Campsites in County Down

County Down is the place to visit for dramatic mountains, blue-flag beaches, and forest parks.

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United Kingdom
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Northern Ireland
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Ulster NI
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County Down

100% (10 reviews)

Popular camping styles for County Down

Top campsites in county down

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Laurelbank Farm

2 units · Tents7 acres · County Down, Ulster NI

Laurelbank Farm is a 7-acre organic smallholding in Co. Down. Our vision is to reconnect people to the land, and to nourish and empower people through farming and feasting. Our mission is to create an inspiring and thriving small-scale regenerative, organic farm. We commit: To be responsible and responsive to the needs of people. To keep our farm at a human scale and accessible to people. To foster community connections through education, knowledge, and sharing experiences together. We run a Community Supported Agriculture Scheme called Farm and Feast and periodically teach growing, brewing and cooking workshops. Our home is an early 19th Century farmhouse just outside Saintfield in County Down. We grow lots of vegetables, herbs, fruit and edible flowers in our kitchen garden, lower field beds and in our new polytunnel. We have a small bantam chicken called Georgia who you will come across wandering around the gardens! On arrival feel free to pitch your tent on the pitch you have booked. (There’s no formal checking in process.) Pitch one and two are both signposted, as are the toilets. You can light a fire within the fire pit at your camp site. The closest places to buy firewood are the garage at The Temple roundabout or Vivo in Saintfield. When you are settled, wander around the garden and farm to see what is growing. Take a walk to our willow patch, or have a peek inside the polytunnel. We are a working farm so sometimes not all areas will be available, but we are happy for you to explore the areas not in use. Two mornings per week we run volunteering sessions. You are welcome to join us in harvesting vegetables, sowing seeds, weeding and whatever other activities we have planned. Just book your spot via our website – theedibleflower.com - there’s always a tasty bite to eat after the work is done! Picnic tables are available in the courtyard area, which you can use. There is also an outside hot and cold tap with a small sink. We have two newly renovated toilets just off the main courtyard, one is wheelchair accessible. We do not have a shower block, but we do a solar shower which you are welcome to use - (a bag of water that heats up in the sun, and you then hook up on a tree). This is located in the Cow Byre, in the grey locker, along with a few other supplies you may borrow - boardgames / books etc. The Cow Byre is also home to our Farm Shop. Depending on the time of year, it is stocked with seasonal vegetables, jams and preserves and our cookbook! I may not be around when you arrive, but hopefully I’ll see you at some point during your stay - I’m often knee-deep in vegetables somewhere! Please drop me a message via Hipcamp messenger should you have any queries. I hope to see you soon! Jo Where we are: We are located only twenty-five minutes drive to Belfast (10 miles) and thirty minutes to Newcastle (15 miles) and the Mourne Mountains. If you are a Game of Thrones fan it is thirty minutes drive (13 miles) to Castle Ward (the filming location for Winterfell). We are also close to a number of wedding venues, including Larchfield Estate, The Carriage Rooms at Montalto and Finnebrogue Woods.

Campsites in County Down guide

Overview

County Down is one of the most beautiful counties in Northern Ireland, with the region’s best mix of scenery—the rugged Mountains of Mourne to the southeast sweep down to the Irish Sea and Carlingford Lough, the nature reserve of Strangford Lough, and the scenic Ards Peninsula. The area is full of heritage sites too, with the St Patrick’s trail around Downpatrick and the Lecale Peninsula, and adventure-loving campers can try everything from climbing and mountain biking to kayaking and horse riding.

Where to go

Mourne Mountains

The Mourne Mountains are ideal for all types of adventures, whether you enjoy scenic drives to beauty spots, walking, hiking, and climbing, or adrenaline-pumping sports like rock climbing, mountain biking, and abseiling. The area is designated as the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Mourne Coastal Route runs along the sea at the base of the mountains. The mountains are full of walking trails or steeper climbs. Wild camping is not permitted but Tollymore Forest Park and Castlewellan Forest Park in the foothills of the mountains are lovely spots for camping and access for mountain hikes, or stay a few nights around Rostrevor on Carlingford Lough, an area which is said to have inspired author CS Lewis for the Chronicles of Narnia.

Downpatrick and Lecale Peninsula

For a mix of history and heritage, coastal scenery, beaches and birdwatching, visit the area around Downpatrick and the Lecale Peninsula. Game of Thrones fans might like to camp at Castle Ward, while history buffs can follow the trail of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, starting at Downpatrick itself. There are opportunities for coastal walks and bird watching along the peninsula and camping offerings including country parks with views of Strangford Lough, or coastal settings near the beaches.

Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough is a nature reserve with lots of birdlife, and there’s plenty to do around the sea lough, on land and water or with boat or canoe trips by water. Strangford itself is an attractive town with a good choice of restaurants and pubs. Take the ferry across The Narrows (takes cars; journey time around eight minutes) to the town of Portaferry from where you can explore both sides of the Ards Peninsula.

Ards Peninsula

The Ards Peninsula is set between the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough, with plenty of beaches and stately homes to explore. Walk the pier at Donaghadee on the coast to watch boats, or visit the 19th century stately home Mount Stewart House, which overlooks Strangford Lough, to tour the house and explore the gardens. You can also take a boat trip from here to the bird sanctuary on the Copeland Islands. The best camping is along the east coast beaches of the peninsula near Ballyferris Point and Millisle Beach.