LOVE NORTHERN IRELAND!

County Down, a region of Northern Ireland famed for saints and scholars, is a land of great contrast and beauty., The gently rolling hills are framed by the rugged Mountains of Mourne to the south of the county and Slieve Croob, the source of the river lagan, in the centre.

Downpatrick is the county town of Down. It has the distinction of being the lowest place on the island of Ireland, with the marsh surrounding the north east of the town recorded as being 1.3 ft (0.4m) below sea level. There are many historic places to visit in this area including the St Patrick Centre , St Patricks Cathedral, the burial place for St Patrick (his grave pictured top right), St Columba and St Bridget, Inch Abbey, Saul Church and Struell Wells (left).
Many believe that St. Patrick blessed these wells, though it is thought that they had healing powers from pre-historic times. There is still the tradition of pilgrimage and bathing at Struell Wells, particular emphasis was put on the wells ability to cure eye problems.

Strangford Lough is the largest sea lough in the british isles. There are many villages around the shore offering diverse experiences from wind surfing to fishing and bird watching. There is a coast nature reserve and the Trust's Wildlife Scheme manages and provides access to 15,000 acres, which includes foreshore, fifty islands, woodland, wetlands, saltmarsh and agricultural fields.
To visit Exploris, (top left) you can take a short ferry trip across the lough from Strangford to Portaferry or drive the long way round the shore passing Mount stewart which is definately worth visiting. Exploris is the Northern Ireland aquarium and sea sanctuary and is a favourate for families and schools.

Downpatrick has the reputation of being one of the friendliest racecourses in Ireland.