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.

Near to

Castle Ward

Start point

Shore car park, OSNI grid ref: J571497

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)

Duration 20 mins

Dog friendly***

*Wide and flat route.
**The trail is accessible to everyone with no physical barriers.
***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.
Audley's Castle
The castle probably dates from around the 15th century, but the early history is unknown. It's named after its late 16th-century owners, the Audleys, an Anglo-Norman family who held land in the area in the 13th century (although it is not known if they built the castle). It was sold, with the surrounding estate, to the Ward family in 1646. By 1738 it became an eye-catching focus of the long vista along Castle Ward's artificial lake, Temple Water.
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, County Down | © Crown Copyright (2013) Land and Property Services permit no. 100153
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Place

Castle Ward

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

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.

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.

Strangford Lough at Castle Ward, County Down

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.

Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7BA

02844881204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

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

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