Things to Do with Kids in Co. Down
32 family-friendly activities in Co. Down, Ireland. Discover farms, beaches, castles, playgrounds and more.
Annalong Cornmill
Co. Down
Restored 19th century water-powered cornmill. Working demonstrations and visitor centre.
Banbridge Solitude Park
Co. Down
Town park in Banbridge with playground, walks, and sports facilities.
Castlewellan Forest Park
Co. Down
Forest park with the Peace Maze, lake walk, and mountain biking. National Arboretum of Ireland.
Cranfield Beach
Co. Down
Sandy beach at the mouth of Carlingford Lough. Quiet family beach with views across to Cooley.
Crossmaglen Community Walk
Co. Down
Village walk through south Armagh near Crossmaglen Square. Community gardens.
Derrymore Wood
Co. Down
National Trust woodland with easy walks through parkland. Thatched cottage and rolling landscape.
Downpatrick & County Down Railway
Co. Down
Heritage railway with steam train rides through the countryside. Special events for children.
Downpatrick Leisure Centre
Co. Down
Leisure centre with swimming pool and sports facilities in Downpatrick.
Dundrum Castle Down
Co. Down
Norman castle on a hilltop with views of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.
Dunluce Castle
Co. Down
Dramatic medieval castle perched on basalt cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Iconic Northern Ireland landmark.
Exploris Aquarium
Co. Down
Aquarium in Portaferry on Strangford Lough. Touch tanks, seal sanctuary, and marine life.
Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
Co. Down
Royal residence with beautiful gardens and lake. Guided tours and events.
Inch Abbey
Co. Down
Cistercian abbey ruins on the banks of the River Quoile near Downpatrick. Game of Thrones location.
Kilbroney Park Rostrevor
Co. Down
Forest park with walks, a playground, and mountain access. The Big Stone scenic viewpoint.
Mount Stewart Estate
Co. Down
National Trust estate with world-famous gardens on the shores of Strangford Lough.
Mourne Wall Walk
Co. Down
Walk sections of the famous Mourne Wall. 35km wall crosses 15 summits in the Mourne Mountains.
Murlough Beach
Co. Down
National Nature Reserve with a boardwalk through ancient sand dunes to the beach. Mourne views.
Nendrum Monastic Site
Co. Down
Early Christian monastery on Mahee Island in Strangford Lough. Round tower and sundial.
Newcastle Beach
Co. Down
Wide sandy beach beneath the Mourne Mountains in the seaside town of Newcastle. Blue Flag beach.
Newcastle Centre Down
Co. Down
Leisure centre in Newcastle with a pool and gym. Near the Mourne Mountains.
Rostrevor Cloughmore Stone
Co. Down
Walk to the legendary Big Stone on the hill above Rostrevor. Views of Carlingford Lough.
Rowallane Garden
Co. Down
National Trust garden near Saintfield with walled garden, wild flower meadows, and nature trails.
Silent Valley Reservoir
Co. Down
Reservoir in the heart of the Mourne Mountains. Walking trails and a visitor centre.
Slieve Donard Walk
Co. Down
Northern Ireland's highest peak at 850m. Well-marked trail from Newcastle. Family-friendly lower sections.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Co. Down
Forest park with Giant's Lair play trail and summit drive.
Spelga Dam Walk
Co. Down
Walk around the reservoir in the heart of the Mourne Mountains. Panoramic mountain views.
Strangford Lough Canoe Trail
Co. Down
Sea kayaking trail around Strangford Lough. Islands, seals, and bird colonies.
The Ark Open Farm
Co. Down
Open farm near Newtownards with farm animals, indoor and outdoor play areas, and nature trails.
Tollymore Forest Park
Co. Down
Beautiful forest park at the foot of the Mournes. Game of Thrones filming location. River walks and grottos.
Tyrella Beach
Co. Down
Long sandy beach where you can drive onto the sand. Stunning views of the Mourne Mountains.
Warrenpoint Promenade
Co. Down
Seafront promenade with views of Carlingford Lough. Playground and bandstand.
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre
Co. Down
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust reserve on Strangford Lough. Birdwatching, playground, and nature trails.