Castle Ward National Trust

Call Directions Website Contact the organisation

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.
(1078)

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.

Due to high winds forecast from Storm Boelo over the weekend, Castle Ward will be closed on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 Oc...
23/10/2026

Due to high winds forecast from Storm Boelo over the weekend, Castle Ward will be closed on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October. Please check our websites and socials for updates before travelling.

Join us as Castle Ward turns into Castle Weird this Autumn. Get on the trail of one of Castle Ward’s most interesting pe...
21/10/2026

Join us as Castle Ward turns into Castle Weird this Autumn. Get on the trail of one of Castle Ward’s most interesting people Mary Ward and discover her creepy crawly creations. Grab an alpaca and join us for a spooky adventure around the mansion and woods.

🪲Castle Weird Hallowe'en Trail 26 Oct - 1 Nov
🦙Strangford Bay Alpacas - 30 & 31 October
🏛 Open Cabinet Month in the Mansion House - Until 31 Oct
🖌 The Studio at Castle Ward is open over the weekend
🌽Cornmill Demonstrations - 31 Oct, 1:30 - 3:30pm

Don't forget about the indoor play area and woodland parks to keep all your little people happy! 🛝

Please note Alpaca experiences should be booked directly with Strangford Bay Alpacas at Castle Ward.

Strangford Bay Alpacas The Studio at Castle Ward

We’re delighted to announce we're bringing opera back to Castle Ward on 18 November with Northern Ireland Opera.📅Wed 18 ...
19/10/2026

We’re delighted to announce we're bringing opera back to Castle Ward on 18 November with Northern Ireland Opera.

📅Wed 18 Nov 2026 10:30 to 12pm
📍Castle Ward Mansion House
🎤Morning Melodies’ daytime operatic concert
🎟 Book your ticket www.ticketsource.com/northernirelandopera/t-vxjnpgv

In November the Northern Ireland Opera will be performing for the first time at the beautiful and historic National Trust property Castle Ward, where Morning Melodies will take place in the mansion which has a long association with opera. Each ticket to this very special event includes a coffee/tea and a scone plus free access to the house and grounds afterwards.

🍀 #

19/10/2026

As seen in the Belfast Telegraph!

📅 1-31 October (house closed Tuesdays)
🏦 Open Cabinets Month

Throughout October, a selection of historic cabinets will be opened, revealing the fascinating objects, precious trinkets, and decorative curiosities stored inside. Showcasing pieces that are both beautiful and intriguing inside and out, these cabinets offer a rare opportunity to explore objects that have seldom been seen by the public, or have not been displayed for many years.

Visitors can discover the stories behind these remarkable collections and gain a unique insight into how treasured possessions were stored and displayed in the past.

Join a guided house tour on weekdays or explore at your own pace with a self-guided visit at weekends to uncover these hidden gems and experience a side of the collection rarely on view.
Included with admission.

🍀 See less

Halloween at Castle Weird....📆24 October to 1 November🪲Castle Weird Halloween Trail🎟 No booking required, normal admissi...
14/10/2026

Halloween at Castle Weird....

📆24 October to 1 November
🪲Castle Weird Halloween Trail
🎟 No booking required, normal admission applies, members free

There's been a few spooky goings on around Castle Ward - visit to walk our Hallowe'en trail and test your bravery along the way.

Discover the fascinating and slightly creepy world of Mary Ward and her famous "creepy crawly" creations.

The trail slithers and snakes it's way starting from the stable yard, winding its way through the sunken garden!

🎃👻 🍀

Unlock the secrets to Castle Ward this week!🏛 60 Remarkable Rooms of the National Trust Talk📆Wednesday 14 October 11:30...
12/10/2026

Unlock the secrets to Castle Ward this week!

🏛 60 Remarkable Rooms of the National Trust Talk
📆Wednesday 14 October 11:30 to 3:30pm
🎟 Book your ticket £12, https://shorturl.at/aFa3Q
(entry to the property included in ticket price)

Join us for a special opportunity to explore some of Castle Ward’s most remarkable interiors and meet the authors of '60 Remarkable Rooms of the National Trust'.

Booking essential
National Curators Elizabeth Green and James Rothwell will be talking to visitors in the Bo***ir room from 11:30am - 1pm, which is one of the Remarkable Rooms featured in the book.

Ticket price for the talk includes entry to the house and gardens.

They will be sharing the history, design and significance of this extraordinary space and what makes it so important within the Trust’s collection. Ticket holders can enter Mansion House between 11.30am and 1.30pm for free flow meet and greet with the curators and then the talk will take place in the theatre at 2pm.

This could be you...Autumn has arrived at Castle Ward and there has never been a better time to cosy up in nature. Strol...
10/10/2026

This could be you...

Autumn has arrived at Castle Ward and there has never been a better time to cosy up in nature. Stroll through the woodland as leaves turn into golden and reddish hues, wander along the shoreline and spot seals, otters, red squirrels and pine martens up close and feel yourself unwind.

Book your Autumn getaway here
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/northern-ireland/castle-ward-caravan-park

🍀

Visitor NoticePlease note there will be a horse riding event on Sunday (11 October). We expect a large number of riders ...
09/10/2026

Visitor Notice

Please note there will be a horse riding event on Sunday (11 October). We expect a large number of riders to be using the Hoof Trail throughout the day. To accommodate event participants, all overflow parking will be reserved for riders and their vehicles, so unfortunately we won't be able to accommodate private horse riding on the estate that day. Thank you for your understanding.

08/10/2026

This October, discover the treasures hidden within our collections during Open Cabinets Month.

Throughout the month, a selection of historic cabinets will be opened, revealing the fascinating objects, precious trinkets, and decorative curiosities stored inside. Showcasing pieces that are both beautiful and intriguing inside and out, these cabinets offer a rare opportunity to explore objects that have seldom been seen by the public, or have not been displayed for many years.

Visitors can discover the stories behind these remarkable collections and gain a unique insight into how treasured possessions were stored and displayed in the past. Join a guided house tour on weekdays or explore at your own pace with a self-guided visit at weekends to uncover these hidden gems and experience a side of the collection rarely on view.

Included with admission. Available from 1-31 October (house closed Tuesdays).

🍀

Address

Castle Ward National Trust
Downpatrick
BT307BA

Telephone

+442844881204

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Castle Ward National Trust posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Castle Ward National Trust:

Shortcuts

Share

Category