Castle Ward National Trust

Castle Ward National Trust Discover the Unique 18th-century mansion and its sprawling
estate, presiding over Strangford Lough Castle Ward will take you on a journey of discovery.
(1088)

The 18th-century eccentric house with two distinctly different styles, Classical and Gothic, will entice you to explore further. This truly beautiful 332-hectare (820-acre) walled demesne, with walking trails, exotic garden, stunning vistas and picturesque farmyard, will unlock your imagination through family history, leisure pursuits, events and industrial heritage. The laundry room is a short walk from the house in the stableyard, alongside a gift shop, second-hand bookshop and tea-room.

Living History at Castle Ward this Saturday 🏛📅 Saturday 6 June from 11am to 3pm📍Mansion House, Castle WardMeet Lady Ann ...
02/06/2026

Living History at Castle Ward this Saturday 🏛

đź“… Saturday 6 June from 11am to 3pm
đź“ŤMansion House, Castle Ward

Meet Lady Ann and her daughter Theodosia in the Saloon enjoying leisure activities from the 1760’s, reading their correspondence and playing card games. Come and talk to our ladies at leisure this Saturday from 11am to 3pm and find out about their lives. The House will be open from 11am - 4pm freeflow.

Find out more here https://shorturl.at/YyCVf

🍀

Learn and stroll with our Volunteer Led Walk📅4 June🕓11am-1pm🎫Free (Normal admission applies, members free)Discover more ...
02/06/2026

Learn and stroll with our Volunteer Led Walk

đź“…4 June
đź•“11am-1pm
🎫Free (Normal admission applies, members free)

Discover more to Castle Ward on one of our volunteer led walks. This 5K stroll will explore the north-west areas of the estate including Downpatrick Avenue, Mallards Plantation and parts of the boundary trail.

How to book

These walks are free but normal admission applies.
To book your slot email [email protected] or phone 028 4488 1204

The walk will include grassy meadows and hilly sections to tarmac paths and woodland trails. Scenic Spots: Stroll through Downpatrick Avenue, Mallard Plantation, and open parkland with stunning views.

General Public Announcement đź“Łđź“ŁSaturday 13 June - Temporary estate and road closureCastle Ward are pleased to be the venu...
27/05/2026

General Public Announcement đź“Łđź“Ł
Saturday 13 June - Temporary estate and road closure

Castle Ward are pleased to be the venue for Beyond the Wall Triathlon, organised by for another year! Here's key points to note for the day:

đź“ŚDuring the cycling portion of the triathlon, the main avenue to the estate will be closed for rider safety from around 11.15am to 12.15pm, during this time it will not be possible to enter or leave Castle Ward. All visitors and spectators are advised to arrive before this time to ensure access to the estate. Castle Ward will be open from 8am.
đź“ŚThe Shore Car Park will be closed all day.
đź“ŚThe main road from Downpatrick will be limited from 10.45am to around 13.30pm with some diversions in place.
đź“ŚAs the hoof trail is in use for set up and race day, we will not be able to accommodate horse riders on Friday 12 or Saturday 13 June.

We would like to thank our visitors in advance for their patience and support and wish all the participants the best of luck! ❤️

Stroll into Spring with our Volunteer Led Walk📅4 June🕓11am-1pm🎫Free (Normal admission applies, members free)Discover mor...
26/05/2026

Stroll into Spring with our Volunteer Led Walk

đź“…4 June
đź•“11am-1pm
🎫Free (Normal admission applies, members free)

Discover more to Castle Ward on one of our volunteer led walks. This 5K stroll will explore the north-west areas of the estate including Downpatrick Avenue, Mallards Plantation and parts of the boundary trail.

How to book

These walks are free but normal admission applies.
To book your slot email [email protected] or phone 028 4488 1204

The walk will include grassy meadows and hilly sections to tarmac paths and woodland trails. Scenic Spots: Stroll through Downpatrick Avenue, Mallard Plantation, and open parkland with stunning views.

Wondering what to do with your bank holiday weekend?Why not spend it with us? Spend time getting to know alpacas with S...
23/05/2026

Wondering what to do with your bank holiday weekend?

Why not spend it with us? Spend time getting to know alpacas with Strangford Bay Alpacas on bank holiday Monday (experiences booked via Strangford Bay Alpacas, see here https://shorturl.at/097s3 for details).

Pop the bikes in the boot and head out onto the trails for a scenic cycle. If you have something gentler in mind, stroll through the fragrant Sunk garden and head back in time in the House to admire the stunning collection and opulent Georgian interiors!

📸Hannah McCloy

Happy . Did you know Castle Ward and Mount Stewart are accredited museums?This means they abide by the standards and et...
18/05/2026

Happy . Did you know Castle Ward and Mount Stewart are accredited museums?

This means they abide by the standards and ethics necessary of all museums. This years theme is museums in a divided world. Our houses hold objects connected to many international events in the past, which can help us reflect on the current events unfolding across our world but they also offer space for our visitors to unwind and disconnect when this may become overwhelming.

(Visitors admiring a curious display of stuffed animals at Castle Ward, County Down)
('Hambletonian, Rubbing Down', the masterpiece by George Stubbs which hangs in Mount Stewart)

Nature can’t “wait a wee minute.” Today, Northern Ireland is one of the most nature-depleted places in the world. Nature...
18/05/2026

Nature can’t “wait a wee minute.” Today, Northern Ireland is one of the most nature-depleted places in the world.

Nature is essential to all of our lives. It’s the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat. It protects our communities from flooding and extreme heat, supports our health and wellbeing, and brings beauty and connection to our everyday lives.

It is not a nice-to-have. And it is not a blocker to growth.
Yet nature is in freefall. Wildlife continues to decline, water quality is failing, and too many people are increasingly cut off from the natural spaces that help communities thrive.

That’s why today we are launching a Nature=Future e-action, a campaign calling on the NI Government to act now to:
🌱 Restore nature
🦋 Protect and invest in wildlife
🏡 Build resilient futures for communities

We’re asking people across Northern Ireland to contact their MLAs and demand action. Please click the link below and show your support.
https://campaigns.nationaltrust.org.uk/page/190930/action/1?ea.tracking.id=NI_Faceboook

It takes less than two minutes to add your voice.

Unfortunately the Volunteer House event has been cancelled.However if you are interested in volunteering in the Mansion ...
15/05/2026

Unfortunately the Volunteer House event has been cancelled.

However if you are interested in volunteering in the Mansion House please get in touch via the email below.

To book a place email [email protected] or phone 02844 881 204.

Address

Castle Ward National Trust
Downpatrick
BT307BA

Telephone

+442844881204

Website

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