Historic Homes and County Down Coast

Located in the scenic south east of Northern Ireland, County Down offers a blend of history, culture, shopping, scenery, attractions and activities.

Itinerary

9am

Take the short drive to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra, eight miles east of Belfast.

9.30am

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
One of Ireland’s foremost visitor attractions, the museum recaptures a disappearing way of life, preserves traditional skills and celebrates our transport history.

1pm

Travel along the Ards Peninsula en route to Mount Stewart House and Gardens, stopping for lunch in Newtownards or Greyabbey.

2.30pm

Mount Stewart
The ancestral home of statesman and diplomat Lord Castlereagh, Mount Stewart is a fascinating 18th century property with 19th century additions.

5pm

Afternoon tea at Ballywalter Park with Lord and Lady Dunleath
Enjoy exclusive use of the house, designed by Sir Charles Lanyon and the 270 acres of surrounding gardens and parkland.

Portaferry
Attractive village on The Narrows at the entrance to Strangford Lough. The long waterfront has Scots-style cottages and some Georgian and pleasant early Victorian houses.

5.30pm

Exploris
Discover the secrets of life beneath the waves of Strangford Lough at Exploris, Northern Ireland’s aquarium.

7pm

Return to ship

Places to See:

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum Recently voted Irish Museum of the Year, this museum extends over 175 acres on a dual site. At the Folk Museum, visit a typical Ulster town of the early 1900s, while the Transport Museum includes a Titanic exhibition.		Greyabbey A small village, named after its ruined Cistercian Abbey founded in 1193. Greyabbey is now popular with antique enthusiasts who visit the specialist shops.

Mount Stewart House and Gardens The stately home is surrounded by exceptional gardens where lush, exotic plant species thrive in a sub-tropical microclimate. The grounds include a flamboyant Italian garden, a Spanish garden with a summerhouse and an exuberant sunken garden.		Strangford Lough A large shallow sea lough situated on the east coast of County Down, the Lough was named “strang-fjiord” by the Vikings due to its strong currents. A car ferry operates on the Lough, reducing a 90 minute road journey to an 8 minute sea crossing.

Exploris Have fun with the fish of the Irish Sea at Exploris, the aquarium and seal sanctuary. Dabble your fingers in the touch tank or come face to face with a shark.