Kilmore Presbyterian

The grey stone walls of Kilmore Presbyterian catch you off guard - it's proper imposing, this 1830s church just outside Downpatrick. You'll find it a bit removed from the town centre, which is part of its appeal actually. The building itself is worth a look if you're into Victorian ecclesiastical architecture, all solid Ulster proportions and period detail. Not one for a lengthy visit - you're talking twenty minutes maximum to have a proper wander round the grounds and peer through the windows if the doors are locked. The churchyard has some interesting older gravestones if genealogy's your thing. Kilmore works best as a quick stop when you're exploring the Downpatrick area rather than a destination in itself. The nearby Delamont Country Park makes a far better anchor for a few hours, with its lake and woodland walks just 5.6 miles away - combine the two and you've got a decent morning sorted. It's free to look round the outside, though opening hours aren't exactly broadcast. Early afternoon is your safest bet, and try not to turn up during a service. History types will appreciate the local significance, but families with restless kids will find ten minutes enough. Downpatrick's got enough going on - the medieval cathedral, the castle museum - that you won't feel short-changed if Kilmore turns out to be shut.