Categories: AdventureFamilyFunOutdoorsHistory

When you are visiting Delamont Country Park in Killyleagh check out our suggestions of other places you might enjoy.  If you are into history, walking or just want to enjoy some family fun we have a lot to offer.  Dust down your walking shoes, pack a picnic or enjoy lunch or dinner in a nearby restaurant.

History in and around Delamont Country Park

Pop into Down County Museum and visit this restored 18th-century Gaol.  Take a journey back through 9,000 years of local history.  Travel a little further to Strangford and check out the unusal double sided mansion house at Castle Ward which overlooks the stunning Strangford Lough. If ancient monuments are your thing there is plenty for you to enjoy.  Explore the ruins of the Cistercian monastery at Inch Abbey.  Collect some water from the healing wells at Struell.  Visit Saint Patrick's Grave and Down Cathedral to see Saint Patrick's final resting place. Travel two miles outside Downpatrick to the site of Saint Patrick' s first Church at Saul or stop off at Audley's Castle and enjoy the views.

Walking Near Delamont Country Park

If you love to walk then explore the Lecale Way.  This route follows the coastline and has a scattering of interesting historic sties.  The terrain follows quiet roads, paths and the beach. But if that is a bit daunting then take a gentle stroll in Finnebrogue Woods and enjoy a coffee in the Tipi cafe, there's lots of tasty goodies to choose from.  Another option is the walk from the Quoile Pondage Nature Reserve along the wooded riverside path. There are plenty of opportunities to bird watch, have a picnic or visit the seaonal stone cottage visitor centre.  Did you know about the St Patrick's Way?  This Camino style walk can be booked through the Saint Patrick Centre and takes in the impressive statue of our Patron Saint standing at the top of Slieve Patrick. 

Family Fun Near Delamont Country Park

The Saint Patrick Centre, which houses an exhbition of the legacy of Patrick, often has family friendly events which shouldn't be missed.  Check out the Down Arts Centre programme for lots of family friendly entertainment.
Book a new experience, you will have lots of fun.
There's plenty to keep you busy close to Delamont.  You might even need to stay a bit longer, so check out accommodation close by.

Down County Museum
Visitor Centres & Museums
Entrance to Down County Museum, Downpatrick

Down County Museum is located in the old county Gaol of Down. It houses fascinating exhibitions on the history of Down as well as restored cells with life-size figures of prisoners and their gaolers.

Castle Ward
The National Trust
Castle Ward

Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline.

Inch Abbey
Abbey / Priory
Inch Abbey

Located on the north bank of the Quoile River, Inch Abbey was founded by John de Courcy in atonement for his destruction of Erenagah Abbey.

Struell Wells
Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings
Struell Wells

Struell Wells was built around a stream flowing through a secluded valley. It was a popular place of pilgrimage from the 1600s until the 1840s.

Down Cathedral and Saint Patrick's Grave
Cathedral
Down Cathedral and Saint Patrick's Grave

Down Cathedral, a Cathedral of the Church of Ireland with magnificent stain glass windows, box pews and beautiful organ case was built in 1183 as a Benedictine Monastry. The patron saint, Patrick is believed to be buried in the nearby graveyard.

Saul Church
Churches & Sacred Sites
Saul Church

Two miles outside Downpatrick is the replica of St Patrick's first church in Ireland. Close by, on the crest of Slieve Patrick is a massive statue of St Patrick. Bronze panels illustrate scenes from the life of Ireland's Patron Saint.

Lecale Way
Walking & Hiking
Lecale Way

Long, flat walk around very scenic coastline

Quoile Pondage Nature Reserve and Countryside Centre
Nature and Wildlife
Quoile Pondage Nature Reserve and Countryside Centre

The Reserve provides a relaxing natural retreat and offers visitors tranquil riverside and woodland walks.

Walk Saint Patrick's Way
Historical Tours
Walk Saint Patrick's Way

Walk in the footsteps of Saint Patrick on Saint Patrick’s Way and discover his story with our Pilgrim Guides around the beautiful medieval town of Downpatrick.

The Saint Patrick Centre
Visitor Centres & Museums
The Saint Patrick Centre

The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin and 35 minutes south of Belfast beside Saint Patrick’s Grave with a fantastic Craft Store and incredible Garden Cafe. This needs to be your first stop in Ireland.

Down Arts Centre
Arts Centre
Red brick exterior with town hall clock of Down Arts Centre that sits at the junction of Irish Street, English Street and Scotch Street.

Located in the heart of Downpatrick, Down Arts Centre is the operational base for the arts in Downpatrick and the surrounding area.

Dancing at the Crossroads Experience
Cultural Learning Experiences
Dancers at Denvir's

Stamp, Clap and Dance your way into the Centuries-old tradition of Irish Dance in ancient Downpatrick. Join Josephine Brennan King, elite former Principal Dancer, and Dance Captain from “Lord of the Dance” for a full immersion into the story and tradition of Irish dance at Denvir’s Inn.

Finnebrogue Woods Bushcraft
Craft Workshops and courses
Finnebrogue Woods Bushcraft

Step into the wild with an expert bushman. Do you have the skills to survive in the wild? Do you know what’s good to eat in the woods and how to find it? It’s time to find out. Join one of Finnebrogue’s bushcraft or foraging experiences and put yourself back in touch with nature.

Shortcross Gin Discovery & Tour Experience
Brewery/Distillery Tour
Group arrives at Rademon Estate Distillery and is welcomed by their guide

Art, craft and history blend together at Shortcross Distillery, to create an unforgettable experience on the beautiful grounds of Rademon Estate. Join founders Fiona and David to learn about their award-winning gin, which also happens to be Northern Ireland’s first craft gin.