Skip to content
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.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

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

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

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

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.
Trail
Trail

Loughside walk at Castle Ward 

Explore the waterside, with a ruined castle, woodland, an ornamental lake, follies and wildlife to spot along the way, on this easy circular walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Castle Ward Boathouse in  Mist
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking, Cycling
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
A horse rider at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire in spring
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Horse Riding
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.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Family exploring the Christmas trail at Rowallane Garden, County Down

Walking in Northern Ireland 

Step into Northern Ireland’s enchanting landscapes this Christmas season and feel the warmth of its festive welcome. Whether you’re strolling or hiking, iconic sites like the Giant's Causeway invite you to explore coastal paths glistening with winter’s charm, while ancient bogs whisper their tales along frost-touched boardwalks.

A woman walking down Lime Tree Walk at Castle Ward
Article
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.

Family ordering in Tea-Room
Article
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.

A woman walking down Lime Tree Walk at Castle Ward
Activity
Activity

Multi-use trails at Castle Ward 

Whether you’re walking, in a wheelchair, cycling or horse riding, explore the 21 miles of trails on the Castle Ward estate and discover woodland, meadows and loughside views.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.