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Northern Ireland

Castle Ward Shore Trail

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.
Visitors walking their dog at at Strangford Lough | © National Trust Images/John Miller

A short walk or cycle that takes in the beautiful surroundings and scenery of Strangford Lough and architecture of the castle. This is an accessible route which everyone can enjoy.

Start point

Shore car park, OSNI grid ref: J571497

Trail information

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Duration 20 mins
Dog friendly***
  1. *Wide and flat route. 

  2. **The trail is accessible to everyone with no physical barriers.

  3. ***Dogs must be kept on leads. For further details, please see section marked Facilities. 

Strangford Lough

Enjoy views over the large sea lough or inlet in County Down, separated from the Irish Sea by the Ards Peninsula.

  • Total stages: 3

    Total stages: 3

    Start point

    Shore car park, OSNI grid ref: J571497

    Stage 1

    Start in the shore car park.

    Stage 2

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

    Stage 3

    On reaching Audley's Quay turn and retrace your steps back to the farmyard and the shore car park.

    End point

    Shore car park, OSNI grid ref: J571497

    Trail map

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

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More near here

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

Castle Ward 

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

Downpatrick, County Down

Fully open today
View down Strangford Lough from Castle Ward Bay with Audley's Castle on the left in County Down, Northern Ireland.
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking, Cycling
DistanceMiles: 1.8 (km: 2.88)
Family at the Shore
Trail
Trail

Castle Ward Farm Trail 

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Strangford Lough at Castle Ward, County Down
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)

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 

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