DownPatrick / Belfast

[Nymue]

Can anyone tell me about Downpatrick and the surrounding area, is ther much to see there.....what is there to see. Is it a scenic drive from Belfast?

 

We are taking a Princess Cruise and that is an option for a shore excursion we are considering since we did the Antrim Coast last year.

 

Thanks,

Anne

[ex-Freeporter]

Hi Anne -

I looked on the Princess site to see what they offer on their tour to Downpatrick - for what is included it seems pricey enough to me, but you have the convenience of going from the ship and not having to worry about making your own arragements.

 

Going directly to Downpatrick would take 45 mins approx. - you would travel through the suburbs of east Belfast (pleasant enough) and then countryside. I imagine you want to see Down Cathedral and the reputed burial grave of St. Patrick - we took an overseas visitor there last summer. Downpatrick is a busy local town - don't know of any exceptional places to call in.

 

The tour then goes to Strangford - a much prettier town, lots of bars and restaurants - for the ferry trip across Strangfor Lough. The ferry takes about 10 mins to Portaferry, another pretty place. It is a pity more time isn't spend there - (maybe it is, but times aren't given) -

http://www.portaferry.info/

 

Not sure which route you will take back to Belfast from Portaferry. It could be via Greyabey along the shore of Strangford Lough, or you may travel via Dongahadee. I have seen cruise ship buses there and they sometimes call at Pier 36 for coffee (or something stronger!)

http://www.donaghadeerotary.org/about_donaghadee.htm

http://www.pier36.co.uk/

 

I hope this information is helpful and you enjoy your return visit to Northern Ireland.

[Nymue]

Thank you,

 

That information is very helpful!

 

Anne