Downpatrick Gate Lodge

Downpatrick Gate Lodge is a secluded period cottage, built in the late 1700s. It sits beyond gothic, wrought-iron gates, on a quiet avenue on the Castle Ward estate; you’ll see the Ward arms on its western gable. There’s a woodburning stove in the sitting room, a view of the stars from the bed, and a roll-top bath for a relaxing soak. The cottage is surrounded by woodland and grazing land, with bay windows to take in the rolling views.

You’ll have free entry to explore the Castle Ward estate, which has 820 acres of woodland, miles of footpaths, an 18th-century mansion and formal gardens, all on the shores of Strangford Lough. Wander the grounds once other visitors have gone home for the day. The area is home to the Irish hare, pine marten and red squirrel, and look out for seals and terns as you explore to the water’s edge. Castle Ward is also well known as a filming location for Game of Thrones when the historic farmyard was transformed into ‘Winterfell’. In spring and summer 2025, you'll find an independently-run traditional Finnish sauna on the estate.

Layout

Ground floor: Tiny, decorative porch. Sitting room with log burner. Dining kitchen. Utility area.

First floor: Double bedroom. Dressing room. Bathroom with roll-top bath and free-standing shower.

Ferries:  Stena Line offers a 10% discount for National Trust Holidays guests travelling to a cottage or campsite in Northern Ireland. You’ll need your booking reference to access the discount. Please follow this link. We recommend booking your ferry early due to the high demand for popular crossing times at busy times of the year including holiday periods.

Garden: There is no private garden, but lawned areas around the cottage.

WIFI: We’re pleased to provide free basic WiFi access (5-15Mbps) at this accommodation, which is supported by BT. Please note intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur and therefore should not be relied upon. It will not be suitable for anything more than email, social media, WiFi calling and general web browsing. It may not support VPN access, gaming or streaming.

Heating: The cottage is heated by oil. There is a woodburner in the sitting room.

Parking: There is parking for one vehicle outside the cottage.

Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm at this cottage.

Please note: The first floor is in the eaves with sloping ceilings.

Please note:  Due to the size, this cottage does not accept children under the age of three.