Several islands lie off the Down Coast and can be seen from the rocky beaches. The majestic granite Mourne Mountains sweep down to the sea and cut a very dramatic silhouette upon the horizon. County Down is where the Bronte sisters grew up, home to St. Patricks Church of Ireland, and has one of the oldest hotels in Ireland dating back to 1614. This region has many beautiful hiking trails to explore, and winding roads to drive that will lead you through stunning scenery. Best of all, County Down is filled with many wonderful small towns and villages that offer a true experience of Northern Ireland life. Staying in a Rostrevor Bed and Breakfast or a Warrenpoint Bed and Breakfast with friendly local hosts is a great way to get to know this region first hand. Rostrevor This small village is located along the shore of Carlingford Lough and near the southern entrance to the Mountains of Mourne. It is well known for its local folk music festival, the Fiddlers Green Festival. With a population of just over 2,000 Rostrevor has that wonderful small village feeling where everyone knows one another and forms a tight-knit community. When you stay at a Rostrevor bed and breakfast your guests will likely have lived in the area for quite some time and will be happy to share with you the secrets of the surrounding region! If you visit the impressive 30 ton granite boulder in nearby Cloughmore which is perched 1000 feet above the village of Rostrevor, be sure to walk around it seven times for good luck! You could also visit the old church which was built on a site established by St. Bronach and is now surrounded by the graveyard on Kilbroney road. There is much to see and do in beautiful Rostrevor! Warrenpoint Located on the northern shore of Carlingford Lough and separated by a narrow strait from the Republic of Ireland, Warrenpoint is a very scenic small town. There are many choices if you are looking for a Warrenpoint bed and breakfast, and many local accommodations are quite stylish and elegant. While you are in Warrenpoint, be sure to visit the Narrow Water Castle which was built in 1560. You might also want to attend the famous Maiden of Mourne festival or the Blues on the Bay music festival, two of the major events throughout the year in this lively town. Kilkeel Last but not least is beautiful Kilkeel. This small town is the major fishing port of the Down Coast, and there will be many Kilkeel bed and breakfasts to choose from here. While you are staying at your Kilkeel bed and breakfast you can visit the ruins of a 14th century fort and church. During your stay at a Kilkeel bed and breakfast you can also enjoy the excellent shopping in the medieval city centre with its winding cobblestone streets and terraced shops. These are just a few of the lovely small towns that you can visit while exploring County Down, Northern Ireland. Are you planning a visit to beautiful County Down, Northern Ireland? Be sure to visit the many lovely small towns in the region, such as by spending the night at a Kilkeel bed and breakfast.