IF you are attending Downpatrick Races and want to let the traffic clear, take a turn marked The Mill and Ballydugan Lake and you will find a real gem of a traditional Irish pub, The Lakeside Inn, complete with its half door. It is an old coaching inn with the stables still intact.

It is owned by Margaret and Geoffrey Ferguson who are the epitome of hospitality. Margaret’s family have owned the Inn since 1890, and she herself was awarded Ulster Barperson of the Year. Her mother Meta is still fondly remembered by the photo over the bar. Margaret who is a keen local historian, flower and craft enthusiast, arranges fishing permits on the lake if you like coarse fishing, and even accommodation a few yards up the road at Ballydugan Cottages, owned by Jeni and Jim Morrison. They are well known breeders of Holsteins and Aberdeen Angus cattle and Jim has a keen interest in animal genetics.