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County Down is a particularly beautiful place. The landscape moves from the undulating farmland to the staggering beauty of the Mountains of Mourne, and if you are seeking fantastic countryside, then this is the place for you.
There is a large Grey and Common seal population and it is home to many sea and wading birds.
The major town in the area is Downpatrick, the County town of Down. St Patrick is reputed to be buried at the Cathedral. I emphasize reputed, since no hard evidence exists to substantiate the matter. However, it remains a nice story and after all, everyone has to be buried somewhere. Downpatrick is home to a major Visitor Centre and a Cathedral. In addition, it has a museum which is housed in the old gaol. The museum provides both information and an insight into the conditions experienced by the people of the area in times past. |
Only a hundred yards from the house is Strangford Lough. The Lough is designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest and is protected from most commercial fishing. It is twenty miles long and has around one hundred small islands. As can be imagined, sailing is a very popular pastime and we have three sailing clubs in close proximity to the town.
Belfast City is little more than a thirty mile drive. This is the largest city in Northern Ireland. It has museums, art galleries, theatres, restaurants and quality shopping. The extremities of Northern Ireland such as the Lakeland of Fermanagh are possible within a day's drive if you make an early start. Driving here is not difficult. Outside of the major cities the traffic is light and the roads quiet, making the exploration of Northern Ireland a pleasurable experience. Should you wish to drive a little further it is possible to explore the North Coast. The road from Larne to Ballycastle follows the cliffs through the historic towns of the Glens of Antrim. Proceed on to Tor Head where the views across to Scotland is worth the drive on its own. |
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