Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down

The Potter's Cottage

The area surrounding The Potter's Cottage, County Down

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In the farmyard at Castle Ward, this dog-friendly, stone cottage has Strangford Lough and miles of footpaths on the doorstep.

Guests
4
Bedrooms
2
Acorn rating
4What's this?
Number of dogs welcome
2
Reference
019001
Quaint, two-bedroom Potter’s Cottage is in what was the working farmyard of Castle Ward Estate, on the shores of Strangford Lough. The cottage was occupied by a potter in the 1960s, but long before this was an integral part of the farmyard, being the place where the feed was prepared for the livestock housed there. More recently, the farmyard provided the backdrop for Winterfell in the first series of Game of Thrones.

Key scenes from the drama will unfold right from your doorstep, from the Whispering Wood to the clock tower just next to the cottage. However, you can escape the world of dragons and battling kingdoms when you close the front door of this cosy little nook. There are white-washed stone walls, small peeping windows and a roaring fire to welcome you after a busy day of exploring, and room for your dog too.

It's a very short stroll to the shore of the largest sea lough in the British Isles. You’ll have the whole of the estate to explore with 820 acres of woodland, miles of footpaths, an 18th-century mansion and formal gardens all set along the shores of the beautiful Strangford Lough. In spring and summer 2025, you'll find an independently-run traditional Finnish sauna on the estate.
Wi-Fi, available
Garden, available
EV charging, not available
Fridge, available
Freezer, not available
Microwave, available
Open fire / wood burner, available
Television, available
DVD, available
Washing machine, available
Dishwasher, available
Tumble dryer, available
Cot & high chair, available
Ferries: Stena Line offers a 10% discount for National Trust Holidays guests travelling to a cottage or campsite in Northern Ireland. You’ll need your booking reference to access the discount. Please follow this link. We recommend booking your ferry early due to the high demand for popular crossing times at busy times of the year including holiday periods.

Heating: Gas central heating included.

WIFI: We’re pleased to provide free WiFi access at this accommodation which is supported by BT. Please note intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur and therefore should not be relied upon.

Garden: There is a newly created courtyard garden with outdoor seating to the rear of the property.

Parking: Parking is available next to the cottage in the courtyard behind the cottage. There are two spaces marked out for the cottage guests.

There are three cottages on the Castle Ward estate - Downpatrick Gate Lodge (sleeps two), The Potter's Cottage (sleeps four) and Castle Ward Gamekeeper's Lodge (sleeps five). Together they sleep 11 guests, and all welcome dogs.

Search all Northern Ireland cottages

Castle Ward Gamekeeper's Lodge

A Victorian cottage in a quiet spot at Castle Ward, tucked away among meadows and woodland.

The Potter's Cottage

In the farmyard at Castle Ward, this dog-friendly, stone cottage has Strangford Lough and miles of footpaths on the doorstep.

Downpatrick Gate Lodge

A pretty, tucked-away lodge on the Castle Ward estate, surrounded by wildlife and walks with woodland, meadow and loughside views.

The mansion house at Castle Ward, County Down

Place

Castle Ward

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

What's on at Castle Ward

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

Article

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.

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.

Trail

Castle Ward Shore Trail

Northern Ireland

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.

Trail

Castle Ward Farm Trail

Northern Ireland

Discover one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones on this trail passing the historic farmyard at Castle Ward and enjoy views of Strangford Lough and Audley's Castle on the route.