Nestled in Northern Ireland’s southeastern corner, Counties Down and Armagh offer a captivating blend of sacred history, rugged landscapes, and coastal charm. Discover why travelers find themselves spellbound by emerald valleys, dramatic peaks, and waters that whisper tales of saints and sailors.
Land of Saints and Stories
Walking through these counties feels like stepping into St. Patrick’s footsteps. The revered saint sailed into Strangford Lough for his final Irish landing, founded his first bishopric in Armagh, and rests in disputed peace – both Downpatrick and Armagh proudly claim his burial site. This spiritual legacy infuses the region with quiet wonder.
Journey from Belfast: Beyond the Highways
The true magic lies beyond Belfast’s highways. While main roads quickly shuttle travelers south, adventure awaits along coastal detours. Heading southeast reveals the wild beauty of the Ards Peninsula and the tranquil shores of Strangford Lough, where:
- The impressive Ulster Folk and Transport Museum brings history alive
- Quaint villages like Hillsborough echo English Cotswold charm
- The Mourne Mountains cast dramatic shadows near Newcastle
The Armagh Contrast
In County Armagh, bustling Craigavon gives way to rural tranquility. Discover elegant estates like Ardress House and explore cycling trails near Loughgall. While South Armagh’s troubled past earned names like “Bandit Country,” visitors today find unexpected beauty in Slieve Gullion’s landscapes and Armagh City’s twin cathedrals.
Unmissable Destinations
Hillsborough Village
Just twelve miles southwest of Belfast, this Georgian gem feels plucked from English country lore. Stroll past tearooms and antique shops toward the Gothic parish church, then explore the atmospheric ruins of Hillsborough Fort. Nature lovers will adore the surrounding forest trails and trout-filled lake – the perfect one-hour woodland escape.
Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
Step into a living history book where relocated 18th-century buildings form a time-capsule village. Costumed interpreters bring daily Victorian life to vivid reality – sometimes hauntingly so with genuine gravestones in Kilmore Churchyard. Cross to the transport galleries to marvel at everything from steam locomotives to DeLorean sports cars and an immersive Titanic exhibit. Don’t miss:
- Interactive aviation displays
- Summer miniature railway rides
- Seasonal cultural events
Strangford Lough’s Secrets
Formed when ancient seas swept over Brena’s lands, this biodiverse inlet becomes a winter wonderland for migrating birds. Explore the western shore’s picturesque stops, culminating in picturesque Portaferry. Here, the Exploris Aquarium lets visitors touch stingrays while sunset views from the old windmill site will steal your breath.
Lecale’s Spiritual Landscape
This peninsula forms the heart of St. Patrick country. Trace the saint’s remarkable journey – from Roman Britain to Irish slavery, dramatic escape, and eventual return as Christianity’s messenger. Visitors feel the story’s weight at Downpatrick’s sacred sites, where Ireland’s spiritual history seems etched into the very soil.
Planning an Irish adventure? These counties promise unforgettable moments – from coastal drives with mountain vistas to intimate encounters with living history. Let the land where saints walked become your next great discovery.
While Ireland’s spiritual history predates St. Patrick’s arrival through earlier missionaries, the saint remains the country’s most famous religious figure. Though not Ireland’s first bishop, Patrick’s return journey to the Emerald Isle would forever shape its cultural landscape. According to Muirchú – a former captive turned biographer – Patrick landed on Lecale’s shores in 432 AD, preaching his first Irish sermon at Saul. Today, this serene peninsula offers pilgrims and travelers alike a chance to walk in the saint’s footsteps through ancient wells, sacred ruins, and breathtaking coastal pathways.
The Historic Heart of Downpatrick
Just 23 miles south of Belfast lies Downpatrick, a charming market town of 10,000 residents bursting with history. At its northern edge rises the strategically vital Hill of Down, site of the massive Celtic fort Dún Cealtchair – named after a fearsome Red Branch Knight described in ancient texts as having “apple eyes and coarse dark-grey hair.” This stronghold would later give its name to both county and town.
When Norman invader John de Courcy arrived in the 12th century, he displaced existing religious orders to establish his Benedictine abbey. In a shrewd political move, de Courcy “rediscovered” the remains of saints Brigid and Columba to join Patrick’s reputed burial site, cementing Downpatrick’s status as Ireland’s spiritual capital. While historians debate the exact location of Patrick’s grave (early accounts vaguely mention “a church near the sea”), the town’s claim remains as valid as any.
Walking the Saint’s Path
Four miles west of Inch Abbey lies Loughinisland, arguably Lecale’s most magical St. Patrick site. This tranquil lake, cupped by drumlin hills, shelters three ancient churches accessible via causeway. The tiniest – MacCartan’s Chapel (1636) – features a doorway barely five feet tall. Until a rainy 18th-century Sunday sparked division, both Catholics and Protestants worshipped together in the northern church before splitting congregations.
The spiritual journey continues northeast to Saul, where Patrick supposedly first preached after sailing up the River Slaney. Converted local chieftain Dichu gifted the saint a barn that became his mission base – and where legends claim he died in 461 AD. Today, visitors explore the striking 1932 memorial chapel built with Mourne granite to commemorate Patrick’s arrival 1,500 years prior. Two weathered cross stones in the graveyard whisper of older traditions, while the hilltop statue at Slieve Patrick offers panoramic drumlin views from its Stations of the Cross pathway.
At Raholp, history lingers in St. Tassach’s ruined church – reward from Patrick to the bishop who crafted a reliquary for Ireland’s cherished Bachall Isú (Christ’s crozier). For the truly dedicated, a mile-long walk from Raholp’s Slaney Inn leads to Patrick’s supposed landing spot along the lough shore.
Don’t miss mystical Struell Wells, tucked in a secluded valley southeast of Downpatrick. For centuries, pilgrims have sought healing in these waters – with separate bathing houses for men and women. As 18th-century observer Walter Harris noted: “Vast throngs… resort on Midsummer Eve… some for health, others for penance.” Modern visitors still collect the sacred water during midsummer masses.
Discovering Lecale’s Natural Wonders
The 40-mile Lecale Way offers walkers the perfect itinerary, winding from Raholp to Strangford before tracing the coast through Clough to Newcastle. Trail maps from Downpatrick’s tourist office reveal this peninsula’s captivating blend of sacred history and seaside beauty. For those seeking non-saintly adventures, Quoile Countryside Centre provides guided nature walks and horseback excursions through the area’s lush landscapes.
Newcastle: Gateway to the Mournes
Where the mountains meet the sea, Newcastle thrives as County Down’s premier seaside resort. While summer weekends bring Belfast crowds to its arcades and promenade, the town reveals its quieter charms off-season. With Slieve Donard’s peak rising dramatically behind golden sands, Newcastle serves as the perfect base for exploring the majestic Mourne Mountains.
Armagh City
ARMAGH
Nestled among seven rolling hills, Armagh proudly wears its title as Ireland’s spiritual capital – a city where history whispers from every cobblestone. Known affectionately as the “Irish Rome,” this gem in Northern Ireland blends Georgian elegance with ancient wonders. Just two miles west, the mystical Navan Fort stands as a reminder of Armagh’s legendary past, while dual cathedrals – symbols of both Catholic and Protestant heritage – crown its skyline. Whether you’re drawn by faith, folklore, or simply picturesque streets, Armagh promises discoveries around every corner.
A Sport Steeped in Tradition: Armagh’s Thrilling Road Bowls
Imagine a centuries-old sport where iron balls roar down country lanes and local passion fuels every throw. Welcome to road bowls – or “road bullets,” as it’s known in Armagh. While this Irish tradition once echoed nationwide, today its heartbeat remains strongest in Cork and these very hills.
Here’s how it works: competitors hurl a hefty 28-ounce iron ball along winding routes (usually 2.5 miles!), aiming for the finish in the fewest throws. But don’t be fooled by the simple goal – Armagh’s twisting backroads demand strategy. Teams of advisors shout directions, calculating angles and force while crowds cheer from the sidelines. Once a male-dominated pastime, women have claimed their stake since 1981 with fiercely contested championships.
Want to catch the action? Sunday afternoons erupt with energy along Cathedral Road, Napper Road, or the rural stretches near Keady and Madden. For the ultimate spectacle, time your visit with the raucous Ulster Finals in late June or the All-Ireland showdown each August. Insider tip: Drop by a village pub for the latest match rumors and local banter.
Loughgall: Where Orchards Bloom and History Resonates
Venture five miles north of Armagh, and you’ll find Loughgall – a postcard-perfect village cradled by apple orchards that explode in a sea of spring blossoms. But beneath its tranquil surface lies a pivotal chapter in Irish history. This staunchly Protestant area witnessed the 1795 Battle of the Diamond, sparking the birth of the Orange Order at Dan Winter’s Cottage. Step inside this humble farmhouse, and you’ll touch tangible history: original lead-shot still lodged in the roof, battle relics, and 17th-century furnishings that transport you to turbulent times.
Grand Estates & Timeless Elegance: Ardress House and The Argory
Two majestic estates await just north of Loughgall, lovingly preserved by the National Trust. Ardress House charms visitors with its 17th-century bones, dazzling Stapleton plasterwork, and a bustling farmyard that brings country life to vivid color. But save your awe for The Argory – a Neoclassical masterpiece perched above the River Blackwater. Built in 1824 from golden Caledon stone, its cantilevered staircase and gas-lit rooms (powered by a still-working 1906 acetylene plant!) feel frozen in time. Don’t miss the cabinet barrel organ’s haunting melodies during summer garden tours, where tales of the eccentric McGeough-Bond family bring the past delightfully alive.
South Armagh: Land of Legends and Wild Beauty
South of Armagh, the landscape transforms. Here, the brooding Slieve Gullion mountain presides over a region once known as the “Bandit Country” – now reborn as a haven of mythic beauty. Prehistoric ruins dot emerald hills, ancient Christian sites whisper prayers on the wind, and spontaneous trad music sessions ignite cozy pubs after dark.
The Enchanting Ring of Gullion
Encircling Slieve Gullion like a protective embrace, the Ring of Gullion is Ireland’s geological marvel – an ancient volcanic formation brimming with 6,000 years of human stories. Wander among Iron Age ramparts at the Dorsey Enclosure, touch Neolithic dolmens, or tread paths once walked by legendary heroes. Speaking of legends: Slieve Gullion itself pulses with Celtic magic. This is where Cúchulainn earned his name by slaying the smith’s hound, and where warrior queen Medb met her match against Ulster’s greatest hero. Further south at Glendhu, the spirit of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his Fianna warriors still lingers in the misty glens.
The Mourne Mountains: Where Granite Peaks Meet the Sky
No visit to Northern Ireland feels complete without witnessing the rugged grandeur of the Mournes. These youthful granite mountains rise like slumbering giants – their jagged eastern ridges contrasting with softer western slopes that cascade toward Carlingford Lough. While Eagle Mountain’s cliffs thrill seasoned climbers, the Mournes warmly welcome casual hikers too.
Trails for Every Traveler
Start your adventure near Newcastle with the iconic ascent of Slieve Donard (850m), Northern Ireland’s rooftop. The well-marked trail from Bloody Bridge rewards hikers with panoramic views from its ancient summit hermitage. Prefer something gentler? Stroll through Donard Park’s riverside paths or join the annual Mourne Walking Festival (late June) for guided rambles through heather-clad valleys. Serious adventurers can tackle the 44-kilometer Newcastle Challenge Trail, while Tollymore National Outdoor Centre offers expert-led climbs – book early to secure your spot!
From Armagh’s hallowed ground to the Mournes’ wild heights, this corner of Ireland invites you to walk through history, legend, and landscapes that stir the soul. Ready to answer the call?
Ready to explore Northern Ireland’s great outdoors? The Mourne Mountains offer some of the most rewarding hiking adventures you’ll find. Let’s lace up those boots and discover what makes this landscape so special.
Mournes Hiking Heaven
There’s nothing quite like standing at the Saddle between Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh. Feel the mountain breeze as you take in panoramic views – this is where the real adventure begins. For geology buffs, the Hare’s Gap reveals hidden treasures in the Diamond Rocks formations. Peer behind boulders to spot glittering topaz, emerald-like beryl, and smoky quartz crystals that formed through mineral seepage. Keep your ears perked in spring – you might catch the melodic call of ring ouzels freshly arrived from Africa.
Two forest parks near Newcastle offer perfect starting points:
Tollymore Forest Park welcomes you through storybook Gothic gates where riverside trails weave through ancient woodlands. With campsites and well-marked paths, it’s ideal for families and casual hikers.
Further north, Castlewellan Forest Park boasts an incredible botanical secret. Its sheltered microclimate nurtures exotic species in one of Ireland’s finest arboretums. Don’t miss the 2.5-mile climb to Slievenaslat’s summit – the Mournes unfold beneath you in a breathtaking 360-degree vista.
Serious Hiking Challenges
For experienced trekkers, the Mournes reveal their wilder side:
• Conquer the granite pillars of Slieve Commedagh
• Summit Slieve Binnian via the Brandy Pad passes, passing the dazzling Blue Lough
• Navigate the Slieve Bearnagh ridge with its iconic stone tors
• Trek from Slieve Meelmore to Slieve Muck (“Pig Mountain”), rewarding yourself with a bracing dip in Lough Shannagh’s chilly waters
Don’t miss the Cove Mountain’s eastern slopes or Slieve Lamagan’s dramatic faces. While most roads skirt the range’s edges, the Hilltown-Kilkeel route cuts right through the heart of the mountains.
Northern Ireland’s Orange Order Legacy
The 1795 “Battle of the Diamond” near Loughgall sparked more than religious conflict – it birthed Ireland’s oldest political movement. After Protestant Peep O’Day boys defeated Catholic Defenders in a linen trade dispute, the victors formed the Orange Order to preserve their dominance.
July 12th’s Boyne commemorations remain their most iconic tradition, though their historical interpretation raises eyebrows – William of Orange actually enjoyed papal support! Despite this, the Order became Protestant Ulster’s bedrock, overwhelmingly dominating Stormont governments until 1969.
Marching season (March-August) sees thousands of parades. While most pass peacefully, some routes through Nationalist areas spark tension with sectarian displays. Loyalist events dominate, but Nationalist communities maintain their own traditions – from St. Patrick’s Day parades to Easter Monday commemorations.
Coastal Gems: Bangor & Newry
Bangor wraps around a picture-perfect bay with retro seaside charm. Think giant swan boats, arcades, and promenades that feel frozen in the 1960s. Its bustling marina makes it ideal for sailors provisioning or land-lovers enjoying seafood with sea views.
Newry thrives as a border shopping hub where euro savings draw Southern crowds. While traffic chokes market days (Thurs & Sat), its energy makes a practical base for exploring mystical Slieve Gullion – though you’ll likely prefer sleeping elsewhere.
Planning your Irish adventure? Discover the best routes and hidden trails that turn visitors into storytellers.
🌟 The Travaloca Travel Editors Community is a dynamic collective of individuals united by their passion for travel and their dedication to high-quality content creation. This community serves as the driving force behind Travaloca's informative and engaging travel resources. ✨ Core Identity: This group consists primarily of passionate travel enthusiasts who have turned their love for exploration into a commitment to writing and content curation. Members are recognized for their: Extensive Travel Experience: Possessing valuable firsthand knowledge from their journeys worldwide. Aptitude for Writing and Editing: Demonstrating a keen interest and skill in crafting, reviewing, and perfecting travel narratives, guides, tips, and reviews. Dedication to Storytelling: Transforming personal experiences and destination knowledge into accessible, inspiring, and reliable information for a global audience. 📝 Community Focus: The community’s primary role is to contribute, edit, and maintain the diverse range of content on Travaloca's platform. They ensure the information provided is accurate, engaging, and reflective of current travel trends. In essence, the Travaloca Travel Editors Community is where travel passion meets editorial excellence, enriching the user experience and solidifying Travaloca’s standing as a trusted travel resource.
