Attractions and Places To See around Ballybredagh - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Ballybredagh are located within County Armagh, a region characterized by its historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural sites. The area offers a variety of experiences, from ancient monuments to preserved estates and extensive forest parks. Visitors can explore a range of historical landmarks and natural features.
Best attractions and places to see around Ballybredagh
- The most popular attractions is Sketrick Castle, a castle that dates back to the 12th century. This large tower house was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century and its grounds are free to explore.
- Another must-see spot is Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a historical site and religious building. This pre-Norman monastic site dates back to the 5th century and features three round dry-stone walled enclosures.
- Visitors also love Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location), an 18th-century National Trust property. The castle and its estate are located near the shore of Strangford Lough and feature two unique architectural styles.
- Ballybredagh is known for its historical sites, castles, and natural features. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including ancient ruins, preserved estates, and scenic viewpoints.
- The attractions around Ballybredagh are appreciated by the komoot community. The community has contributed 16 photos and 45 upvotes to these attractions.
Last updated: May 9, 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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Audley's Field was used as a filming location in the series "Game of Thrones", the tower was one of the Twin Towers.
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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 near Ballybredagh?
The area around Ballybredagh is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a pre-Norman monastic site dating back to the 5th century with dry-stone walled enclosures and a church ruin. Another significant historical landmark is Sketrick Castle, a 12th-century tower house with a history of 16th-century warfare, offering scenic coastal views. Additionally, Kilmood Church is a pretty historical church situated on a rocky knoll.
Are there any Game of Thrones filming locations near Ballybredagh?
Yes, fans of Game of Thrones can visit Castle Ward Tower, which served as 'Winterfell' in the series. This 18th-century National Trust property near Strangford Lough offers tours and even archery experiences. Nearby, Audley's Castle and its surrounding field were also used as filming locations, including scenes for the 'Twin Towers'.
What outdoor activities, like walking or cycling, are available near Ballybredagh?
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. For cycling, explore routes like the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail or the scenic 'Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop – Nendrum Monastery Ruins loop'. If you prefer walking, there are easy hikes such as the Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle or the 'Delamont Long Walk'.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Ballybredagh?
Absolutely! Many attractions cater to families. Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins are both considered family-friendly historical sites. Castle Ward Tower, with its Game of Thrones connection and estate activities, is also a great option for families. Beyond these, Gosford Forest Park offers extensive walking trails and an adventure playpark, while Slieve Gullion Forest Park features 'Fionn's Giant Adventure' children's story trail.
Where can I find natural beauty and scenic viewpoints in the region?
The area boasts stunning natural landscapes. Sketrick Castle offers scenic coastal views, and from Nendrum Monastery Ruins, you can enjoy beautiful vistas of the Lough. Further afield, Gosford Forest Park is a nature lover's paradise with diverse flora and wildlife. Slieve Gullion, known as Ireland's Mountain of Mystery, provides breathtaking views as Armagh's highest point, and Oxford Island & Lough Neagh Discovery Centre offers woodland trails and bird-watching hides.
What are some unique cultural experiences or museums in County Armagh?
County Armagh offers several unique cultural experiences. You can visit the Navan Centre & Fort, an ancient ceremonial site that brings Celtic myths to life. The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium provides interactive exhibits and houses Ireland's largest meteorite. For local history, the Armagh County Museum is Ireland's oldest county museum, and the Armagh Robinson Library, established in 1771, is a treasure trove of rare books.
Are there any large parks or forests for recreation?
Yes, the region is home to several expansive parks. Gosford Forest Park, surrounding Gosford Castle, is a 240-hectare park with walking trails, red deer, and longhorn cattle. Lurgan Park is one of the largest public parks in Ireland, featuring a large man-made lake. Slieve Gullion Forest Park also offers walking trails, a scenic drive, and an adventure playpark.
What is the best time to visit the attractions around Ballybredagh?
The best time to visit largely depends on your interests. Spring and summer (April to September) generally offer milder weather, ideal for exploring outdoor historical sites like Nendrum Monastery Ruins and enjoying the walking and cycling routes. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to the forest parks. Many indoor attractions, such as museums and the planetarium, are enjoyable year-round.
Can I find any hidden gems or less-known spots near Ballybredagh?
While the main highlights are popular, exploring the smaller localities can reveal hidden charm. The tranquil Clare Glen, with its pretty stone bridges and easy walking trails along the Cusher River, offers a peaceful escape. Scarva Village, located on the Newry cycle path, features a historical pilbox from WWII, providing a glimpse into local history off the beaten path.
Are there any impressive architectural landmarks in the wider County Armagh area?
Beyond the castles, County Armagh features notable architectural landmarks. The city of Armagh is unique for its two St. Patrick's Cathedrals, both significant historical and architectural sites. The Craigmore Viaduct, an impressive 18-arch Victorian railway structure, is the highest of its kind in Northern Ireland. The Argory, a beautifully preserved 19th-century National Trust property, offers a glimpse into Irish gentry life.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the natural areas?
In natural areas like Gosford Forest Park, you might spot red deer and longhorn cattle. The coastal areas around Sketrick Castle are known for seals and otters fishing in the shallow waters. Oxford Island & Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is a designated National Nature Reserve, offering excellent bird-watching opportunities and unique boglands and wildflower meadows.
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