Tyrella Beach: A little slice of paradise in Co Down

We stumbled across this beach on the way to Newcastle though I think everyone raised in Northern Ireland has been to or heard of Tyrella Beach. Tyrella was sign-posted off the A2. I noticed the brown tourism sign saying Tyrella Beach was only five miles and the kids seemed very keen. We headed that way as it was a pleaant countryside drive and easy to find.

There is a charge, I believe, in high season to park but there was no-one on duty when we arrived. The car park was open so we parked and headed off, all excited. It was glorious day with the sun shining which was unexpected for mid-February. It was still a bit chilly, being winter and all that, but we made sandcastles with bridges and stones and flags and sticks and seaweed. It was Carrick Castle according to the kids. My 5 year old was very impressed that the man (John de Courcy) who built Carrick castle also played a big part in building Downpatrick Cathedral (He says: He must have been a very very busy man!).

We walked along the beach and collected shells and stones and general treasures. It is a really nice place. Beautiful and peaceful. We came across a path which lead to the dunes. That opened a whole new world. Up and down sand mountains, in and out of dunes. A good hour was used up marching around the dunes. We came across a picnic area which was a bit disappointing. The tables were burnt and there was a lot of broken bottles lying around. I would like to think that this will change when the beach is patrolled in season. It will be interesting in to see it in high season. I hear it can be very busy!

But apart from that it was a good place to go and let off steam. A good fun trip.

Kids say:
6 year old: I liked collecting shells and helping with the sand castle. The sand dunes were really really good fun and it was good that I led us the way back through the car.
5 year old: The sand castle was the best one I have made. I liked jumping in the sea with my boots on.

Stress Level 0 (A good clean beach. There was some rubbish around but not really stressfull rubbish.. If this is possible.

Fun Level 5 (Good fun, lots of laughing and playing together)

Cost Level 0 (I am not sure of the costs when this beach is in-season. I will try to get that information)

Off in search of something to do…

We actually ended up walking around the Cathedral as we had be pointed at a Museum which was closed for the next 2.5 hours. St Patrick’s Grave was where we headed. The kids were very impressed with the old headstones in the graveyard though thought it all looked a bit creepy. The signs to St Patrick’s grave were good and it was not what I expected to see. The Children did not really get too buzzed by this even though I did try to explain what I could. I think they need to be a bit older. I even tried the tale of St Patrick chasing all the snakes out of Ireland.

As we passed the Cathedral doors we could see inside and the kids wanted to go in. I was very hesitant about this to be honest; two kids in a quiet and serene place like that?

Inside we were all very impressed. The windows are stunning and both kids were taken in by their colours and subjects. There are fantastic box pews which are characteristic of the Regency period. The kids loved sitting in them. There are Thrones in the centre which were used by the Bishop and the Judges. It is all very impressive. The organ pipes were impressive and above you as you walk into the main part of the church (built on a pulpitum). We all nearly jumped out of our skins when the organ gave us a blast! It was re-built in 1913, enhanced in 1966, then cleaned and voiced to concert pitch in 1987.

The Cathedral has a gift shop which has some very nice gifts. We got talking to the lady at the shop and she was very informative. She came up with lots of suggestions as to were to go and what we could see in Downpatrick. We also got a really cool pair of fold-away binoculars from the gift shop for our sight-seeing.

It is free to get in but they do ask for a donation for the running costs and upkeep.

WOW Overview

Kids Say
6 year old: I liked the big metal pipes on the bridge (the organ i think!) also the precious things in the shop.
5 year old: I liked the shop and the boxes that you can shut yourself in and kneel on a cushion

Stress Level 3 (Lots to touch!!)

Fun Level 2 (It was very interesting but I think they may have been a bit young to understand the concept of what they were seeing)

Cost Level 1 (Gift shop was very reasonable. Binoculars cost £1.50 I think. Donation is voluntary so it is up to you what you give)

A fantastic kid-friendly self-catering cottage

From Ballynahinch, it is only a 6 mile drive south on the A24 towards Newcastle. It is signposted just after the Brennan Garage by a brown tourism sign. It was an easy drive once I got started (Having overcome a couple of minor delays; I managed to leave my Cheque book in the house and had to turn back after traveling for half an hour. Once on the way again we had to have an emergency toilet stop for my son. Best not to ask :() I managed to keep the stress levels down because I was so excited about getting away for a few days.

We arrived later than expected and having phoned the owner of the cottage to find out exactly where they were, we parked up and took possession of the keys. We were greeted by the owner and two of her children. The welcome we got was exceptional. Bread, milk, biscuits, butter, coffee, tea, firelighters, kindling and coal to name but a few items left to help settle us in. This is self-catering accommodation and I had expected to have to bring it all with you. The children offered my kids a number of DVDs to watch and we had a quick chat about what there was to do for children in the area. Very helpful warm welcome. I honestly can’t thank them enough.

The cottage itself was very very well equipped with washing machine, tumble-dryer, dishwasher, iron and ironing board. All bedding, towels and dishcloth are provided, as was cleaning materials, soap powder, washing up liquid etc.

Once settled in we unpacked and settled down with a cosy fire. The cottage comes with an assortment of books and board games. It even had colouring pens and spare remote control batteries available!! We played monopoly for a few hours … the kids choice and they enjoyed it!

The accommodation was exactly what we needed and it was a very central base for what we needed to do. I would put this down as a “highly recommended”! There is an outside area with picnic table and barbeque facilities, a washing line and wonderful views. Oh yes, and it has underfloor heating :) That rocks !

I believe it is pet-friendly but if you don’t have one of your own you can always borrow Waltie. He is an old collie that arrives every morning for his stick-throwing half hour. He was very cute and friendly and the kids really enjoyed the rent-a-pet situation.

WOW Overview

Kids Say
6 year old: The cottage was really nice. There was lots of things for us to do there. There was games and pens and we were given some DVDs from the children who lived in the big house. We had a pet dog when we were there and his name was Waltie.
5 year old: I liked the cottage and the real fire. The dog was very good at catching pine cones if you threw them in the air. He was nice and he came around every day.

Stress Level: 2 (This score is because when you have two children in someone else’s house it is always a bit stressful. I do think however on the whole it is very child friendly.)

Fun Level: 4 (This is a good friendly house and we did enjoy our stay)

Cost Level: 4 (I think for what you get in this accommodation it is excellent value. It is well equipped and well worth the money we paid for the three nights.)