Down
Towns:
Bangor
Holywood
Killyleagh
Donaghdee
Phennick Cove
Downpatrick
Warrenpoint
Banbridge
Hillsborough
Impressive 18th-century mansion, built in the 1770s by Wills Hill, first
Marquis of Downshire. Formerly the home of the Governor of Northern
Ireland, the mansion is now the offical residence of the Secretary of
State. See the state drawing room, dining rooms and the Candlestick
Hall. Georgian furniture, silver from HMS Nelson. In the grounds is
Europe's largest rhododendron bush. Extensive rose garden, lakeside
walks.
Attractions:
Mount Stewart House and Gardens
Boyhood home of Robert Stewart, Lord Castlereagh. Still Room has ovens
and copperware. Gardens are among the finest in Europe, with an unrivalled
collection of plants, colourful parterres, and vistas. Temple of the
Winds overlooks Strangford Lough. National Trust. Wheechair access limited.
Sympathetic hearing scheme.
Ulster Folk and transport museum
Illustrates the way of life past and present, and the traditions of
people in Northern Ireland. Open air museum representing town and country
life in Ulster around 1910. Indoor galleries include Old Maeve, the
largest locomotive built in Ireland, and road transport galleries feature
bicycles, motorcycles, trams, buses and cars. Titanic exhibition. New
exhibition 'The Flight Experience'. Tea rooms, gifts. Wheelchair access.
Last admission one hour before closing. Prices on application.
Mourne mountains
Grey Abbey
Substantial remains of a 12th century Cistercian abbey founded by Affreca,
daughter of the King of the Isle of Man and wife to John de Courcy.
Strong links with English abbeys of the time created steady traffic
across the Irish Sea. Mysterious and atmospheric, the beautiful parkland
setting and the
fascinating medieval Physick Garden are a wonderful picnic spot, see
record entitled Physick Garden. During the winter months and weekends
the Abbey may be opened on request. Disabled access and facilities:
There is a small car park beside Grey Abbey which does not have any
allocated disabled spots. Only a small section of the Abbey cannot be
accessed by footpath, which can be used by wheelchairs. There is also
a ramp into the small visitors centre.
Copeland Islands
Grace O'Neills pub, Donaghdee
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