Skip to content
Castle Ward Boathouse in  Mist
Explore Castle Ward's shoreline and other trails! | © James Beck
Northern Ireland

Castle Ward Shore Trail

A short walk or cycle that takes in the beautiful surroundings and scenery of Strangford Lough and architecture of the castle. This is an accessible route which everyone can enjoy.

Strangford Lough

Enjoy views over the large sea lough or inlet in County Down, separated from the Irish Sea by the Ards Peninsula.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 3

Total steps: 3

Start point

Shore car park, OSNI grid ref: 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

On reaching Audley's Quay turn and retrace your steps back to the farmyard and the shore car park.

End point

Shore car park, OSNI grid ref: J571497

Trail map

Castle Ward shore trail map for cycling and walking in County Down, Northern Ireland
Castle Ward shore trail map, 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
View down Strangford Lough from Castle Ward Bay with Audley's Castle on the left in County Down, Northern Ireland.
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking, Cycling
DistanceMiles: 1.8 (km: 2.88)
Farmyard buildings in the autumn at Castle Ward, County Down
Trail
Trail

Castle Ward Farm Trail 

Discover one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones on this trail passing the historic farmyard at Castle Ward and enjoy views of Strangford Lough and Audley's Castle on the route.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
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)

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.

Couple walking with their dog and baby at Castle Ward.
Article
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.

A family walking alongside Lake Windermere at Fell Foot during winter, Cumbria

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.

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.

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.