Tuesday, November 17, 2009 metrolifeextra 19 1kget away for This week: County Down Elyena OKane from the Northern Irish Tourist Board explains where shed go for a grand TravelGetaway Where would you go and Why? For a getaway thats close to my heart and near to where I grew up Id have to choose the Mourne Mountains and the Kingdoms of Down. Its a magical place that inspired CS Lewis to write the Chronicles of Narnia and Percy French to compose the song Mountains Of Mourne. What makes it so special? The combination of beautiful landscapes, abundance of attractions, and delicious food, not to mention its vast array of hidden gems and mythical legends. Whats the best thing about it? No visit is ever the same. Every time, I experience a unique side of Co Down through spa breaks, adventure holidays, family outings or romantic getaways. Whats there to see and do? A drive along the coast of Strangford Lough and Ards Peninsula is a must- see. The coastal route takes you alongside pathways to some of the most beautiful homes and gardens including Mount Stewart House, Garden and Temple of Winds and Castle Ward, Downpatrick. St Patricks grave at Down Cathedral and the St Patrick Centre, Downpatrick take you through the historical journey of Irelands patron saint. A walk through the Silent Valley (pictured) and its new Visitor Centre, set high in the Mourne Mountains, not only lends itself to stunning mountain scenery but is also an informative source about the Valleys role as one of the Norths main water supplies. You can also try any number of adventure sports such as mountain boarding or coasteering. Then wrap up the day with a delicious bowl of warm seafood chowder in one of the many restaurants, followed by a soak in the seaweed baths in Newcastle. Co Down has also the highest concentration of skilled crafts people in Northern Ireland, with many having their own workshops and public galleries, so theres no shortage of craft fairs and events. A trip to Down is not complete without visiting the seal sanctuary and aquarium at Exploris, Portaferry. Who would the holiday suit? There is certainly something for all ages and all types of holiday-maker. You can make it as relaxing or as adventurous as you like, with a wide variety of attractions, activities and accommodation on offer, you can make the holiday your own. How do you get there? It takes approximately an hour to drive from Dublin to Newry and a further half an hour to get to the seaside town of Newcastle. There are also frequent bus and train services to Newry which connect to Newcastle and Downpatrick and other parts of Down. How much would it cost? A two- night stay in Co Down could cost anything from as little as 50 (55) per person sharing for 2 nights B&B; from 90 (100) per person midweek for two nights B&B and one evening meal in a four-star hotel; or from 175 (195) for two nights in a self-catering apartment. If a visit to one of the many National Trust properties was on the agenda, for example Mount Stewart, entrance fees cost 5.60 (6.20) per adult, 2.80 (3.10) per child or 14 (15.65) for a family pass. Yearly membership of the National Trust is also an option for those wishing to visit other properties. The Car Ferry from Strangford to Portaferry costs as little as 5.30 (5.90). A trip to Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary costs 4.50 (5) per child to 22 (24.60) for a family pass. What made your visit memorable? The friendly welcome and sheer wealth of things to do. Down has great value places to stay, delicious food and stunning scenery. How long could you afford to stay there on a budget of 1,000? A two-bed cottage for two adults and two children for seven nights would cost anything from as little as 295 (329), for example Cunningburn Cottages, Newtownards. For a weekend away with the girls, theres no better place than Newry. Two nights B&B plus one evening meal at the Canal Court Hotel is available from 129 (144) per person. Avail of Newrys vast retail therapy options and if thats not enough take a trip to the designer heaven at the Outlet in Banbridge, followed by a night on the town in one of Newrys many hotspots. www.discovernorthernireland.com Its a magical place that inspired CS Lewis be the one that got away winter markets: vienna, berlin, copenhagen shopping breaks: london, new york, dubai weekend escapes: paris, barcelona, rome Outof To advertise call 01 637 5979 Youre weekly guide to getting away metro lifeextra index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html