Down is one of the nine counties that form the province of Ulster and one of six counties that form Northern Ireland. It joins County Antrim to the north with part of Belfast City being in the actual county area. To the west it joins Armagh and to the south the county of Louth, in the Republic of Ireland. The county town is Downpatrick, but the largest town is Bangor just east of Belfast and a well known resort area with a population of 76,403 people, making it the most populous town in Northern Ireland and the third most populous settlement in Northern Ireland.
Newry, to the south of the county, was upgraded to City status in 2006 has a population of 27,456 and is a popular shopping and commercial town for both north and south business. It is the gateway to the beautiful Mourne Mountains and the towns of Warrenpoint, Kilkeel and the resort town of Newcastle with its famous Slieve Donard Hotel and wonderful Royal County Down Golf Course links that ranks as the best in Northern Ireland. Slieve Donard, at 849 m (2,785 ft), is the highest peak in the Mournes and in Northern Ireland. Another important peak is Slieve Croob, at 534 m (1,752 ft), the source of the River Lagan. This part of the county is wonderful for walking, climbing and hiking. Sailing is popular in the Newcastle and beautiful port village of Ardglass.
Down contains two significant peninsulas: The Ards Peninsula and Lecale Peninsula which have significant coastline along Belfast Lough to the north, and Carlingford Lough to the south (both of which have access to the sea). Strangford Lough lies between the Ards Peninsula and the mainland. Down also contains part of the shore of Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Ireland and offering a plethora of activities. The River Lagans straddles most of the border with County Antrim. The River Bann also flows through the southwestern areas of the county.
Since the Troubles ceased, Down, like other counties, has benefited from increased visitors and a joint tourist strategy with the Dublin Government to market the whole island as a destination. The completion of MI North/South Corridor has brought huge benefits. The accommodation facilities have increased and activities covering a broad spectrum are on offer throughout the county. Value for money is very evident in shopping, leisure and dining. With this in mind it is worth considering going “Up to Down” as they say!
|
