Although County Down is less than fifty miles long, it has a coastline of some 200 mile, due to the deep indentation of the Loughs of Belfast, Strangford and Carlingford. Colonised by Vikings, Anglo-Normans, and Scottish settlers, it has a colourful and bloody history.  Topographically, County down consists of low undulating hills from which, it is said, the county derived its name, Dunum, signifying 'a hill or a hilly county'. In the south of the country are the Mourne Mountains made famous through Percy French's song 'The Mountains of Mourne', which inspired the landscapes of CS Lewis's fabulous Chronicles of Narnia. In the north of the county the ancient religious settlements of Bangor and Newtownards are the most important towns, while the southern suburbs of Belfast stretch into County Down. Newry, to the south of the county, with its long and turbulent history, remains a major commercial centre, which guards the narrow point between the mountains, known as the 'Gap of the North'.  Down: History and Guide takes a detailed look at the colourful history of the county, and provides a guide to its rich archaeological heritage. Drawing on a wide variety of sources, this comprehensive guide to County Down will inspire, in residents and tourists alike, a greater appreciation of one of Ireland's most beautiful and historic counties.