Situated in the heart of beautiful Killyleagh, a few minutes’ walk from the shores of Strangford Lough, Ivy Apartment is roughly 30-40 minutes from Belfast and 15 minutes from Downpatrick, the final resting place of St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. The convenient location is moments from the local pubs, restaurants, take-aways, cafes and a range of shops, and is a perfect base for exploring the many beauty spots and areas of outstanding natural beauty that Newry, Mourne and Down has to offer.
Below is a small selection of the many bars, restaurants, parks, country houses and activities that you can find in the local area. Enjoy!
Beautiful scenery in and around Killyleagh
Killyleagh harbour
EATING OUT
The Dufferin Arms, Killyleagh
A traditional pub that prides itself on “Making the world better, one pint at a time.” The Dufferin serves excellent pub food at lunch and dinner, seven days a week, and offers a range of promotions such as steak night, kids eat free on Sundays etc. Their Sunday roasts are outstanding, and the atmosphere at the traditional music sessions on the weekends is legendary.
Reservations: 0284 482 1182
https://www.facebook.com/duffe...
The Smugglers Table, Killyleagh
Set on the banks of the Dibney River where it flows into Strangford Lough, a classic European restaurant with a modern twist. Open Thursday through to Sunday, with early opening over the weekend to include a breakfast menu.
Reservations: 0284 482 8158
https://www.facebook.com/TheSm...
Picnic Delicatessen, Killyleagh
Serving hearty, homemade, deli style food Wednesday through Sunday (kitchen closes at 3 p.m.). From poached egg stacks to homemade sausage rolls, caramel iced lattes to americanos, quality is essential to the young owners, who want to ensure their Picnicers will always return.
Telephone: 0284 482 8525
https://www.facebook.com/picni...
Café Velo, Killyleagh
Traditional café with a cycling theme, offering sit-in and takeaway options and a menu featuring everything from filled breakfast sodas to paninis and generous bowls of homemade stew. Open 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
Telephone: 0284 421 9476
https://www.facebook.com/profi...
With its award-winning restaurant, lively local pub and artisan food & wine shop, the Poacher’s Pocket is gastro-tastic.
Reservations: 0289 754 1589
https://www.facebook.com/PoachersPocketLisbane
The Old Post Office Lisbane, has long been a feature on the Comber to Killyleagh road. A listed thatched cottage with a homely atmosphere, the café is a popular meeting place where a warm welcome awaits.
Reservations: 0289 754 3335
https://www.facebook.com/OPOCAFE
A charming country pub and restaurant just a stone’s throw from the tranquil shores of Strangford Lough. With a 400-year history in hospitality, Balloo House is well known for its fine selection of fresh local seafood, dry–aged steaks, pub grub classics and warm welcome, and is proud to be the only pub in Northern Ireland to be awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Reservations: 0289 754 1210
https://www.facebook.com/BallooHouse
A fully licensed restaurant and bar, serving contemporary and wholesome food, with menus are designed around sourcing the best of the readily available local and seasonal produce of Northern Ireland, both land and sea. Beautiful views over Strangford Lough, a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.
Reservations: 0289 754 1615
https://www.facebook.com/daft.eddys
The team at the Cuan pride themselves on choice and quality of food, aiming to offer a creative menu and to use fresh and seasonal ingredients - much of which is locally produced. Befitting of its coastal setting, menus always feature excellent fresh seafood, as well as delicious vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Reservations: 0284 488 1222
https://www.facebook.com/thecuan
The Artisan Cookhouse, Strangford
A contemporary bistro using the best of local seasonal produce, cooked simply, letting the ingredients sing for themselves. The emphasis at The Artisan Cookhouse is on providing high quality and professional service in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Reservations: 0284 488 1654
https://www.facebook.com/theartisancookhouse
Beautiful beaches nearby
Tyrella beach
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Just a 3-minute drive away, this country park boasts stunning views across the lough to the Mourne Mountains. Open areas for family picnics, BBQs and a play park are also offered, and during school holidays a steam train runs from the small coffee shop. The park also has a huge enclosed area for dogs to run around to their heart’s content close to the entrance.
Strangford Lough Activity Centre
A quirky, experiential adventure centre offering a range of outdoor activities. Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, SLAC specialise in both land and water sports on Strangford Lough including Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing and Boat Tours. Experienced instructors make all the activities enjoyable and bespoke programmes can be created for groups.
Get set for 60 adventure-filled acres of wildlife brilliance, and spectacular views across Strangford Lough. Get close to the ducks and geese, discover adventure in the playgrounds and be wowed by the wildlife.
Castle Ward – National Trust Property
An 18th-century mansion house famed for its contrasting architectural styles, one side Gothic, one side classical Palladian. The surrounding parkland offers six enjoyable trails for walkers, cyclists and riders. The formal garden has been restored, based on the 1864 painting by Mary Ward, and the stable yard is home to a tea room. A big draw in recent years has been the historic farmyard, which was used as the location and backdrop of Winterfell in the Game of Thrones series.
One of Northern Ireland's most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking trails, 27km of Mountain Bike Trails, Nature Play perfect for the kids, an onsite multi-activity centre, hedge maze and equestrian centre, Castlewellan Forest Park boasts all of this and more making it a must-visit for all ages. It also boasts the Peace Maze - one of the largest hedge Mazes in the world. Your objective is to get to the middle of the maze following up to 3.5 kilometres of winding pathways.
Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.
A wide, flat, sandy beach stretching over two kilometres, Tyrella offers stunning views of the Mourne mountains. It is backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes, in a conservation area offering scenic walks and an insight into the habitat of local flora and fauna. The beach has been awarded the prestigious Seaside Award annually since 1997 and has also maintained the Blue Flag award since 2011.
Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry is Northern Ireland's only aquarium and seal sanctuary featuring a fully licensed restaurant. The facility is located on the shores of the Marine Nature reserve of Strangford Lough, which is an important winter migration destination for many wading and sea birds and home to almost 75% of the marine species found in Northern Ireland, including common seals, basking sharks and brent geese. Exploris illustrates and exhibits the large variety of animals that live in Strangford Lough.
Downpatrick and the final resting place of St Patrick
The Saint Patrick Centre website - https://www.saintpatrickcentre...
The Saint Patrick Centre Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/frien...
Mourne Mountains
Such is the beauty and history of the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion that it has inspired pagan chiefs and patron saints, writers, inventors, engineers and visitors from all corners of the world for millennia.
Just a few moments in the epic heart of the Mourne Mountains, along the rolling hills of the Ring of Gullion or on the rippling shores of Strangford Lough and you’ll soon discover why Saint Patrick chose to settle here. This is the land that also inspired C.S. Lewis and its myths, legends, landscapes and experiences are sure to inspire you too.
Loads more ideas, inspiration and information at the official tourism website for Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion- https://www.visitmournemountai...
Scroll down to "Download our Maps and Guides" for loads of ideas and maps, such as cycling routes, heritage trails, Game of Thrones location maps and much more!!
Belfast and beyond…
Bustling Belfast City, with its rich history and thriving food scene is approximately 30 minutes away. Offering a host of tourist attractions including the Titanic Experience, Game of Thrones doors, Crumlin Road Gaol and much more, as well as a city centre packed with world class shops, pubs and eateries, there is something for everyone in Northern Ireland’s capital city.
Check out the following for more ideas:
Visit Belfast website - https://visitbelfast.com/
The must-sees for a short trip to Belfast - https://visitbelfast.com/artic...
For a wealth of ideas for visitors of all ages https://discovernorthernirelan...