Dundrum Castle
Dundrum
County Down
Northern Ireland

Tel: 028 9181 1491

Dundrum Castle is one of the finest Norman castles in Northern Ireland, offering spectacular views of the sea and the Mourne Mountains. Constructed in the 12th century by John de Courcy following his invasion of Ulster, it was later occupied by the Magennises. Admission is free to this Northern Ireland castle and it proves a popular education trip for children and school trips.

Inch Abbey
Downpatrick
County Down
Northern Ireland

Tel: 028 9181 1491

The remains of the 12th century Cistercian Inch Abbey, founded by John de Courcy following his invasion of Ulster, can be found at Downpatrick. It is set in an idyllic location beside the River Quoile, offering views of de Courcy's Cathedral town of Downpatrick in the distance.

Mount Stewart House, Garden and Temple of the Winds
Portaferry Road
Newtownards
County Down
BT22 2AD
Northern Ireland

Tel: 028 4278 8387

Mount Stewart House is the magnificent 18th century residence of the powerful Stewart family, who played a central role in British and Irish politics throughout history. The famous gardens, meanwhile, were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry, and were named European Garden of Inspiration 2003.

North Down Heritage Centre
Town Hall
Bangor
County Down
BT20 4BT
Northern Ireland

Tel: 028 ​9127 ​1200

The North Down Heritage Centre contains a number of artefacts from throughout the history of County Down, including the Ballycroghan Swords dating from 500 BC, a 9th century handbell and a railway display. The centre has exhibits on archaeology, the early Christian period, the Vikings, the coastal path and the seaside, while there is also a restaurant for meals after your explorations.

The Saint Patrick Centre
53a Lower Market Street
Downpatrick
County Down
BT30 6LZ
Northern Ireland

Tel: 028 4461 9000

The Saint Patrick Centre is a new exhibition chronicling the life and times of Ireland’s patron saint. A number of interactive displays examine the role of St Patrick and other Dark Age Christian missionaries in the development of Christianity in Ireland. There are also interactive displays that show something of the impact Patrick had on the time including the use of metalwork and artwork.