Strangford Lough - Treasure Time around Strangford Lough, 2 Day Itinerary

Salute the end of summer with a short break to the stunning shores of Strangford Lough.

Embrace a different pace as you slow down and enjoy sensing every new flavour, every new step into this unusual, unique part of the world.

DAY 1  |  Strangford to Downpatrick

The Cuan, Strangford

Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough by the Village Green, The Cuan is the perfect setting for a mid-week break or weekend getaway. It boasts nine unique bedrooms and a self-catering property, each with its own unique style and character created by Garuda Design.Sourcing local produce from less than 25 miles, the chefs are committed to seasonality and sustainability, featuring produce from local suppliers with a spotlight on coastal flavours. Feature packages include - Stay, Dine and Play (Golf) - Stay, Dine and Taste (Echlinville Distillery Tours) - Stay, Dine and Explore (Exploris NI).

St Patrick’s Centre, Downpatrick

This is the only home permanent exhibition about St Patrick in the world. Learn about the story of Ireland and discover the Terraced Gardens, a hidden floral gem that leads to a wisteria pergola and views of the mediaeval Cathedral of Down and the Southwell School Buildings, dating from 1733. Explore the Peace Garden and Monk’s Herb Garden, discover the Fairy Thorn Tree and the Standing Stone. Enjoy the extensive Rose Gardens before stopping at the newly refurbished Garden Café to relax and browse some locally sourced gifts, homeware and clothing designed or made in Ireland in the Gift Shop.

Finnebrogue Woods, Downpatrick

Autumn is about abundance. It’s the best time to go foraging in the woods with someone who knows their stuff. Rob, resident bushcraft expert and mushroom maestro will guide you on a ‘Mushroom Foray.’ Learn to identify and gather your crop and hunt for a wide range of medicinal plants. Full of fascinating insights and practical information, you won’t forget this way to see in the new season.

Denvir’s Coaching Inn, Downpatrick

Established in 1642, Denvir’s is the oldest surviving Coaching Inn in Ireland. It has been extensively and sympathetically renovated and includes six beautifully restored bedrooms, restaurant, lounge and snug bar, all full of original character. With weekend evening entertainment and local specials like oven-seared east coast seafoods like sea bass and fresh Strangford Lough mussels, it’s the perfect place to slow down and cosy up with a drink in hand.

Sustainable Journeys Ireland

Brigid Watson from Sustainable Journeys Ireland will take you off the beaten track to some forgotten, yet fascinating sites which most people never have the chance to see.Take a walking tour around Downpatrick to learn about the impact of the Viking raiders and the killing of Magnus Barelegs, King of Norway near Downpatrick in 1103. Stroll around Strangford, slow down and reconnect with nature through the heritage of the picturesque village beyond the shoreline.

DAY 2  |  Killinchy to Kircubbin

Horseshoe Cottage 4* Self Catering in Killinchy

Down winding country roads, along the shores of Ballymorran Bay and tucked away among flora and fauna, you’ll find this 18th Century converted stable block. With exposed beams, wood burning stove, open plan kitchen living area and sleeping accommodation for up to four people, you’ll be off the beaten track but close to the gentle bustle of the quaint villages of Killinchy and Killyleagh.

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber

Enjoy breath-taking vistas and spectacular birds-eye views across Strangford Lough. Every autumn, approximately 25,000 of light-bellied brent geese leave their breeding grounds in Arctic Canada and travel to Ireland to spend the winter. Like their ancestors before them, most will arrive on the mud flats of Strangford to refuel on the nutritious eel grass that grows in abundance here. Celebrate their return to Strangford Lough at The Big Brent Weekend, which promises multi-generational family fun, wildlife experts and free workshops.

Indie Füde, Comber

A trip around Strangford Lough isn’t complete without stopping off to Indie Füde, an award-winning independent deli selling the best and largest variety of Irish indigenous small-batch artisanal food and drink. They are passionate about local produce and producers, so join them for a Walk and Nibble, a walking tour of Comber that’s run on selected dates. They also work closely with Echlinville Distillery showcasing exquisite Irish whiskeys, gins and poitín and a delicious selection of the finest Irish cheese.

The Abbey and Antiques, Greyabbey

If you’re curious, if you love to discover items and stories which have been passed down for generations then Greyabbey has treasures waiting to be found in its vintage and antique shops, considered to be one of the largest collection in Ireland. Continue your discovery with a visit to the remains of the Abbey, situated in beautiful parkland on the outskirts of the village. Access to the grounds and Exhibition Centre is free to all. Local volunteers offer information and guided tours which are complemented by an interactive exhibition centre offering information on how the Abbey was built, the monks’ life and their impact on the surrounding area dating back to 1193.

The Wild Sage, Greyabbey

The Wild Sage a place for those who want to flourish boldly, wildly, naturally. Home to a qualified team of herbalists, soap makers, natural cosmetic creators, nutritionists and kinesiologists you’ll be glad you called in. Under the shadow of the imposing ruins of Greyabbey and the mediaeval physic garden where the monks coaxed medicines from the earth for everything from sleep issues to stomach complaints, you can shop for teas, tinctures, oils, soaps and cosmetics, most prepared on site, offering simple, sustainable ways to care for your body and mind.

Echlinville Distillery, Kircubbin

Just 10 mins from Greyabbey, you’ll find the custodians of Irish heritage whiskeys. In recent times, Northern Ireland’s first licensed distillery in over 125 years, has revived the iconic Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, the famous Old Comber Pot Still Irish Whiskey and Matt D’Arcy’s Old Irish Whiskey. Every Saturday you can embark on Tour and Tipple which offers a unique insight into the workings of the family run farm distillery and the exceptional field to glass journey of their spirits. Bring home a night cap from the distillery shop and enjoy a stroll through the historic Echlinville Estate along the new visitor walkways.

Note – Please check with inidividual attractions for opening hours before travelling.

Let our Visitor Information Centre team help plan your visit. Contact them for expert advise!