County Down is the most industrialised region in Northern Ireland, encompassing urban and parts of greater Belfast. Covering an area of 945 square miles, the Down landscape is both varied and breathtaking, from the majestic Mourne Mountains in the south to a two hundred mile coastline in the north of golden beaches and natural harbours.

Affectionately known as 'The Linen Homelands', County Down is still the centre for Irish Linen. The Ferguson Linen Centre in Banbridge and the award winning Irish Linen Centre and Museum at Lisburn follow the history of the flax flower fabric from the 17th century to the present day. Down has many museums and records of times past across the County, including the perfectly preserved Down County Museum at Downpatrick's Old Jail and the superb Ulster Folk and Transport Museum near Holywood.

County Down is one of the great family destinations in Ireland. The north coastline has been tastefully developed with resorts, cruises, Heritage Centres, aqua playgrounds and the natural resource of wide sandy beaches. Marine life is experienced hands on at Exploris, the award winning Aquarium at Portaferry. Bangor Marina is Ireland's biggest haven for pleasure craft. Four long established yacht clubs are located in the Borough: The Royal Ulster, Royal North of Ireland, Ballyholme and Holywood. Regattas and sailing events are held regularly during the season.

Derived from the Irish 'an Dun', meaning Fort, County Down has many ancient sites and monuments mark a fascinating history. Following the early Celts, Saint Patrick established his first Church in Ireland at Saul, near Downpatrick, in the 5th Century. Among the National Trust's finest Ulster properties are Rowallane Gardens, eccentric Castle Ward House and magnificent Mount Stewart.

Cities and towns in County Down

Belfast is divided by the River Lagan, the south of the City is in County Down. Other principal towns are Newtownards, Bangor, Banbridge, Castlereagh, Downpatrick, Holywood, Newcastle, Newry and Portaferry. The estimated population for County Down is just over 454,000.

Business Information

Stangford Lough and the North Coast are two premier destinations for tourism in Northern Ireland. The north of Down is home to many commuters working in Belfast. The region has been developed into prestigious residential satellite suburbs. Engineering manufacturing of aircraft components is a leading industry in the County. Textile production of linens and the manufacturing of shirts for the clothing industry is both produced in Down. Mid and South Down are agriculturally based with dairy, cattle and sheep farming. Kilkeel is the largest fish and fish processing centre on the island of Ireland. There are 4,000 jobs linked to this industry. The eight Councils listed below administer County Down.

Belfast City Council	Tel: (44) 01232 320202
Ards Borough Council	Tel: (44) 01247 824000
Banbridge District Council	Tel: (44) 01396 610800
Castlereagh Borough Council	Tel: (44) 01232 494500
Down District Council	Tel: (44) 01396 610800
Lisburn Borough Council	Tel: (44) 01846 682477
Newry and Mourne District Council	Tel: (44) 01693 65411
North Down Borough Council	Tel: (44) 01247 270371
LEDU Regional Office	Tel: (44) 01232 242582

Belfast City Airport is located in County Down, with flights to mainland UK daily. NI Railways operate trains from Lisburn to Bangor on the line from Dublin to Belfast. Ulsterbus run their bus service throughout the County. Down's comprehensive road network make it very accessible with connecting roads to the rest of Ireland. Ferries to Scotland and England sail regularly from the Port of Belfast.

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