Top 4 Castles around Ballygeegan

The castles in the Ballygeegan area, particularly around Strangford Lough, boast rich histories. For example, Sketrick Castle dates back to the 12th century, originally serving as a strategic stronghold against Viking invasions. Mahee Castle is a 16th-century tower house built by an English soldier, while Audley's Castle, also a 15th-century tower house, was named after its Anglo-Norman owners.

Yes, Castle Ward is renowned for its unique architectural blend. The mansion house famously displays two contrasting styles: classical on one side and Gothic on the other, reflecting a marital disagreement between its original owners.

Castle Ward gained international recognition as a primary filming location for HBO's *Game of Thrones*, serving as 'Winterfell.' Within the Castle Ward estate, Audley's Castle was also used as 'Audley's Field' in the series.

Yes, the grounds of Sketrick Castle are free to explore, offering stunning coastal views. Entry to Mahee Castle is also free, and you can walk to it from the nearby Nendrum Monastic Site.

Absolutely. Castle Ward is ideal for families, offering tours of the castle and estate, and activities like archery. The grounds of Sketrick Castle are also suitable for a family walk with scenic views.

The area around Ballygeegan and its castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and road cycling routes. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle' or the 'Delamont Long Walk'. For cycling, there are routes such as 'Kilmood Church – Nendrum Monastery Ruins loop from Balloo'. You can find more details on these and other routes in our guides for Hiking around Ballygeegan and Road Cycling Routes around Ballygeegan.

Yes, several hiking trails are available. You can explore 'Robb's Trail' as part of self-guided cycling tours around Audley's Castle within the Castle Ward estate. There's also the 'Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle' which is an easy hike. For more options, check out our Hiking around Ballygeegan guide.

Many of the castles offer stunning natural beauty. Sketrick Castle provides charming historic grounds with stunning views of the coastline and Strangford Lough. Audley's Castle also offers superb views of Strangford Lough, and Castle Ward is set within an 820-acre estate with landscaped gardens and views near the shore of Strangford Lough.

Many outdoor areas in County Down are dog-friendly, but specific policies can vary by site. The extensive grounds of Castle Ward often welcome dogs on leads in designated areas. It's always best to check the specific rules of each castle or estate before visiting with your dog.

The castles can be visited year-round, but spring and summer (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor grounds and enjoying the scenic views. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. Some sites, like Castle Ward, offer tours year-round.

Yes, the area around Strangford Lough has several options for refreshments. For instance, near Sketrick Castle, there is a popular cafe/restaurant/bar that is well-regarded by visitors. Within the wider region, you'll find various pubs and cafes, especially in nearby villages and towns.

Parking facilities vary by location. For larger estates like Castle Ward, there are dedicated parking areas for visitors. For smaller, more remote sites like Sketrick Castle or Mahee Castle, parking might be available in nearby designated spots or small lay-bys. It's advisable to check specific access information for each site.