Skip to content
View down Strangford Lough from Castle Ward Bay with Audley's Castle on the left in County Down, Northern Ireland.
Strangford Lough and Audley's Castle, County Down | © National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus
Northern Ireland

Castle Trail at Castle Ward

An excellent trail for spotting wildlife and taking in the stunning scenery of Strangford Lough, Audley's Castle and the farmyard at Castle Ward.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 4

Total steps: 4

Start point

Shore car park, OSNI grid reference: J571497

Step 1

Start in the shore car park.

Step 2

Follow the shore of Strangford Lough from the farmyard to Audley's Quay.

Step 3

The trail then leads you around Audley's Castle.

Step 4

Now follow Audleystown Road, a quiet public road back to the farmyard.

End point

Castle Ward farmyard

Trail map

Castle Ward castle trail for walking and cycling in County Down, Northern Ireland
Castle Ward castle trail, County Down | © Crown copyright (2013) Land and Property Services permit no. 100153

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Family autumn day at Castle Ward
Place
Place

Castle Ward 

Unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles

Downpatrick, County Down

Fully open today
A grassy path, with two people on it, leads between trees towards water on the Castle Ward loughside trail at Castle Ward, Northern Ireland
Trail
Trail

Loughside walk at Castle Ward 

Explore the waterside, with a ruined castle, woodland, an ornamental lake, follies and wildlife to spot along the way, on this easy circular walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Visitors exploring the shore of Strangford Lough, County Down, Northern Ireland
Trail
Trail

Castle Ward Shore Trail 

Follow this short accessible trail at Castle Ward, County Down and take in the beautiful surroundings and scenery of Strangford Lough and architecture of the castle.

Activities
Walking, Cycling
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
A horse rider at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire in spring
Trail
Trail

Castle Ward Hoof Trail 

The Hoof Trail is a 7.5-mile route through woodland and along the shore of Strangford Lough with views of Audley's Castle and the Castle Ward Demesne.

Activities
Horse Riding
DistanceMiles: 7.5 (km: 12)

Get in touch

Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7BA

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Bluebells at Castle Ward

Walking in Northern Ireland 

Embrace the vibrant spirit of spring by stepping into the legendary landscapes of Northern Ireland. From the heights of Slieve Donard to the tranquil Lake Trail at Mount Stewart, our curated walking trails cater to all abilities, inviting you to immerse yourself in nature's blossoming beauty. Strap on your hiking boots and explore iconic sites like the Giant's Causeway, where coastal paths invite the adventurous, and ancient bogs tell tales of history on winding boardwalks. Let our trails guide you on an exploration of nature's renewal, beauty, and historical richness this season.

A family exploring the gardens at Castle Ward, Co Down, Northern Ireland, in summer
Article
Article

Exploring the estate at Castle Ward 

Explore miles of trails, soak up coastal views and stroll through atmospheric woodland scenes. Tune into the seasons and see where Game of Thrones was filmed.

The Stableyard tearoom at Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Castle Ward 

Tuck into a seasonal menu and treat yourself or someone special in the shops. Watch artists in action or pick up a Game of Thrones memento.

A family of four cycling along the loughside trail at Castle Ward, County Down
Activity
Activity

Multi-use trails at Castle Ward 

Whether you’re walking, in a wheelchair, cycling or horse riding, explore the 21 miles of trails on the Castle Ward estate and discover woodland, meadows and loughside views.

Walkers climbing rocks against a bright blue sky with the mountains in the distance at Sugarloaf, Monmouthshire

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A group of people in a hiking group are being guided on a hike by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.