Top Picks - County Down

Oak wood from Tollymore Forest Park was used for the interiors of the White Star liners which included the Titanic. A walk along the Shimna River is marked by many curiosities, natural and artificial - rocky outcrops, bridges, grottos and caves.

Located in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, this is one of the most oustanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Aboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world.

Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching.

An enchanting garden enclosed within a demesne landscape. It was laid out from the mid-1860’s by the Reverend John Moore and afterwards by his nephew, the plantsman and selector Hugh Armytage Moore.

The famous gardens at Mount Stewart were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry and are of international importance. The magnificent series of outdoor 'rooms' contain many rare plants that thrive in the mild climate.

Nendrum Monastery, was founded with the blessing of Saint Patrick in the sixth century. The ruins are on a beautiful island accessible by bridges, with dry stone walls, heavenly views and a guide and site display.