Downpatrick

Day Trips

Begin your visit with a hearty breakfast at a cosy café in the heart of Downpatrick. Explore the vibrant market square and take in the charming Georgian architecture. Visit the Down County Museum to familiarise yourself with the region's history.

Head to Down Cathedral to see the reputed burial site of Saint Patrick and admire the medieval ruins. Wander the grounds and learn about the legendary life of Ireland's patron saint. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Quoile River and watch the graceful swans.

Dine at a traditional pub where you can sample local specialties such as Irish stew and soda bread. Listen to live folk music while mingling with friendly locals. End the night with a peaceful stroll back to your accommodation under the gentle glow of street lamps.

Start your day at the Saint Patrick Centre with an interactive multimedia experience that brings the 5th-century missionary's story to life. Discover archaeological finds and immerse yourself in the legend of Ireland’s national saint. Enjoy panoramic views of the town from the centre’s rooftop terrace.

Take part in a guided walking tour of the town’s medieval sites and listen to an engaging storyteller. Visit the ruins of Inch Abbey, which served as the backdrop for popular television scenes. Pause at the waterfront for tea while watching boats drift by.

Experience an atmospheric candlelit service at Down Cathedral if available or attend a classical concert nearby. Sample artisanal cheeses and charcuterie at a local wine bar. Return to your hotel for a nightcap and reflect on the rich heritage you’ve uncovered.

Enjoy breakfast overlooking Strangford Lough before heading to Castle Ward. Explore the unique neo-Gothic mansion and its enchanting Victorian gardens. Take in the sweeping views from the lakeside terrace.

Embark on an open‐air film set tour to see where Game of Thrones® scenes were shot and pose for photos with the majestic backdrop. Wander through the estate’s walled gardens and discover hidden follies. Grab a light picnic lunch by the water’s edge.

Join a guided twilight lantern tour through the grounds and hear tales of ghostly sightings. Warm up by an outdoor fire pit with a mug of spiced mulled wine. Cap off the evening with a hearty dinner at the estate’s farm-to-table restaurant.

Catch the early ferry to Rathlin Island and enjoy a scenic crossing through sparkling waters. Upon arrival, stop at the visitor centre to learn about the island’s birdlife and history. Set off on a gentle coastal walk to admire rugged cliffs and dramatic sea stacks.

Visit the Rathlin West Light and watch puffins and razorbills in their natural habitat. Enjoy locally caught crab sandwiches at a charming harbour café. Take a guided marine safari to spot seals and dolphins offshore.

Return to Downpatrick by ferry, savouring the golden sunset over the lough. Freshen up at your accommodation before heading out to a gastropub for a seafood tasting menu. Enjoy a relaxed evening chat with the chef about Rathlin’s culinary traditions.

Fuel up with a packed breakfast from a local bakery before driving to the Mourne Mountains. Begin your hike on the well-marked Slieve Donard trail surrounded by pine forests. Pause at the Glen River to enjoy the crisp mountain air and scenic waterfalls.

Summit Slieve Donard and take in panoramic views across the Mourne range and the Irish Sea. Relish a packed lunch at the peak while spotting distant landmarks. Descend via the historic Mourne Wall and explore hidden valleys.

Return to town for a restorative soak in a hot tub or sauna at your accommodation. Dine at a cosy tavern specialising in hearty stews and root vegetable mash. Drift off to sleep to the sound of distant owls and gentle mountain breezes.

Board a wildlife cruise on Strangford Lough and set off in search of seals, otters, and sea eagles. Learn about the lough’s 300 islands from your knowledgeable skipper. Enjoy tea and scones on deck as you glide past tidal islands.

Disembark at Portaferry and explore the Exploris Aquarium to see native marine species up close. Have lunch at a waterfront bistro serving fresh fish and chips. Wander through the town’s narrow streets and browse antique shops.

Return to Downpatrick via the scenic car ferry at Strangford Narrows. Sample creative cocktails in a riverside lounge bar. End your evening with a moonlit walk along the quayside, listening to the lapping waves.

After breakfast, drive along the scenic coast to the Ards Peninsula. Stop at Donaghadee Harbour and admire its historic lighthouse and coastal fortifications. Explore the narrow lanes and flower-filled gardens of Portaferry.

Visit Mount Stewart House and Gardens to wander through grand rooms and award‐winning grounds. Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea in the mansion’s tea room. Stroll along the lakeside paths and marvel at the sculpted topiary.

Return to Downpatrick and catch a traditional Ulster-Scots music session at a local bar. Sample regional craft beers brewed nearby. Share stories with new friends as the fiddles and pipes play late into the night.

Kick off the day with a farm visit to sample artisanal cheeses and homemade preserves. Chat with the cheesemaker about traditional production methods. Pick up fresh eggs and vegetables from the on-site farm shop.

Join a guided culinary tour of Downpatrick’s best food stops, from a smokehouse to a microbrewery. Enjoy tasting platters featuring cured meats, seafood chowder, and oatcakes. Learn how local chefs use seasonal produce in their signature dishes.

Attend a cooking demonstration and hands-on workshop to master an Irish pie or soda bread. Feast on your own creations paired with local ciders and ales. End the night with a stroll through the softly lit streets and perhaps a final scoop of artisan ice cream.

Drive north to Cultra to visit the Ulster Folk Museum and step back into rural Irish life of the past. Explore reconstructed buildings and interact with costumed interpreters. Sample freshly baked bread from the onsite bakehouse.

Continue to Titanic Belfast to delve into the story of the famous ocean liner. Walk through immersive galleries, climb aboard a scale model, and feel the drama of its maiden voyage. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Titanic-themed café.

Return to Downpatrick for a riverside dinner at an award-winning restaurant. Savor a tasting menu featuring local seafood and foraged ingredients. Unwind with a final pint at a historic local pub, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Pack your bags after a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation and take a final stroll through town. Visit any shops you missed to pick up last-minute souvenirs. Stop for a coffee at your favourite café to savour the memories.

Enjoy a farewell lunch at a fine-dining restaurant overlooking the Quoile River. Raise a toast with new friends to the adventures you’ve shared. Wander through Castle Street one more time and salute Downpatrick’s timeless charm.

Attend a traditional Irish farewell session with live music, dancing, and storytelling. Sample a final helping of local whiskey or gin at a family-run distillery. Depart with your heart full of culture, history, and the warm hospitality of Northern Ireland.