County Down is in the Southeast of Ulster and it is bordered by Antrim to the north and Armagh to the west. When Saint Patrick first arrived in the Ireland he came via via Strangford Lough and he is buried in Downpatrick’s Cathedral graveyard. There are museums and heritage centres here that are dedicated to commemorating the patron saint of Ireland.

Patrick Bronte, whose three daughters became great novelists, grew up in the Bann Valley. As a result, the quiet river valley from Banbridge to Rathfriland is nowadays called Bronte Country.

County Down is a beautiful part of the country and contains the eastern shores of Lough Neagh, Ireland’s largest lake. Nearby is Crewe Hill, where the Kings of Ulster were crowned about a thousand years ago. Visit the Lagan Valley, Strangford Lough or the beautiful Mountains of Mourne.

There are plenty of beautiful, clean beaches good for swimming or fishing. Down is also a great location for fresh water fishing for game and coarse fish. The county has several freat golf courses, two superb forest parks, two cathedrals as well as castles and gardens. There are also opportunities for boating, bird-watching, walking and pony trekking.

Book Ireland Hotels features Down hotels and B&B accommodation. Use the search box on this page to search for hotel accommodation in Down.