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View down Strangford Lough from Castle Ward Bay with Audley's Castle on the left in County Down, Northern Ireland.
Strangford Lough and Audley's Castle, County Down | © National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus
Northern Ireland

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.

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Total steps: 4

Total steps: 4

Start point

Shore car park, OSNI grid reference: J571497

Step 1

Start in the shore car park.

Step 2

Follow the shore of Strangford Lough from the farmyard to Audley's Quay.

Step 3

The trail then leads you around Audley's Castle.

Step 4

Now follow Audleystown Road, a quiet public road back to the farmyard.

End point

Castle Ward farmyard

Trail map

Castle Ward castle trail for walking and cycling in County Down, Northern Ireland
Castle Ward castle trail, County Down | © Crown copyright (2013) Land and Property Services permit no. 100153

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View of the Palladian-style side of Castle Ward house, with Strangford Lough and rolling hills beyond.
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Castle Ward 

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

Downpatrick, County Down

Partially open today
Castle Ward's Boathouse by Strangford Lough in the mist.
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Loughside walk at Castle Ward 

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Castle Ward Boathouse in  Mist
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Castle Ward Shore Trail 

Follow this short accessible trail at Castle Ward, County Down and take in the beautiful surroundings and scenery of Strangford Lough and architecture of the castle.

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Castle Ward Hoof Trail 

The Hoof Trail is a 7.5-mile route through woodland and along the shore of Strangford Lough with views of Audley's Castle and the Castle Ward Demesne.

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DistanceMiles: 7.5 (km: 12)

Get in touch

Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7BA

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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