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Northern Ireland

Castle Ward

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

Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7BA

View of the gothic facade in autumn at Castle Ward, County Down in Northern Ireland.

Important notice

Please be aware some parts of the Boundary Trail are still closed following storm damage. The Hoof Trail remains open. Please follow signage in place.

Planning your visit

Castle Ward Summer of Play 2025 Banner
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Summer of Play at Castle Ward 

Castle Ward’s Summer of Play 2025 runs from 5 July to 31 August and features seven themed play zones across the estate, including Active, Quest, Creative, Nature, Loose Parts, Performance, and Quiet Zones. Designed to inspire imagination, movement, and discovery, this family-friendly experience is included with general admission or free for National Trust members.

Gardener Pushing Wheelbarrow in sunken garden, with visitors in background.

What's on at Castle Ward! 

Find your next adventure here: discover all the events and activities happening at Castle Ward!

Project
Project

The Portrait of Lady Ann Bligh: A Conservation Journey 

The newly-acquired portrait of Lady Ann Bligh—the only known image of her—sheds light on her overlooked role in shaping Castle Ward in the 1760s and enriches the site’s understanding of women’s history. After expert conservation work, the painting is now on display, reuniting the house with one of its most significant yet marginalised figures.

Last updated:
28 May 2025
Exploring the family activities in summer at Castle Ward
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Visiting Castle Ward with Family 

From events and activities to inspiring your inner explorer, here's what you need to know about a family day out at Castle Ward.

View of Temple Water at Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland.
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.

Family walking with their dog near Temple Water
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Visiting Castle Ward with your dog 

Castle Ward is a three pawprint rated place. Discover Castle Ward with your dog. With miles of trails to explore there's plenty of space for them to bound, sniff, jump and splash.

Staff and visitors looking at exhibits inside the house at Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland.
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Group visits to Castle Ward 

Find out how to book a group visit to Castle Ward and learn about the guided tours and additional benefits available when visiting this unique 18th-century mansion as a group.

An adult and two children are walking a dog at at Strangford Lough, County Down. They're standing on a raised wall above the lough and there are rolling yellow crop fields in the background.
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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.

Two people sitting in a field surrounded by spring flowers on the clifftop at The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent

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