Hotels in County Down

County Down has a land area of 2,448 sq km (945 sq miles), but the massive Strangford Lough cuts into the county from Ballyquitin Point, near Portaferry, all the way to Newtownards, some 30km (19 miles) to the north. Nearly all the county is low-lying and undulating, with a rich mixture of rural life, seaside resorts, and a dormitory area for Belfast. In the south the Mourne Mountains rise to a height of 852 m (2,796 feet) and are largely covered in moorland, to the north the land is more fertile and is used for dairying and market gardening.

Initially settled by prehistoric tribes then European Celts, Ireland never became part of the Roman Empire. In the 5th century St Patrick began converting the inhabitants to Christianity, and his cause was continued in the 6th century when many monasteries were founded. During the 8th and 10th centuries Vikings invaded the area, and by the 13th century various Anglo-Norman explorers had firmly established themselves there. Begun by the English King James I in 1607, the Ulster Plantation saw many English and Scottish people settle in County Down.

Agriculture and cattle farming are the traditional industries, with tourism playing an important role. There are many seaside resorts to choose from in the region, and the coast features a rich array of birdlife and some excellent fishing spots. Inland there are many forests and pleasant market towns, in particular Downpatrick, where St Patrick died at nearby Saul Abbey.