Bank Holiday Bonanza!
May Bank Holiday at Down County Museum
Looking back on 80 years to the end of the Second World War, meet Down Museums living history actors between 10am-3pm and learn about life as an American GI during the Second World War. Kids can get up close with real objects from the war at handling table. Enjoy all this for free and take time to explore the old Gaol and the museum's exhibitions telling the story of the district.
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Forest-bathing for Bealtaine – 4 May 2025
Celebrate the Celtic festival of Bealtaine with a tranquil forest-bathing experience at Slieve Gullion Forest Park on Sunday 4 May 2025, from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. Led by wellness guide Ann, this immersive session invites you to reconnect with nature through guided meditation and creative invitations, enhancing your connection with the natural world. Forest bathing, an evidence-based wellness practice originating in Japan, has been shown to reduce stress and boost immunity. The experience concludes with a soothing tea ceremony featuring organic berry cordial and traditional shortbread from a local bakery. Tickets are priced at £32 per person, and advance booking is required. Please wear comfortable clothing and waterproofs, as the session will take place outdoors.
Magnificent May weekend at Montalto
On Sunday 4 May, soak up the spring sunshine and relax to the sounds of live music in the beautiful setting of the Walled Garden. Enjoy a day of light-hearted fun with garden games and family-friendly activities at the Woodland Play Park. Hop aboard the train for a scenic ride through the enchanting Trails and Gardens. When it’s time to refuel, drop into the Café for a tempting selection of breakfast and lunch delights—perfect for enjoying indoors or al fresco in the fresh spring air.
On Monday 5 May discover a vibrant Spring Market in The Carriage Rooms, featuring beautifully handcrafted items from talented local artisans. From handmade jewellery and soaps to unique homeware and gifts, there's something special for everyone. Throughout the day, children can enjoy thrilling train rides* and access to the Woodland Play Park. We’ll also have live music, a mouth-watering BBQ in the Walled Garden, and a variety of breakfast and lunch options in our Café to make your day even more memorable.
Prebooking is essential for both days
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Castlewellan May Day Fair - 5 May
The ever-popular Castlewellan Fair is taking place on Monday 5 May 2025 (May Day Bank Holiday) from 9am-5pm with free family-friendly activities, traders, artisan crafts and food and lots of colour to look forward to.
The town's Main Street and Upper and Lower Squares will come alive with live music, dance performances, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Highlights include performances by Conal Montgomery, the Jenna Finnegan Dance Company, and the Castlewellan Inter-Church Choir. Face painting and traditional Irish music from Comhaltas add to the festive atmosphere. This free event is a perfect way to spend the Bank Holiday with family and friends.
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Downpatrick Race Course - 9 May
Get ready for an exciting evening of sport and entertainment at Downpatrick Racecourse on Friday 9 May 2025. With turnstiles opening at 3:30pm, the first race kicks off at 4:50pm and the final race is expected around 8:15pm. This lively evening meet offers the thrill of live horse racing in a stunning setting, along with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of off-track entertainment. Early bird tickets for general admission are available until Friday 25 April at 5pm, or you can upgrade your experience with access to the indoor Dunleath Suite. Plus, don’t miss the chance to enter their Facebook competition to win six general admission tickets—perfect for a night out with friends!
VE 80 Street Tattoo & Celebrations – 10 May 2025
Join the community of Kilkeel on Saturday 10 May 2025 for a vibrant celebration marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. From 7:30 PM, the town centre will come alive with a spectacular Street Tattoo, featuring marching bands, world champion drum majors, Highland dancers, singers, and children's entertainers. Following the parade, enjoy a fireworks extravaganza lighting up the night sky. This free event is a fitting tribute to the past and a joyous occasion for all ages. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience Kilkeel's rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
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Castle Ward Melodies of Spring -17 May
Spring Evenings at Castle Ward – Poetry, Music & History
Step into the magic of spring with an unforgettable evening at Castle Ward on Saturday 17 May, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Set in the tranquil Sunken Garden and the elegant interiors of the historic house, this special event combines poetry, live Celtic music, and heritage storytelling in a unique celebration of the season. Stroll through blooming gardens as poet Paddy Creedon shares custom verses inspired by the setting, then enjoy a twilight drinks reception before an exclusive after-hours tour of the house. The evening crescendos with the hauntingly beautiful sounds of Celtic Grace—harp, flute, and spoken word—echoing through the halls. Finish with a playful poetry treasure hunt, making this a truly memorable spring night. Spaces are limited—early booking is recommended!
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International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival – 21–27 May 2025
Warrenpoint is set to host the 26th edition of the International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival from 21 to 27 May 2025. This renowned event transforms the picturesque town into a haven for blues and jazz enthusiasts, featuring over 60 free gigs across various venues. Attendees can enjoy performances by world-class artists, jam sessions, and workshops, all set against the stunning backdrop of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. The festival not only celebrates exceptional music but also supports local businesses, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the unique atmosphere of Warrenpoint. For more information visit the official festival website.
Slieve Donard Mountain Race – Saturday 31 May 2025
Experience the thrill of Ireland’s oldest mountain race at the Slieve Donard Mountain Race on Saturday 31 May 2025. Runners will set off from Newcastle’s Main Street at 1:00 PM, ascending the iconic Slieve Donard peak—Northern Ireland’s highest mountain at 850 meters. The challenging route features a mix of steep climbs, rocky terrain, and breathtaking views, culminating in a finish at Donard Park approximately 50 minutes later.
Forests & Parks
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Step into a world of magic and wonder at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. This is Ireland's Mountain of Mystery. Set in the beautiful grounds of Slieve Gullion Forest Park, the perfect start to any family trip to the Forest begins with a stop off at our action-packed Adventure Playpark.
Located against the backdrop of the dramatic slopes of the Mourne Mountains, Castlewellan Forest Park is one of the area’s most exciting outdoor spaces which includes Castlewellan Peace Maze, one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes. It is also home of Life Adventure, who offer a wide range of unique adventure experiences for all the family.
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, just outside Killyleagh, Delamont Country Park is full of surprises. The park is the home of the Strangford Stone, which at ten metres high is the tallest monolith in Ireland.
For kids, there’s the Outdoor Adventure Playground, while the whole family will love the Steamers Cafe and Miniature Railway.
Kilbroney Park offers some of the most scenic views around the area. Located overlooking the village of Rostrevor, Kilbroney’s scenic forest drive culminates in unparalleled views over Carlingford Lough below.
Intrepid walkers can scale Cloughmore, known to locals as the ‘Big Stone’. Legend has it that this thirty tonne erratic was thrown here by Fionn McCool during a battle with a rival Scottish giant.
Keep up to date with What's On in the area.
Enjoy the bank holidays and remember to plan ahead. Regardless of the weather, everyone will want to join in the fun.
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Open Wed - Sun 9.30am-4pm (Last admission 3pm) | Tickets valid all day A visit to Montalto Estate is the perfect way to reconnect with nature, in a natural, historical, and truly relaxing setting.
Castlewellan (Caislean Uidhiln meaning "Uidhilin's castle") is a town located in County Down near the shores of Castlewellan Lake at the foot of Slievenaslat mountain. Castlewellan has a wide main street which runs through two main squares (Upper and Lower Square) lined with chestnut trees. The town was planned by William Annesley in the 1750s and is unique within Ireland due to its tree lined squares both in the old town (upper square) and new town (lower square) as well as its very wide main street. Castlewellan Forest Park is located in a dramatic setting and is home to one of the most notable tree and shrub collections in Europe. It features a walled garden and the Peace Maze.
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.
Ballynahinch was traditionally a market town and the market still takes place in the town every Thursday. Ballynahinch lies on the main A24 Belfast to Newcastle Road, 15 miles south of Belfast. Facilities in the town include a community centre. Ballynahinch, from the Irish meaning town of the holm (island) is twinned with Lamorlaye, France. The town was popular in the 19th Century as a spa destination among fashionable aristocratic travellers who came to `take the waters' at medicinal spa wells two miles outside the town.
Experience the Mournes by bike on road, track and trail with the guided and self-guided bike and electric bike tours or do it yourself with bike and electric bike hire. Explore the majestic mountains, dramatic coasts, stunning landscapes, enchanting forests, award winning mountain bike trails and endless year-round cycle adventures.
Have you ever gone to plan your next walking route in the Mournes only to be restricted by where you park your car? The Mourne Shuttle Bus Service provides a shuttle service to walkers in the Mourne Area to get you to your destination whilst parking your vehicle responsibly.
Follow Fionn's Giant Adventure (previously known as the Giant's Lair) at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Follow the trail, there's so much to explore. Seek out fairies, spells, music and more. Help is at hand as you'll have fairies and warriors to help you follow the trail.
Located on Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, Castlewellan Forest Park has one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world.
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh offers peace, beauty and tranquillity. The stunning views across Strangford Lough and the relaxing atmosphere make Delamont Country Park a place to enjoy that 'away from it all feeling'.
Kilbroney Park features riverside walks and an arboretum. There is a two-mile forest drive which showcases panoramic views over Carlingford Lough. There is also a Play Park with children's play area and tennis courts, an Information area and a café all on site.
Downpatrick Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in Ireland, dating back to 1685. Today, we host 10 fixtures each year with our feature being the Randox Ulster National which this year takes place on Sunday 2nd April. The Racecourse is a hub of local life and attracts visitors from far and wide
Walk along the coast to Saint Patrick's Well for the traditional pattern day
This special forest bathing immersion will celebrate the Celtic Festival of Bealtaine, the beginning of summer.
The ever-popular Castlewellan Fair is taking place on Monday 5 May 2025 (May Day Bank Holiday) from 9am-5pm.
Michael Burns will visit Newry and Mourne Museum to delve into the extensive oral history collection of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (NIWM), to explore how these historic occasions were celebrated
Experience an evening of poetry, music, and history at Castle Ward. Stroll the gardens, enjoy an after-hours house tour, and unwind with Celtic Grace's harp, flute, and poetry.
Picturesque Warrenpoint annually plays host to some of the world's leading blues and jazz performers who are heading to the County Down town.
