Arts, Culture & Heritage

We have a rich tradition of the Arts in Northern Ireland and it burns fervently in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. Our region is filled with monolithic structures, crumbling ruins of castles of old, ravaged monasteries that have been reclaimed by nature and beautiful historic buildings. World-class museums help us understand more about our local culture and heritage.  

Discover for yourself the secrets of this ancient area.  

Step Back in Time  

One of Newry’s finest buildings is Bagenal's Castle. Home to Newry and Mourne Museum as well as being Newry’s Visitor Centre, it began life as a 16th century fortified house with an adjoining nineteenth-century warehouse. Documentary evidence indicates that the Castle was surrounded by a bawn, as well as a garden and an orchard. Now it houses incredible collections and exhibitions around Irish history. Make sure to see their exhibition on Ulster’s Gaelic order and 'A Border Town’s Experience of the 20th Century'.  

Leaving fine buildings for prison, Down County Museum is a must-see. Originally the County Gaol of Down, Down County Museum lets you explore the history of this fascinating space. Once used to hold rebels captured after the battles of Saintfield and Ballynahinch in 1798, it was also used to house prisoners bound to the convict colonies of New South Wales. Use their database to see if you might be related to any of them! Visit the restored cells and learn about the prisoners who occupied them.  

We all have to find modes of transport to get places and the best way to travel is always by train. Downpatrick & County Down Railway is the only full-sized mainline heritage railway anywhere in Ireland. Come see the steam locomotive and maybe you’ll get a chance to pull the train’s horn. Step up onto the footplate of a working steam engine and feel the warmth of the furnace as you hurdle through the countryside. 

If the open seas are more your speed, you’ll love an adventure in the Nautilus Centre. This space houses the Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre and the Kilkeel Visitor Information Centre, Tracing Your Mourne Roots Exhibition, and the Mourne Seafood Cookery School. Discover the secrets of the deep blue sea! The ‘Families at Sea’ exhibition in the Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre shows over 100 photos and provides details of mariners spanning as far as 200 years ago. Learn what it was like to be a Maritime Explorer and how you could become a skipper, if you think you have what it takes.  

Be a Lord or Lady for the Day  

Experience the finer things in life. The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is home to some of Ireland’s most opulent stately residences. One of our most impressive is Castle Ward. With unobstructed views of Strangford Lough, pruned lawns, ornate gardens, and gorgeous walks, the Castle Ward house sits like a proud jewel in the landscape. Once home to Lord Bernard and Lady Anne Ward, or the Viscount and Viscountess of Bangor to you and me, it is architecturally fascinating. Built to both of their accustomed tastes, the house combines the Classical preferences of Lord Bernard and Lady Anne’s penchant for Gothic. Go and find out which side you prefer.  

Travelling from one estate to another, the Montalto Estate is a privately owned Demesne built in the early 1600s. With over 400 acres of the rolling Irish countryside, explore the trails and gardens, or enjoy a guided walk experience.  

When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, houses are fine, but who doesn’t want to live in a castle? Killeavy Castle was designed by George Papworth in 1836. Found on the base of Slieve Gullion, you can avail of their attached spa which has an unmissable forest bathing experience. You can take part in historical tours, hire a bike, and can even learn the art of foraging with trained staff on the castle’s grounds.  

Used as a film location in Game of Thrones®, Audley's Castle has two turrets linked by an arch making it a unique castle in the region. Explore the castle to find the first-floor chamber has a barrel vault which was designed as a defence against the spread of fire. On a wooded hill, Dundrum Castle is nestled into the backdrop. Constructed by John de Courcy following his invasion of Ulster, Dundrum Castle was able to control access into Lecale from the west and south. See if you can make it through! 

Check out Killyleagh Castle, and you’ll think you’re in the Loire Valley. Originally built all the way back in 1180, it’s the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. These days, it serves as the backdrop to performances from international stars like Van Morrison and Glen Hansard. 

Christian Heritage in the Land of St. Patrick 

We have a rich ecclesiastical heritage in Northern Ireland and that is naturally accompanied by some really beautiful churches. For a taste of history, head to Down Cathedral that houses perfectly preserved crosses from the 9th, 10th, and 12th centuries. Legend has it that Saint Patrick was buried in the Hill of Down during the 5th century. Since the 12th century, the cathedral has sat on top of the hill in memoriam and now has a boulder in the Churchyard marking his burial place. 

Saint Patrick didn’t begin his teachings in Downpatrick, that honour is reserved for the village of Saul. Saul Church is considered the Cradle of Christianity in Ireland. According to tradition, St Patrick landed a few miles from here, and travelled extensively spreading the gospel around Ireland before dying here on the 17th March 461. 

Found on the banks of the Quoile River, Inch Abbey sits in ruins, a monument of John de Courcy’s remorse for destroying Erenagh Abbey. The site was originally on an island in the Quoile Marshes, so make sure you bring your wellie boots if you want to explore.  

Admire Monuments 

Of course, Ireland has a long pre-Christian history. In Pagan culture, Stones were sacred objects that could be used to show worship to the gods. Discover the ancient monuments which dot the local landscape. The Kilnasaggart Inscribed Stone is said to have originally been a pagan site for Druidical worship and sacrifice. A different type of stone, the Legananny Dolmen is a megalithic dolmen or cromlech. Dating back to the Neolithic period, the monument is approximately 5,000 years old. It is believed that portal tombs like this were funerary sites.  

The Slidderyford Dolmen is the largest of the support stones. Dating back over 10,000 years to the Neolithic period, it has terrific views of the Mournes.  

Binder’s Cove, known locally as Finnis Souterrain, is thought to date from around the 9th century AD and was probably used as a hiding place, and possibly for storage. The main passage runs for around 29m and two shorter side passages break off from this to the northeast - so make sure you bring a torch. Another souterrain, Drumena Cashel has the remains from a dwelling in the centre of the site. There is a T-shaped souterrain that has two separate entrances, so make sure you choose the right path! 

Similar to Stonehenge, the Ballynoe Stone Circle is a complex Bronze Age site composed of over 50 closely spaced, upright stones. Amazingly, some are over 6ft tall. Come see this ancient burial site and marvel at the mystery of how ancient inhabitants could build such architecture.  

Some monuments, like Struell Wells, go deeper into the landscape. These four holy wells date back to the 5th century. Visited by locals regularly, the water is believed to have curative powers so be prepared to get a little wet if you have any ailments.