Top 5 Castles around Ballintlieve
Best castles around Ballintlieve offer a blend of historical architecture and natural landscapes. This region features significant historical sites, including 18th-century properties and medieval ruins. Visitors can explore estates with scenic views and trails, providing opportunities for historical discovery and outdoor activity. The area is known for its historical castles and estates, often set near natural features like loughs.
Best castles around Ballintlieve
- The most popular castles is Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location), a castle that is an…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location)
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Audley's Castle
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Castle Ward
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Inch Abbey
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Wikipedia (Audley's Castle, 2022-10-08): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audley%27s_Castle https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audley%E2%80%99s_Castle Official tourism website for Northern Ireland (Audley's Castle, 2022-10-08): https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/audleys-castle-p707501 Official tourism website for Northern Ireland (Visit Game of Thrones - Filming Locations, 2022-10-08): https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2020/06/visit-game-of-thrones-filming-locations-b147 “… Within the Castle Ward demesne, you can make your way over to Audley's Field where Robb Stark meets Talisa after the battle at Oxcross. …“ #GoT #BattleOfOxcross #WarOfTheFiveKings
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National Trust (Castle Ward, 2023-12-24): https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl_SVBg9R8U Wikipedia (Castle Ward, 2023-12-24): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Ward https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Ward “… The most interesting aspect of Castle Ward is that of its dual architecture, representing the differing tastes of Lord Bangor and his wife, Lady Ann Bligh. While the entrance side of the building is done in a classical Palladian style with columns supporting a triangular pediment, the opposite side is Georgian Gothic with pointed windows, battlements and finials. …”
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Great place for a run along the coastline.
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Best known for its role as "Winterfell" in Game of Thrones, Castle Ward is an 18th-century National Trust property located in Strangford. With its distinctive blend of classical and gothic styles, the castle and its estate grace the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough. Tours of the castle and estate are available year-round. For more information, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward
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Best known for its place as "Winterfell" in Game of Thrones, Castle Ward is an 18th-century National Trust property in Strangford. With two unique styles of classical and gothic, the castle & its estate is located in a beautiful location near the shore of Strangford Lough. Tours are available year round of the castle and estate.
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Wikipedia (Audley's Castle, 2022-10-08): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audley%27s_Castle https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audley%E2%80%99s_Castle Official tourism website for Northern Ireland (Audley's Castle, 2022-10-08): https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/audleys-castle-p707501 Official tourism website for Northern Ireland (Visit Game of Thrones - Filming Locations, 2022-10-08): https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2020/06/visit-game-of-thrones-filming-locations-b147 “… Within the Castle Ward demesne, you can make your way over to Audley's Field where Robb Stark meets Talisa after the battle at Oxcross. …“ #GoT #BattleOfOxcross #WarOfTheFiveKings
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TheIrishRoadTrip ("Game of Thrones Ireland: 16 Filming Locations From The Show”, 2022-10-08): https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/game-of-thrones-filming-locations-northern-ireland/ “… You’ll find the 16th-century Castle Ward, which was the backdrop for the series pilot and a chunk of season one, just 40 minutes from Belfast. Castle Ward was used as ‘Winterfell’ – the home of the Stark family. Its towering medieval walls and now-iconic castle tower gate made it an ideal shooting location for the show. …” #GoT #HouseStark #Winterfell #Westeros Wikipedia (Winterfell (Game of Thrones episode), 2022-10-08): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winterfell_(Game_of_Thrones_episode) National Trust(HBO's Game of Thrones at Castle Ward, 2022-10-08): https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward/features/game-of-thrones-at-castle-ward Peak Discovery Ltd (Winterfell Tours, 2022-10-08) https://www.gameofthrones-winterfelltours.com/thedarkhedges https://youtu.be/RMwzMU7iW_Y Tripadvisor (Game of Thrones - Winterfell Trek from Belfast(, 2022-10-08): https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g186470-d15079832-Game_of_Thrones_Winterfell_Trek_from_Belfast-Belfast_Northern_Ireland.html
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Wikipedia (Castle Ward (Old Castle Ward), 2022-10-08): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Ward https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Ward Tripadvisor (Castle Ward, 2022-10-08): https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g664089-d212598-Reviews-Castle_Ward-Strangford_County_Down_Northern_Ireland.html google (Street View, 2022-10-08): https://www.google.com/maps/@54.3732731,-5.5779806,3a,75y,240.79h,82.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sz1-OEQiivuBoui997nWdyA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles and historical sites can I explore around Ballintlieve?
Around Ballintlieve, you'll find a mix of historical architecture, including 18th-century National Trust properties like Castle Ward Tower, medieval ruins such as Inch Abbey, and other significant historical sites like Audley's Castle. Many are set amidst natural landscapes, offering both historical discovery and scenic views.
Are there any castles around Ballintlieve that are known for their connection to popular culture?
Yes, several castles in the area have connections to popular culture. Castle Ward Tower is famously known as a filming location for 'Winterfell' in Game of Thrones. Audley's Castle and Inch Abbey were also used as filming locations for the series.
Which castles around Ballintlieve are suitable for families?
Both Castle Ward Tower and Castle Ward are considered family-friendly, offering tours, archery, and trail walks. Inch Abbey, with its beautiful ruins, is also a good option for families to explore.
Are there accessible castles for visitors with mobility needs around Ballintlieve?
Castle Ward is listed as wheelchair accessible, offering facilities and trail walks that can accommodate visitors with mobility needs.
What natural features can I expect to see when visiting castles in this region?
Many castles around Ballintlieve are situated in beautiful natural settings. For instance, Castle Ward Tower and Castle Ward are located near the shore of Strangford Lough, offering scenic views and trail walks along the lough.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Ballintlieve?
The area around Ballintlieve offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including the 'Castle Ward Hoof Trail' and routes around Audley's Castle. There are also hiking routes like the 'Castle Ward Farm Trail' and 'Castle Ward Boundary Trail', and road cycling routes such as the 'Ballyhornan Beach – Strangford Stone loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Ballintlieve, Hiking around Ballintlieve, and Road Cycling Routes around Ballintlieve guides.
Are there specific walking or hiking trails associated with the castles?
Yes, Castle Ward offers trail walks with scenic views of Strangford Lough. You can explore trails like the 'Castle Ward Hoof Trail', 'Castle Ward Farm Trail', and 'Castle Ward Boundary Trail'. There are also running and hiking routes that incorporate Audley's Castle. For detailed routes, refer to the Hiking around Ballintlieve guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Ballintlieve?
Visitors frequently highlight the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Game of Thrones filming locations, particularly at Castle Ward Tower, are a major draw. People also appreciate the scenic trail walks, the dual architectural styles of Castle Ward, and the serene beauty of ruins like Inch Abbey.
Can I find facilities like coffee shops near the castles?
Yes, Castle Ward has a coffee shop on-site, providing a convenient stop for refreshments during your visit.
What is unique about the architecture of castles in the Ballintlieve area?
The region features diverse architectural styles. Castle Ward is particularly notable for its dual architecture, showcasing both classical Palladian and Georgian Gothic styles on different sides of the building, reflecting the differing tastes of its original owners.
Are there any hidden gem castles or lesser-known historical sites worth visiting?
While the main highlights are well-known, exploring the wider estates of places like Castle Ward can reveal quieter spots and less-traveled paths. Audley's Castle, though a Game of Thrones location, offers a more secluded historical experience within the larger estate.
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