Strangford Lough is a large sea lough scattered with small drumlin islands, and Castle Ward - an 18th-century National Trust estate on its shore - is the anchor for this trip. The house itself is unusual for having two completely different architectural fronts, one classical and one Gothic, reflecting a disagreement between the couple who built it. It's also known to television audiences as a filming location for Winterfell in Game of Thrones, which draws a specific kind of visitor alongside those there for the lough scenery and wildlife.
| Distance | 60 km from Belfast (~1 hr drive) |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1 hour by car; bus to Downpatrick then taxi 15 min |
| Getting there | Self-drive via A20 to Downpatrick then A25 to Strangford. Bus to Downpatrick then taxi to Castle Ward estate (approx £10/$13). |
| Address | Castle Ward Estate, Strangford, BT30 7LS |
How to get there
- Self-drive
- Bus + taxi
Location
Castle Ward Estate, Strangford, BT30 7LS
54.3876, -5.5643 View on map
Highlights
- Castle Ward house - the mismatched classical and Gothic façades, and period interiors inside
- Castle Ward's Winterfell filming locations - the walled garden and farmyard used as Winterfell in Game of Thrones
- Strangford Lough shoreline walks - the estate's grounds run down to the lough with paths along the water
- Exploris Aquarium at Portaferry - a short drive down the peninsula, focused on the marine life of the lough
- Portaferry to Strangford ferry - a short car ferry crossing the narrow mouth of the lough, worth taking if you're touring the Ards Peninsula