Discover more at Castle Ward
Find out when Castle Ward is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Things to do in the garden at Castle Ward
Famed for its eccentric mansion house with its contrasting architecture and interiors, Castle Ward’s garden also features two very distinctive designed landscapes. Stroll through one of the best examples of a Victorian garden in Ireland and explore the 17th- and 18th-century pleasure grounds to see the historic Pinetum, rockery and Palladian water temple.
Explore the Victorian garden
Explore the formal terraced garden, dominated by the sunken parterre with its elaborate bedding designs and discover the Victorian passion for plant collecting and colour. Planted with over 4,000 bulbs in 61 beds as part of a recent restoration project, the garden is a kaleidoscope of colour in the warmer months.
Originally designed as a showpiece to show off to visiting guests, today the garden is one of the best examples of a Victorian garden in Ireland.
Stroll around the pleasure grounds
A pinetum and Lady Anne's temple
Venture out into the 17th- and 18th-century pleasure grounds to see the historic Pinetum which was built to house exotic trees and shrubs from around the world, and see Lady Anne’s Temple which overlooks Temple Water canal.
Follow the path up to the temple with its Doric columns providing dramatic views over the landscape or take a stroll along the water’s edge.
Explore the avenue of trees
A second canal used to run at a right angle to this. It was replanted in the 1970s with an avenue of young limes and is now called the Lime Tree Walk.
This beautiful walk can be accessed from the farmyard and takes you around the Temple Water and past Lady Anne’s Temple providing spectacular views along the way.
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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.
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Things to do in Castle Ward house
Wander through the Georgian rooms of this eccentric mansion, famed for its contrasting architecture and interiors, and explore the servants' world below stairs.
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History of Castle Ward
Unique and unusual, this eccentric 18th-century house is famed for having been built with two completely different architectural styles, both inside and out. Find out why.
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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.
Gardens and parks
From 18th-century water gardens and Arts and Crafts landscapes to intimate woodland gardens, there are so many places to discover.
Gardening tips
Discover our gardeners’ top tips so you can make the most of your garden, plot or window box.
Gardens and parks in Northern Ireland
The National Trust look after the greatest collection of historic gardens and garden plants under single ownership in Europe, if not the world. With Rose Gardens, Walled Gardens and Kitchen Gardens, discover some of the best historic gardens in Northern Ireland. Voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry while Castle Ward is home to one of the best examples of a Victorian garden in Ireland.