Down

Down is remarkable for its many low, beautifully cultivated hills. However, in south County Down, the rugged Mountains of Mourne, formed from stark granite, offer a striking contrast to this arable land. Here, Slieve Donard rises to a height of 848 metres. Slieve Croob tops another group of hills in the centre of County Down.

To the east, the Ards Peninsula forms a barrier between the sea and an almost land-locked Strangford Lough. With a history spanning 7000 years, County Down has many important archaeological sites and ancient monuments, together with attractions for the sportsman, the climber and the walker.