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.

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
  • Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre
    Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre
    Attractions

    Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor Centre

    5.33 KM

    Belfast Castle is located in the Cave Hill area of north Belfast. It was built in the 1860s…

    Find Out More
  • Colin Glen
    Colin Glen
    Activities

    Colin Glen

    10.05 KM

    Go Black Bull Runnin’ and 'Flyover' the Belfast Hills at Colin Glen. From Alpine coasteering to laser tag,…

    Find Out More
  • Belfast Zoological Gardens
    Belfast Zoological Gardens
    Attractions

    Belfast Zoological Gardens

    6.46 KM

    Belfast Zoological Gardens is home to more than 120 species of animal, many of which are in danger…

    Find Out More
  • Bangor Castle Walled Garden
    Bangor Castle Walled Garden
    Attractions

    Bangor Castle Walled Garden

    27.17 KM

    Bangor Castle Victorian Walled Garden, located in the tranquil grounds of Castle Park, is popular with visitors of…

    Find Out More
  • Ulster American Folk Park
    Ulster American Folk Park
    Attractions

    Ulster American Folk Park

    156.16 KM

    Journey back in time and discover the stories of Irish emigration to the New World in the 18th…

    Find Out More
  • Beacon of Hope
    Beacon of Hope
    Attractions

    Beacon of Hope

    0.95 KM

    Thanksgiving Square is an area of public space in Lanyon Place, Belfast based on Thanksgiving Square in Dallas,…

    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