54.596423 -5.929466

Description

See the gothic and classical collide at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion resting on a rolling hillside.

Looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down, this unique 18th century mansion is famed for its mixture of architectural styles.

Walk or cycle along the Lough trail or through the sheltered woodlands and spot butterflies, rabbits, ducks and swans. Stroll through the sunken garden and see vivid reds, yellows, greens and pinks from flowers and subtropical plants in the Victorian Sunken Garden.

You can also head out on the Lough in a canoe, climb and abseil the cliffs, and build a raft with Clearsky Adventure.

Round the day off with a treat in the tearoom or browse the gift shop and pick up a bargain at the second-hand bookshop.
  • Castle Ward
  • Downpatrick
  • Down
  • BT30 7BA

Top Reasons To Visit

  • Historic mansion
  • 22 kilometres of multi-use trails
  • Georgian farmyard and loughshore
  • Victorian sunken garden
  • Game of Thrones film locations
  • Don't Miss

    • The farmyard complete with ducks, chickens and pygmy goats
    • The 36km of trails that loop throughout the estate – rent bikes from the Clearsky Adventure Centre and get exploring
    • Visit the Barn for children’s crafts, play-room and lots of ride-on tractors
    • Visit the artist’s studios and see the resident makers at work
    • Check out the ‘Secret Nature Shore Trail’ for a mile-long stretch of activities and nature to discover
  • HBO's Game of Thrones at Castle Ward

    Step into a fantasy world of castles and dragons as you explore the Georgian farmyard and the Lough shore, film locations for the smash hit television series Game of Thrones. Castle Ward’s historic farmyard was featured as the location of Winterfell for much of season one.

    It’s where you’ll find the Whispering Wood and key scenes including Robb Stark’s Camp, the Baelor battle and when Brienne confronts the Stark men. Visit to discover Winterfell for yourself, and join in with Winterfell Tours to get the full Westeros experience. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward/features/game-of-thrones-at-castle-ward for all the information.

Summer of Play at Castle Ward

46.19 KM
27 Jul - 26 Aug 2024
See All Dates (31)

Escape to Castle Ward National Trust this summer for the "Summer of Play" event!

Castle Ward
Find Out More

Jazz Sundays at Castle Ward

46.19 KM
28 Jul - 01 Sep 2024
See All Dates (3)

Enjoy a live jazz event at Castle Ward, where you will be hosted by the Easy Swing Jazz Duo!

Castle Ward
Find Out More

Craft Fest at Castle Ward

46.19 KM
03 - 04 Aug 2024
See All Dates (2)

Find marvellous crafts by expert makers at Castle Ward..

Castle Ward
Find Out More

Alpaca-Palooza & Donkey Delight

46.19 KM
Mon, 26 Aug 2024, 12:00pm

Castle Ward are inviting you to get up close & personal with their four-legged furry friends – Alpacas and Donkeys – in the Stable Yard.

Castle Ward
Find Out More

You might also like

  • Titanic Belfast
    Titanic Belfast
    Attractions

    Titanic Belfast

    2.72 KM

    Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see on any visit to Belfast and…

    Find Out More
  • Irish FA Tours
    Irish FA Tours
    Attractions

    Irish FA Tours

    3.25 KM

    Irish FA Tours tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football from 1880 to present day using a…

    Find Out More
  • Banana Block
    Banana Block
    Arts and Entertainment

    Banana Block

    3.85 KM

    Banana Block is a new living museum and events space set within a historic linen mill and inspired…

    Find Out More
  • Hillsborough Forest
    Hillsborough Forest
    Attractions

    Hillsborough Forest

    22.77 KM

    Hillsborough Forest is set in the picturesque Georgian village of Hillsborough and sits just a few minutes’ walk…

    Find Out More
  • Downpatrick Racecourse
    Downpatrick Racecourse
    See & Do

    Downpatrick Racecourse

    38.37 KM

    Enjoy the ‘Sport of Kings’ in the heart of the Mourne Region!

    Find Out More
  • Ulster Folk Museum
    Ulster Folk Museum
    Museums

    Ulster Folk Museum

    15.65 KM

    Step back one hundred years and discover the traditions and heritage of Ulster’s past at Ulster Folk Museum.

    Find Out More
  • Seapark Recreation Ground
    Seapark Recreation Ground
    Attractions

    Seapark Recreation Ground

    12.76 KM

    Seapark Recreation Ground is a seafront facility perfect for all the family and home to an annual fireworks…

    Find Out More
  • Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park
    Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park
    Attractions

    Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park

    8.8 KM

    Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park in south Belfast is one of the city's most popular parks.

    Find Out More
Ask Us
Ask Us

We're here to help, so if you can't find the info you're after, or you just want to ask a really odd question, then we're here for you.

Ask A Question

Ask a Question

"*" indicates required fields

Start
Choose a date
End
Choose a date
Back To Top
In order to display distances relevant to you, we'd like to be able to use your GPS location. Privacy Policy
In order to display distances relevant to your current position, we'd need to be able to use your GPS location. To find out more about how we use your location, please read our Privacy Policy
You have previously denied access to your GPS location. In order to allow access to your location, you need to update your site settings through your browser settings to allow this site access to your location.

To find out more about how we use your location, please read our Privacy Policy
Your settings have been updated. They will take effect next time you refresh the page.
By default, all distances on the site are calculated from Belfast City Centre. You can choose a different starting point here, or specify your own.

If you select a location more than 15km from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, your location will be set to Belfast City Centre.

Open 'Ask a Question' window Close 'Ask a Question' window

Ask a Question

X

"*" indicates required fields

Hide this tool

Open 'Sign up for Newsletter' window Close 'Sign up for Newsletter' window

Visit Belfast Newsletter

X

Sign up to the Visit Belfast newsletter and receive inspiring ideas, events and offers which showcase the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Sign-Up

Hide this tool