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Surround yourself with breathtaking views
Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary, Co. Down
yourself breathtaking views with Surround
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Castle Ward, Co. Down Pickie FunPark, Co. Down
Pickie FunPark
Planning a day full of family fun? Make sure you visit Pickie FunPark in Bangor, County Down. The kids will love the adventure playground, all manner of watery high-jinks and a trip on a narrow-gauge railway journey. The whole family will enjoy pedalling a giant Pickie Swan around the lagoon and sharing a round of Pickie Golf.
Loaf Pottery & Coffee Shop
If you like a bit of self-expression and relaxation, Loaf Pottery & Coffee Shop, in Crawfordsburn, combines the best of both worlds. At the Pottery, you can jump into a variety of stimulating activities, including art classes and drop-in Paint Me, Glaze Me workshops. After creating a masterpiece, head to the café where you can savour a delicious cup of coffee and awardwinning sausage rolls.
One Shore Street
Five-star luxury, cashmere mattresses and the sounds of the harbour outside. One Shore Street is a boutique B&B, overlooking Donaghadee Harbour. Everything here is subtly sea-themed, from the light, bright room decor, to the table settings for your sumptuous sea-view breakfasts.
Castle Espie Wetland Centre
With wide-open spaces and 60 acres of wetlands full of the sights and sounds of nature, Castle Espie Wetland Centre is well worth a trip
Cranfield Alpacas, Co. Down
this summer. Set on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough, you’ll get up close and personal with wild birds – with collections of endangered birds from around the world.
Mount Stewart House and Gardens
You can enjoy stunning views over the water with a stop at the beautiful Mount Stewart House and Gardens. Wander around the award-winning gardens, then have a stroll in the stately home.
Canoe and Cake
Set off on a sweet adventure with the brilliant Canoe & Cake tour. Enjoy the beauty of Strangford Lough from your own canoe
Canoe and Cake, Co. Down Walk The Mournes, Co. Down Mourne Trails and Ales Tour, Co. Down
and relax in the serenity of your surroundings before a food tour like no other, tucking into tasty treats in a magnificent traditional Irish thatched cottage at Tracey’s Farmhouse.
Exploris Aquarium
Before taking the ferry across the Lough to Strangford, be sure to pay a visit to the awesome Exploris Aquarium and seal sanctuary. Get a fascinating diver’s view of marine life around the globe, from the native species in Strangford Lough to the colourful coral reefs of the tropical oceans.
Castle Ward
Steep yourself in history at the National Trust’s magnificent 18thCentury Castle Ward. This unique mansion is famed for its mixture of architectural styles. It’s Gothic on one side, Palladian on the other! On its grounds by the shores of Strangford Lough you’ll also find a variety of enjoyable trails for walkers, cyclist and riders. There’s something for everyone here, with amazing scenery to enjoy.
Mourne Trails and Ales
Meet up with Martin from Life Adventure for an incredible cycling tour through Castlewellan Forest Park. Doesn’t hurt that you’ll finish up at Whitewater Brewing Company for a tour and beer tasting.
Hillyard House Hotel
From modern guest rooms to The Yard Restaurant and Mrs. Coleman’s Bar, Hillyard House Hotel is the definition of a comfortable, welcoming stay. There’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area too, with Castlewellan Forest Park, Whitewater Brewery, and Slieve Croob all nearby. So, there’s no excuse not to get out and explore this summer!
Walk the Mournes
Get a unique sense of your surroundings and join professional mountain man Peter Rafferty’s Walk the Mournes tour. Peter takes you back to the times when Mourne granite was highly sought-after and the mountains echoed with the sound of handpicks. He captivates you with his stories and legends of local smugglers in their secret caves.
Mourne Sea Tours
Set off from Newcastle and take in views of the mighty Mourne Mountains from the Irish Sea. Mourne Sea Tours gives you a view that’s impossible to capture from the shore. Bring your own playlist of sea shanties and hop aboard!
Cranfield Alpacas
If you’re a lover of animals, you’ve got to meet and greet the gentle alpacas at Cranfield Alpacas near Kilkeel. Go on one of the guided tours and get up close and personal with these friendly furry creatures, with stunning panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains as your backdrop.
The Narnia Trail
If you’re in search of something magical this summer, head west to the land of Narnia: Kilbroney Forest Park in Rostrevor. The Narnia Trail weaves through a forest path with citadels, tree folk and a beaver’s house along the way. The C.S. Lewis-inspired trail has no shortage of wonders to keep kids and grownup kids enthralled.
Plenty more in the Mournes
With so much natural open space to explore in the surrounding areas of the magnificent Mournes and stunning Strangford Lough, there’s no shortage of amazing outdoor opportunities this spring and summer. From wonderful walks to heart-pumping hikes, this place has it all. But don’t take our word for it, go and see for yourself.
