Down, district, 246 sq mi (637 sq
km), SE Northern Ireland. The principal town is Downpatrick. The shoreline extends
along the Irish Sea and is deeply indented by Strangford Lough. The
undulating surface rises to the beautiful Mourne Mts. in the south. Chief
rivers are the Lagan and the Bann. Agriculture is the most important
activity, and the area is extensively cultivated (oats, barley, wheat, and
hay). Market gardening is common in the north. Sheep and pigs are also
raised. Manufactures include linen, cotton, rayon, clothing, agricultural
machinery, and metals. The chief manufacturing towns are Downpatrick and
Ballynahinch. Fishing is economically important; herring and whitefish
constitute the main catch. Newcastle and Killyleagh are seaside resort
towns.
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