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Newtownards, Co. Down

This old manufacturing and market garden town, is a bit inland from the head of Strangford Lough and dates back to the 13th Century, when a Dominican Priory was founded by Walter de Burgh. The town is a good spot to enjoy diving on Strangford Lough.

Mount Stewart House and Gardens (0044 28 42 788 387) has some beautiful walks around the garden and tours of the house which houses art and ornate furniture.

Golfers are spoilt for choice in this area, with three courses in close proximity: Kirkistown Golf Club (0044 28 42 771 233), Scrabo golf course (0044 28 91 812 355), Mahee Island golf course (0044 28 97 541 234) and Clandyboye golf course (0044 28 91 271 767).

Scrabo Country Park and tower offers picturesque walks through Kilynether wood, with a wealth of birdlife and wild flowers and stunning views over Strangford Lough.

There is an open farm nearby which has 30 rare breed species of farm animals on 40 acres of countryside.

The historical old Walters Church is worth a visit as the ruins include a 17th Century tower in the court square.

Gardens

Rowallane Garden

Saintfield, Co. Down

Rowallane is at its most glorious in spring and autumn, thanks to the display of rhododendrons and azaleas and the final blaze of glory of ornamental trees and shrubs, but it is a lovely place at any time of year. The 52 acre demesne near the old ...

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Golf

Royal Belfast Golf Club

Craigavad, Co. Down
Course Type: Parkland

Founded on November 9th 1881, the Royal Belfast Golf Club is the oldest club in Ireland and has a delightful, parkland setting on the shores of Belfast Lough. Its formation proved to be the inspiration for the growth of the game in Ireland. Th ...

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Self Catering

The Colonel's Lodge

Holywood, Co. Down

The Colonel's Lodge is set in the garden of Beech Hill Country House bed and breakfast. It is a converted grain store with a small double bedroom under the rafters in an open gallery upstairs , a small single bedroom dow ...

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What's On

Castlewellan Farmers Market - Co Down - Saturdays

Castlewellan Farmers Market - Saturday 10am-1pm

Castlewellan Community Centre

Contact:

Tara Haughian +44 (0)28 4377 8655 tara@secondnature.ie

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Tourist Attractions

Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary

Portaferry, Co. Down

A visit to Exploris enables the visitors to view and learn about the marine species that are indigenous to Strangford Lough and the coastline of the island. Marine communities are recreated to enable the visitor to gain a better understanding of ...

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Wedding Venues

Hastings Culloden Estate & Spa

Holywood, Co. Down

Formerly the official palace for the Bishops of Down, the Culloden is romantically set in beautifully maintained gardens and woodland overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim coastline. The building is a fine example of 19th-century Sc ...

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