County Down

Yes, we know. Mountain ranges are often described as magical – but when it comes to the Mourne Mountains, no other word will do.

“I have seen landscapes which, under a particular light, made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge,” wrote CS Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia. “Nature has that in her which compels us to invent giants: and only giants will do.”

Lewis grew up in Belfast and made regular visits to the Mourne Mountains throughout his life. After taking a walk near the village of Rostrevor, he sent his brother a letter, explaining that the mountainous landscape overlooking Carlingford Lough was his idea of Narnia.

Travel through the Mourne Mountains yourself, scale Slieve Donard, explore the follies, grottos and Celtic myths packed into their peaks and folds of this beautiful range, and you’ll soon see the fantasy unfold. You may even feel like you’ve stepped through a wardrobe yourself.

Given the magic on their doorstep, Belfast locals tend to see County Down as their playground. Just a short drive away, they can hike or abseil in the Mournes or play golf at Royal County Down.

Little wonder that nearby Holywood was where Rory McIlroy was born and bred into the champion golfer he is now. Holywood is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding golf courses on the island of Ireland. For a gentler outing, try dipping your toes in the sea at Cranfield, one of Northern Ireland’s many Blue Flag beaches.

As well as the Mournes, County Down has plenty of incredible landscapes and outdoor sights to enjoy. Find your way through Castlewellan’s Peace Maze (one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes) to ring the bell at its centre. Or amble amongst the beautiful oak trees at Tollymore Forest Park.

Oak wood from these very forests was used in the interiors of White Star liners, including the Titanic, which was built in Belfast. The forest was also a filming location for the highly popular TV show, HBO's Game of Thrones®.

On a weekend, you could join the trail of locals browsing the antique shops in Greyabbey on the shores of Strangford Lough, or shuck oysters in Dundrum or Portaferry. Or maybe you could spoil yourself with a seaweed bath or spa treatment in Newcastle?

Like its neighbour Armagh, County Down also has strong links with St Patrick. The two counties are the Home of St Patrick, and in Down you'll find legendary locations such as Saul Church (just outside Downpatrick), where the saint began his mission, and Down Cathedral, his final resting place.

According to legend, St Patrick is also said to have sung psalms at The Holy Wells at Struell. You can experience the full story of St Patrick when you dive into the interpretive St Patrick’s Centre in Downpatrick.

County Down is a land of legacy, legend and incredible beauty – so what are you waiting for? Get on down!