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.
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