Newcastle, you step off the beach on to the mountain slopes - at the foot of Northern Ireland's highest peak, Slieve Donard (2,796 ft). You can step off the same five-mile beach on to Royal County Down Golf Course and its easier companion course.

Saul Church Outside Downpatrick, it is a replica of the ancient Celtic church which previously stood on the site of the stone barn used by St Patrick- the first Christian meeting place in Ireland.

Ireland's Patron Saint, Patrick, who is reputed to be buried here (his memorial in Down Cathedral Graveyard). Every year on March 17, Irish men and women raise a toast or two in honour of St. Patrick,

Castle Ward To the west of Strangford village. Castle Ward and its 700 acre estate,dominate the entrance to Strangford lough. Open to the public, the 'castle' is actually a fortified house, built in 1760 with facades in both glassical and gothic styles.

South of Ballynahinch on the slopes of Cratlieve mountain stands the Legananny Dolmen, one of Ireland's finest neolithic tombs - country people called them 'giants' graves'

The world knows that 'the Mountains o' Mourne sweep down to the sea' - at Newcastle. The sea itself invades the land, forming the great bird sanctuary and yachting paradise of Strangford Lough. St Patrick sailed into the lough in A.D. 432 and eventually died - at Downpatrick.