Rathfriland is the closest town and we would recommend the small newsagents, Grahams if you fancy a home-made ice-cream as it is famous as well as delicious!

Banbridge hosts a variety of coffee shops, nightclubs, pubs and restaurants. Concerts, dances and other special events are regularly held. The town of Banbridge, 13 miles from Belfast in the North West of County Down, has a unique feature. The town lies within the townland of Ballyvally, which means the "townland of the road", and the road is precisely the unusual feature mentioned. The hill to the south of the River Bann presented a problem to the horsedrawn Royal Mail coaches of old. Their threat to bypass the town, which would have led to a crippling loss of trade, initiated the town's decision to divide the main street into three sections. In 1834, the centre of the wide street was converted into an underpass which lowered the hill and the resulting gap was bridged. This bridge was named the Downshire Bridge, known locally as The Jinglers Bridge, while the underpass is known as 'The Cut'. This move avoided any possible weakening and today the town is thriving with a lively selection of attractions.

Banbridge also boasts the new Outlet shopping complex signposted off the A1 dual carriageway.

The angling favourites Corbet Lough, Loughbrickland Lake and the entire Upper River Bann are near to the town of Banbridge and an angling guide is available from the town tourist office.

Finally the most recent addition to Banbridge has been the McWilliams Gallery , again leaving at the Outlet exit.

Castlewellan is a small market town. It contains a Forest Park which features a three mile trail around the lake where visitors can view sculptures carved from the park's natural minerals. The national arboretum was founded in 1740. The town has some hidden surprises such as an excellent Irish arts and crafts shop called the Blue Bean so don’t rush through it but stop and enjoy a real taste of Ulster life.

Newcastle is an ideal town from which the mountains can be explored. Pleasingly, walking routes have been added but they have not interfered with any of the mountain's inherent calm. The kids will love the beach and amusements whilst a fine array of shops and eateries make this an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the views of our highest mountain in Northern Ireland, Slieve Donard.

Newry is a bustling new city which acts as a gateway to the south of Ireland.

It has so much to offer to the prospective visitor, with its reputation as one of the best provincial shopping towns in Ireland. The town also has two of the oldest churches in Ireland. Newry has a cinema complex, leisure facilities, night clubs, pubs and restaurants to entertain you at night, but yet the small town feeling.

Lisburn is also a relatively new city. The City has plenty to offer, whether you are interested in places to visit, good food and a quiet drink, Sport and Leisure to suit all tastes and budgets.

Step back in time when you visit the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum. The Flax to Fabric Exhibition begins in Lisburn's 17th century Market House, where in times gone by cottage weavers brought their cloth to sell. It tells the story of the Irish Linen industry, with skilled demonstrations of hand spinning and handloom weaving and a display of historic linen treasures. The centre, which comprises a café and a shop is open Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm all year

The Museum Shop provides a wide range of linen and craft goods and an excellent range of books, cards and small gifts. Café Crommelin serves refreshments and light snacks throughout the day.

Situated a few minutes walk from the centre of Lisburn, the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex offers some of the most exciting and unique leisure facilities to be found anywhere in the British Isles.

Included in the many attractions of the LeisurePlex is the free form leisure pool which includes some of the longest and fastest indoor water flumes to be found anywhere, including the Space Bowl, Falling Rapids, Master Blaster, Rubber Tyre ride and lots more, guaranteeing that a visit to the LeisurePlex will provide you with one very big splash.

In addition to the water flumes there are also a variety of attractions for younger children including the Lazy River, Sunken Pirate Galleon, Beach area, Spa Pools and lots more.

The LeisurePlex also features a 25-metre competition pool and a diving pool with 1, 3 & 5 metre diving boards, main sports hall and Gymtech 2000 health and fitness suite.

Hillsborough Castle is a late 18th Century Your browser may not support display of this image.mansion house situated in the heart of Hillsborough village. The Castle was the seat of the Hill family, who held the title of Marquis of Downshire. In 1922 the government bought the Castle from the Hills and it became the home of the Governor of Northern Ireland. From 1972 until today it has been the official residence of the Secretary of Your browser may not support display of this image.State for Northern Ireland.

The Courthouse, which is based in the Square in Hillsborough, is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in Ireland. The central arcade block was built by Wills Hill in 1760 and in 1810 the North wing was added and housed a courthouse. In the same year the South wing was added and was used as an open market hall. The South wing is still used today for the very popular country markets. The North wing is now home to a major exhibition on the history and development of the country's legal system. With the help of displays, visitors can learn about 1,000 years of Irish Legal History. Visitors can also view the interior of the courtroom where the fittings date from 1823. Hillsborough Tourist Information Centre and shop is also located in this building and both are open all year round Monday to Saturday.

Set in the beautiful Hillsborough Forest Park and Your browser may not support display of this image.built on the site of the old Magennes stronghold, the Fort was founded in 1630 by Peter Hill and completed around 1650 by Colonel Arthur Hill. The Fort consists of a square enclosed by an earthen rampart with outer stone facing. This stone facing rises above the rampart level to form a parapet wall. It was constituted a Royal Fort by Charles II. William of Orange spent several nights at the Fort on his way South to the Boyne in 1690.

Brookhall Historical Farm, set in peaceful surroundings, is situated approximately 3 miles from the City of Lisburn, on the B104 Ballinderry Road. The Farm Museum presents examples of farm equipment from a bygone era. Farm animals include rare or unfamiliar breeds such as Heather the Highland Cow and Bertie our little African Pygmy Goat (a favourite with the children). Others include: Limousin Cattle, Suffolk Sheep, Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs, Geese, Donkeys and Goats among others. Visit our Country Farm Tea House with its traditional log fire and hearth and enjoy our homemade farmhouse food including: our famous homemade vegetable soup, salad, scones with tea/coffee and our delicious rhubarb and strawberry pie.

Enjoy a short nature walk and view the gardens and lake or visit our Lavender Blue Cottage Garden and Gift Shop.

OPENING TIMES -:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (11.00am – 5.00pm)
Sunday (2.00pm – 6.00pm) Easter – October

Belfast, Northern Ireland's principal city, straddles the border between County Down and County Antrim. Belfast has become a boomtown lately, with trendy cafes, bars and restaurants springing up everywhere. Popular attractions include Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum and the City Hall. The new Odyssey Stadium hosts everything from Ice Hockey to pop concerts. Whether you stay in Belfast or not, a walking tour of the city is a great addition to any itinerary.