is one of the three major fishing ports in Northern Ireland. Water based sports and Sea Angling are popular. Ardglass has benefited from the new Ardglass Marina 842332 Complex opened in 1996, with berthing facilities for 83 vessels, perfect for exploring the South Down coast and on the rushing waters of Strangford Lough.