Attractions and Places To See around Rathcunningham - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Rathcunningham, a townland in County Down, Northern Ireland, offers access to historical sites and natural features. Situated near Strangford Lough, the area provides scenic views and opportunities to explore ancient heritage. The region is characterized by its proximity to the largest sea lough in the British Isles, dotted with islands and rich in wildlife.
Best attractions and places to see around Rathcunningham
- The most popular attractions is Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a historical…
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Sketrick Castle
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Nendrum Monastery Ruins
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Kilmood Church
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Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location)
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Audley's Castle
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Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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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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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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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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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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This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
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This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century, and is linked with St Patrick in a much later source. Notices of Nendrum clergy, including three bishops, begin in the 7th century and the excavation of a sophisticated tide mill on the shore near the site has shown that the mill was active in the early 7th century, which underlines the early importance of Nendrum. References continue until a fire in 976, perhaps a Viking raid, when the head of the church (erenagh) was burned in his house. In the late 12th century a small Benedictine monastic cell was founded on the site, but by 1302–1306 this was the parish church, abandoned for Tullynakill on the mainland in the 15th century. H.C. Lawlor excavated the site from 1922 to 1924, when enclosure walls, church and round tower were restored. The glacial hill is crowned with three concentric walled enclosures, irregularly oval in plan. Little is known of the outer cashel, only partly in state care. In the middle cashel on the south-west side are circular platforms for huts, which excavation suggested were craft workshops, and a rectangular building known as the ‘schoolhouse’, also a workshop. In the inner cashel were the most important buildings, including the church with its graveyard and the base of a round tower north-west of the church. The west wall of the church was rebuilt in the 1920s, incorporating a reconstructed sundial at the south-west corner. Finds from the 1920s excavation, including the well-known bell of Nendrum, are in the Ulster Museum and Down Museum at Downpatrick. Underwater archaeological work in the 1990s showed that there is a stone jetty south-east of the enclosure, now inundated in the lough, and medieval pottery was found close by. ( source: department of communities )
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Rathcunningham?
The area around Rathcunningham is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Nendrum Monastery Ruins, which date back to the 5th century and are considered the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland. Another significant historical landmark is Sketrick Castle, a 12th-century castle located on Sketrick Island, offering scenic coastal views. Additionally, Audley's Castle, a late 16th-century tower house, is also nearby.
Are there any Game of Thrones filming locations near Rathcunningham?
Yes, fans of Game of Thrones can visit Castle Ward Tower, an 18th-century National Trust property in Strangford, famously known as 'Winterfell'. The estate offers tours and is situated beautifully near the shore of Strangford Lough. Audley's Field, near Audley's Castle, was also used as a filming location.
What natural features and wildlife can I expect to see around Rathcunningham?
Rathcunningham is situated close to the stunning Strangford Lough, the largest sea lough in the British Isles. This area is a designated Marine Nature Reserve, home to over 2,000 marine animal and plant species, including common and grey seals, Arctic terns, and porpoises. You might also spot curlews, oystercatchers, kestrels, and otters. The lough itself offers scenic views, particularly towards Island Taggart and the Ards Peninsula.
What outdoor activities are available near Rathcunningham?
The region around Rathcunningham and Strangford Lough provides numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. You can enjoy walking trails, birdwatching, kayaking, and canoeing on Strangford Lough. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Castle Ward Hoof Trail' or the 'Delamont Long Walk'. Cyclists can find various road cycling routes, such as the 'Ballyhornan Beach – Strangford Stone loop'. For more details on hiking, visit the Hiking around Rathcunningham guide, and for cycling, check the Road Cycling Routes around Rathcunningham guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Nendrum Monastery Ruins and Sketrick Castle are both listed as family-friendly historical sites. Castle Ward Tower, with its Game of Thrones connection and extensive estate, offers activities and tours that can be enjoyed by all ages. Many of the easy walking trails, such as the 'Castle Ward Farm Trail' or 'Sketrick Island loop', are also great for families.
What is the best time of year to visit Rathcunningham for outdoor activities?
The region around Rathcunningham and Strangford Lough is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and water activities on the lough, with longer daylight hours. Autumn brings vibrant colours to the landscape, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, especially around the historical sites. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during migration seasons.
Can I find easy walking trails near Rathcunningham?
Absolutely. There are several easy walking trails perfect for a leisurely stroll. Options include the 'Castle Ward Farm Trail' (around 4.6 km), the 'Delamont Long Walk' (around 5.2 km), and the 'Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle' (around 1.9 km). These trails offer accessible ways to enjoy the natural beauty and historical sites of the area. You can find more easy routes in the Easy hikes around Rathcunningham guide.
Are there any unique cultural experiences or local towns to explore?
The towns and villages surrounding Strangford Lough are steeped in history and offer opportunities to explore local culture. You can find art galleries and cafes, providing a glimpse into the local way of life. The wider Mourne Gullion Strangford area also provides rich cultural and heritage experiences. For more information on cultural and heritage experiences in the broader region, you may find resources at visitmournegullionstrangford.com.
What is Nendrum Monastery Ruins known for?
Nendrum Monastery Ruins is renowned as the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland. Dating back to the 5th century, it features three round dry-stone walled enclosures, a church ruin, and a round tower. Visitors can also see fragments of an early sundial and enjoy quiet views of Strangford Lough, especially when the tide is out, revealing traces of old salmon fisheries.
What is special about Sketrick Castle?
Sketrick Castle is a historic 12th-century landmark situated on Sketrick Island. Its grounds are free to explore, offering scenic coastal views. This large tower house, built in the mid-15th century, was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. Although part of it collapsed in a storm in 1896, remnants of its bawn wall and original structure remain, providing a fascinating glimpse into its past.
Can I visit Kilmood Church?
Yes, Kilmood Church is a pretty church located on a rocky knoll above the road. It is a historical site and offers a fresh drinking water tap in its courtyard, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the area.
Most popular attractions around Rathcunningham
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