Down Arts Centre

The Down Arts Centre sits right in Downpatrick town centre, and it's one of those places that punches above its weight. It's a working arts venue - exhibitions, live theatre, comedy nights, film screenings - the full lot really. The building itself is modest enough, nothing fancy from the outside, but that's rather the point. This is a proper community space, not a tourist attraction dressed up as one.

What makes it worth a visit depends entirely on what's on. Check their programme before you go - there's usually something interesting running, whether that's local artist shows, touring theatre productions, or live music. The foyer's welcoming, staff know what they're talking about, and it genuinely feels like a place where things happen. An hour or two will cover a browse round the exhibitions, or you might catch something longer if a performance grabs you.

Families with older kids will find it useful - particularly if rainy weather hits during a caravan stay. The younger ones might find exhibitions a bit of a yawn, depending on what's showing. It's more the kind of stop you make because you're in Downpatrick anyway, perhaps after wandering round the town's other history spots.

If you're based at Buckshill or Delamont - both just a few miles out - this breaks up a day nicely. Not a reason to plan your entire holiday around, but if the programme looks decent, absolutely worth an evening out.