County Down - Environment

1. Mountains

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The Mourne Mountains

Within a 25-mile circle 15 summits rise to over 2,000 feet, so that the motorist sees a changed panorama almost every mile. No road traverses the central area (called 'the wilderness'), making the mournes perfect for the walker along tracks through heather, by lakes and streams and with birdsong and tumbling water as the only sounds. This is also Northern Ireland's favourite area for rock-climbing.

Apart from the wild and beautiful scenery, the walker can look for: the Diamond Rocks, where glittering crystals can be seen in the veined rock; the Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs; the great cave of Cove Mountain; high-up little Lough Shannagh with a sandy beach; the colourful Red Moss above Rostrevor, and any other natural features of interest.

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2. Parks

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Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre

Houses the largest collection of wildfowl in Ireland in the tranquil setting of lakes woodlands and beautifully landscaped gardens. Many tame birds, some endangered, will feed from your hand while thousands of wild birds can be seen from bird hides. Facilities include a gift shop, restaurant, art gallery, education centre and woodland walks.

Wildfowl & Wetlands:
WWT Castle Espie is run by The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, a charity working since 1946 to save wetlands for wildlife and people.

WWT was founded by the artist and naturalist, the late Sir Peter Scott. Sir Peter believed in bringing wildlife and people together for the benefit of both, and are proud to continue this task. Today WWT runs 8 Centres around the UK. In Ireland, WWT monitors wetland birds, has a wildfowl ringing station and promotes wetland conservation.

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3. Tourist Attractions

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Nendrum Abbey and Monastic Site

Nendrum owes its origin to St Mochaoi who died before 500, and who is said to have been converted to Christianity by St. Patrick. It may not have developed into a monastery until the 7th century, when its island location made it easily accessible by sea, though this later proved a disadvantage when it probably fell a prey to the Vikings.

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4. Sightseeing Tours

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Shoreline Tours

Shoreline tours at Greencastle Street, Kilkeel offer scheduled tours of the Mournes on set days throughout the summer months.

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5. Nature Reserves

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Quoile Countryside Centre

In an atmosphere reflecting the country cottage which stood here over 100 years ago, seasonal displays feature the unique nature of the Quoile Pondage and other nature reserves in County Down. Friendly staff offer help and information on the local countryside, keeping you up to date with the latest wildlife reports. Schools and groups will find facilities available for freshwater studies near the Centre and birdwatching at the Castle Island Hide.

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6. Wildlife Sanctuaries

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The Silent Valley

In 1933 the successful damming of the Kilkeel River valley was the culmination of 30 years work initiated by Belfast City and District Water work initiated by Belfast City and District Water Commissioner.

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7. Beaches

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Tyrella Beach

The dunes at Tyrella were probably formed following a fall in sea level after 6,500 BC, allowing blown sand to accumulate above the high water mark.

The beach and dune areas came under the control of Down District in the late 1980's. The Council were then charged with the responsibility of providing improved facilities for open air recreation and also of implementing conservation measures to arrest further erosion of the dune area.

The aim of the scheme is to conserve the dune and its flora and fauna so the visitors can continue to enjoy this valuable natural resourse. Tyrella Beach and Conservation area, Killough Road, Downpatrick. Wide flat sandy beach, visitor centre, car free zone, dunes, clean safe bathing, beach activities.

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8. Open Farms

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Ballywiskin Open Farm

Sheep, rabbits, ducks and peafowl in their natural environments. Shop. Limited wheelchair access.

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9. Islands

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Copelands Islands

Biggest of the three Copeland Islands to the north east is appropriately, Big Isle, a mile offshore. Beyond it is Cross, or Lighthouse Island where there was once a rogue lighthouse - a beacon that burned over a ton of coal a night. It was suspected of actually contribution to some of the many wrecks in these waters. The present lighthouse is on Mew, the outermost island. Cross Island is now RSPB bird observatory visitable with National Trust permission. Garden herbs growing there are thought to have been part of a kitchen garden established by monks from Bangor Abbey.

On Big Isle in the eighteenth century, there was a thriving fishing and farming community of 'God fearing Presbyterians' who rowed across every Sunday to attend church in Donaghadee. By the 1860's the population has fallen to about forty but they had a church and a school. The new teacher had to sleep in the classroom until people got to know him. Then he lodged with each family in turn, a month at a time.

The last islanders moved to Donaghadee in the 1940's. Sheep graze Big Isle now, narcissus, roses and fuchsia grow wild and the empty houses are used by weekender. There are swimming races across the mile wide strait, and excursion boats from several places on the coast, including Bangor.

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10. Harbours

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Killyleagh Harbour

Killyleagh has a huge harbour, and a romantic castle, continuously inhabited for eight centuries.

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11. Parks

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Redburn Country Park

Many tress can be seen in the park which includes, one species of tree that is definitly founf is the Mature Beech which is home to the tit and finch trough out the year. Walks are also be enjoyed here, the spectular woodland flora and fauna cannont be missed. Such as rabbits, squirrels, bangers ect. And theplant you might find; bluebells and anemones.

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12. Canals

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Sorry we have no Canal listing for Down

13. Lakes

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Cloghy Rocks

Approximately one mile south of Strangford village this is a great vantage point from which to watch sea birds and common seals basking on the rocky inlets at lowtide. Some 20% of the Irish seal population may be found along this stretch of coast duirng the summer.

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14. Woods and Forests

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Castlewellan Forest Park

Castlewellan Forest is four hundred and sixty three acres in extent. The park is located in the northern foothills of the Mournes. The highest point is Slievenaslat, and at 270 metres this provides magnificent panoramic views of the bordering countryside.

The outstanding features of the Park are the lakes, the castle and the internationally renowned arboretum which dates from approximately 1860 and is one of the finest examples to be found.

The arboretum contains exotic trees and plants from throughout the world. A variety of cupressus, namely 'Castlewellan Gold' originated here. Particularly beautiful this conifer has been planted extensively and is in huge demand from overseas nurseries. Originally six hectares the arboretum has spread extensively and will eventually stretch to 45 hectares.

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15. Walks

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A Mourne Mountain Walk

A popular approach to the Mournes. Note the clear unpeaty water of the Glen river, striking rock strata, fine trees. The wood fades away and a granite gravel path runs almost to the great Mourne Wall, built 1904-22 to enclose the catchment area of the Silent Valley which was dammed in the 1920's.

Look back down the glen to the elegant sweep of the bay. From here the wall provided a perfect if steep guide to summit of Slieve Donard, Ulster's highest peak - not to be missed if the weather is good. Brandy Pad is an old smuggler's trail. Passing below the Castles (rock towers) look S where isolated granite towers (tors) stand here and there on the ridges. They seem almost manmade.

You might be side tracked up 400 ft (120m) to inspect the Diamond Rocks. Beyond the Hare's Gap it's a long tramp along Trassey river. Examine the sheep pens, where strays were probably kept after the hill had been gathered and the sheep sorted out according to their fleece-marks.

Now you pass gorse banks, then Ulster Way signs and stiles, hazel coppice, young fir plantation an a fully grown wood of big Douglas firs. Just before Parnell's Bridge Ulster Way goes S but you stay with the river bank. Do not cross the bridge but go straight down to the small lake.

Distance 12 miles (19km). Minimum Time 6 hours

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16. Gardens

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Castle Ward

Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor and his wife Anne could not agree, especially when it came to the architectural style of their home. A compromise was reached. Lady Anne got her way with the back of the 1760s house, which is in the Strawberry Hill Gothic style, while the front facade reflects here husband's neo-classic taste.

This division of styles runs right through the house; the music room is in the severe classic style with Doric frieze and columns while the whimsical Gothic boudoir has spectacular fan vaulting. However the Viscount got one up on his wife by having a classical staircase. Interior decoration is a known cause of marital disharmony and Lady Anne eventually left her husband for good.

The house is stunningly situated, surrounded by woods, farmland, landscaped gardens and lakes, including the Temple Water which is overlooked by a pedimented temple.

An underground passage links the house to the stableyard, a hub of activity for visitors to the estate.

Here visitors will find:
The Victorian pastimes centre where children can dress in clothes from the period and play with popular Victorian toys. The laundry with examples of laundered linen, clothes and laundry machinery from the late 19th century. There is a well-stocked gift shop and a restaurant.

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17. Bird Watching

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Strangford Lough Birdwatching

One of the most enjoyable experiences on this lough is to take a boat trip to spot seals or birdwatch. The Lough is the most important site in Ireland for breeding Common seals, while internationally important flocks of wildfowl and wading birds converge on the Lough in winter. In October up to 70% of the world's Pale-bellied Brent Geese come from Arctic Canada while in the summer about a quarter of all Ireland's Terns nest on the islands of the Lough.

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18. Scenic Drives

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3 Days Circular Tour of Northern Ireland

Day One
Newry-Newtownards
Take the lake shore road past Narrow Water Castle through Warrenpoint to Rostrevor. Turn here up into the western Mournes to Hilltown, an old smugglers' village with many pubs. Then via B8, pausing after 2 miles to inspect Pat Kearney's Big Stone, on to Lough Island Reavy, stopping to walk to Drumena Cashel close by, to Castlevellan Forest Park to visit the National Arboretum. Continue on the A25 to Downpatrick, passing close to the Butterfly House at Seaforde, and Inch Abbey, a medieval monastery set among the marshes. You will want to linger in Downpatrick, with th egrave of St Patrick to be seen in the cathedral cenetery, fine museum in the old county jail, interesting churches and a 17th century hostelry. But now its on to Killyleagh, a sailing centre, and up to the west side of Strangford Lough. Depending on the time, you might have lunch at Daft Eddy's pub on Sketrick Island. Then follow the signs to Nendrum monastery at the end of a string of small islands linked by a causeway. Returning to the main road, continue past Castle Espie, to Comber and check in overnight around Newtownards or Bangor.

Day Two
Newtownards/Bangor-Ballycastle
Drive to Scarbo Hill for superb view of the whole of Strangford Lough, then back through Newtownards to Bangor, with its excellent heritage centre, and on to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum where you could easily spend the whole moring. Take the main road to Belfast and make straight for the M5 to Carrickfergus. Just beyond the town at kilroot power station turn left and continue to Glencoe, and turn right, along the scenic road with fine views of Larne Lough below, then make for A2 coast road, passing pictuesque Ballygallwy Castle and Glenarm which is the seat of the Earls of Antrim. Take the A2 up the coast and detour off this road to visit the National Trust village of Cushendun. Return to the A2 and continue to Ballycastle, stopping first at Bonamargy Friary. Check in overnight in the Ballycastle area.

Day Three
Ballycastle-Newry
The attractions of the north Antrim coast are many. You will have time to visit the following. Carrig-a-rede swinging rope bridge, allow 20 minutes to walk to the bridge, plus another 20 if you decide to cross, the Giant's Causeway which has extensive visitor facilities and Dunluce Castle. Then drive to Coleraine and take the A26 to Ballymena by pass, continue on the A26 until you reach the M2 going east, then M1 to exit 7 to the showpiece village of Hillsborough. Return to the motor way and travel to Newry.

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19. Visitors Centre

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Acton Interpretive/Visitors Centre

Acton Interpretive/Visitors Centre is situated on the shores of Lough Shark on the site of the original Sluice-Keeper's cottage and is open seasonally.

The Visitors Centre explains, through a series of illustrative panels, how the Canal was built, the technology involved and the problems encountered.

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