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
Renowned for its eccentric mansion house with strikingly different architectural styles, Castle Ward's garden also boasts two uniquely designed landscapes. Wander through one of Ireland's finest Victorian gardens and explore the 17th- and 18th-century pleasure grounds, where you'll discover the historic Pinetum, a charming rockery, and a stunning Palladian water temple—all set against the backdrop of autumn's golden hues.
Explore the Victorian garden
Explore the formal terraced garden this autumn, where the sunken parterre’s intricate bedding designs come alive with seasonal colour. Discover the Victorian passion for plant collecting as you stroll through, now adorned with over 4,000 bulbs in 61 beds from a recent restoration project. While the warmer months bring a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour, autumn casts a golden glow over this stunning showpiece—one of the finest Victorian gardens 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 once ran at a right angle here, replanted in the 1970s with a vibrant avenue of young limes now known as the Lime Tree Walk. This picturesque path, accessible from the farmyard, meanders around the Temple Water and past Lady Anne’s Temple, offering breathtaking views of the autumn foliage and the stunning seasonal landscape.
You might also be interested in
Article
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.
Article
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.
Article
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.
Article
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.
Article
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.
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.