Famous for its links with St Patrick, Co. Down is one of N. Ireland's most scenic and legend-steeped locales.  

From Downpatrick, reputed burial site of Ireland's Patron Saint, Bangor, home to one of Ireland's largest marinas, and Newcastle, gateway to the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down packs a lot into its eminently explorable environs.

The Ards Peninsula,  Strangford Lough andCarlingford Lough provide picturesque seascapes, not least the pictured Mount Stewart House and Gardens - a National Trust property hugging Strangford's shore. And those Mournes afford fantastic rambling, climbing and picnicing opportunities.

Check out Portaferry's Exploris, NI's only Aquarium, and the Brontë Homeland near Banbridge - birthplace of the famous literary sisters' father Patrick, himself born on St. Patrick's Day 1777.  

For more info, click here and enjoy one of Ireland's most beautiful coastal counties.