Castleward National Trust, Strangford

Castle Ward is full of personality. Situated in a stunning location overlooking Strangford Lough, the lawns rise up to the unique 18th century house and its Gothic façade. This fascinating house features both Gothic and Classical styles of architectural treatment, internally and externally. Inside the beaut5iful 820 acre walled demesne you will find an exotic sunken garden and paths that wind their way through woodland and suddenly open onto the quiet shores of the Lough.

Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-castleward

Address: Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down BT30 7LS

Telephone: 028 4488 1204

St Patrick's Centre, Downpatrick

The Centre is an exciting interpretative exhibition which tells the fascinating story of Ireland's Patron Saint. Through Patrick's own words a light is shone on the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and its development through his mission. A series of interactive displays allow visitors to explore how Patrick's legacy developed in early Christian times and reveal the fabulous artwork and metalwork which was produced during this Golden Age. The exhibition also examines the major impact of Irish missionaries in Dark Age Europe - a legacy which remains to this day.

Website: http://www.saintpatrickcentre.com

Address: 53a Lower Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6LZ

Telephone: 028 44619000

Exploris , Portaferry

The Northern Ireland Aquarium was opened by Ards Borough Council in 1987 to enable the public to view the amazingly diverse marine life that exists around these islands. The conservation village of Portaferry was the ideal location. It is sited on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough which contains nearly three quarters of all the marine species to be found in Northern Irish waters.

Website: http://www.exploris.org.uk

Address: 5C Castle Street, Portaferry, BT22 1NZS

Telephone: 028 4272 8062

St Patrick's Grave & Down Cathedral

Down Cathedral is a Church of Ireland cathedral. It stands on the site of a Benedictine Monastery, built in 1183. Saint Patrick's remains are buried in the graveyard. Magnificent stain glass windows, box pews and beautiful organ case enhances this interesting building. Souvenir shop and toilet facilities. Guided Tours available by prior arrangement. Opening times: Mon-Sat: 9.30am - 4.30pm, Sun: 2pm - 4.30pm. Prices: Admission free Guided tours £1 (by prior arrangement only).

Website: http://www.downcathedral.org

Address: 35 English Street, Downpatrick, County Down BT30 6AB

Telephone:028 4461 4922

Quoile Pondage Centre

The Quoile Pondage National Nature Reserve is a glorious wetland retreat situated just outside Downpatrick on either side of the Quoile River. The present freshwater lake is an excellent site for birdwatching. You can see migrating wading birds in the spring and autumn and in summer, swans and many breeding wildfowl appear, including the scarcely seen Gadwall. In winter, large numbers of widgeon and ducks are abundant.

The Quoile Countryside Centre is an attractive stone cottage with a wildflower garden. The centre features displays on the wildlife and history of the area.

Website: www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/places_to_visit_home/parks/quoile.htm

Address: 5 Quay Road,Downpatrick,BT30 7JB

Telephone: 028 4461 5520

Downpatrick Railway Address

The Northern Ireland Aquarium was opened by Ards Borough Council in 1987 to enable the public to view the amazingly diverse marine life that exists around these islands. The conservation village of Portaferry was the ideal location. It is sited on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough which contains nearly three quarters of all the marine species to be found in Northern Irish waters.

Website: http://www.downrail.co.uk

Address: Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down BT30 6LZ

Telephone: 028 4461 5779

Inch Abbey

Inch Abbey is a large, ruined monastic site 0.75 miles (1.2km) north-west of Downpatrick. In 1002 it was plundered by theViking sled by Sitric, King of the Danes, who came up the Quoile with a fleet from the sea.This Cistercian Abbey was founded by John de Courcy in 1180, who led the 1177 Anglo-Norman invasion of East Ulster. The ruins are set in a beautiful location beside the River Quoile, with distant views towards de Courcy's cathedral town of Downpatrick.

Website:discovernorthernireland.com/Inch-Abbey-Downpatrick-P2876

Address: Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, County Down

Telephone:028 9181 1491