Top 4 Castles around Magherasaul
Best castles around Magherasaul are found within the wider County Down region, as Magherasaul itself is a locality in Newry, Northern Ireland, and a townland. This area provides access to a variety of historic fortifications. The landscape around Magherasaul offers opportunities to explore sites of historical and architectural significance. Visitors can discover castles that reflect centuries of the region's past.
Best castles around Magherasaul
- The most popular castles is View of Castlewellan Castle, a castle that is an ornate…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
View of Castlewellan Castle
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Clough Castle Ruins
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Dundrum Castle
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Castlewellan Forest Park Lake and Scenic View
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This historic 12th century building is a typical example of an Anglo-Norman motte with a kidney-shaped bailey. The 7.6m high mound, which once housed a wooden tower, was later replaced by a stone tower house, the ruins of which can still be seen today. Access is via Clough's main road; there is a small car park, but it is not always well signposted. Access is usually permitted. The surrounding countryside, with views of the Mourne Mountains, offers a tranquil atmosphere that invites you to linger.
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A very beautiful castle in the forest
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Home to one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. However this beaut has numerous features to spend your time in. There's famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking trails, 27km of Mountain Bike Trails, an onsite multi activity centre, hedge maze and equestrian centre, Castlewellan Forest Park boasts all of this and more. A real gem
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The motte and bailey dates to c.1200 and is an excellent example of an Anglo-Norman earthwork castle. The taller mound, the motte, was built of earth to provide a look-out position and the central defence. Excavations at the top of the motte during the 1950s uncovered a wooden palisade which originally extended around the summit. When you climb the motte you realise what an important position the castle is in, over looking the routes east to Downpatrick, south to Dundrum and north to Belfast Lough. The views from the top of the motte west to Slieve Croob are particularly fine.
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The beautiful Dundrum Castle is located on a hilltop near Dundrum village. Its elevated position provides fantastic panoramic views across Dundrum, the Carrigs Estuary, the Mourne Mountain range and out to the Irish Sea. The castle itself was constructed by John de Courcy at the beginning of the 13th century. It's a fine example of a historic medieval castle of its time.
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This extraordinary castle sits in Castlewellan Forest Park and has a grand view over the lake. From the walking and cycle trail around the lakeside, you can enjoy the fantastic vantage point and admire the castle's turrets. Built in the mid 1800s, the castle was owned by the Annesley family. Its grounds contain a phenomenal arboretum which has been considerably extended and includes giant sequoias. The building is now a Christian conference centre and isn't open to the public. It's well worth seeing from the outside though, and the lawns around the lake are a perfect place for a picnic.
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Lovely looking castle surrounded by a lake and lots of trails for walking and cycling. Unfortunately, the castle is not open to the public and swimming is not allowed in the lake (fishing and boats are fine).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore near Magherasaul?
The region around Magherasaul, particularly County Down, offers a variety of historic fortifications. You can find everything from Anglo-Norman earthwork castles like Clough Castle Ruins, which date back to around 1200, to 13th-century medieval strongholds such as Dundrum Castle, and even 19th-century Scottish baronial structures like Castlewellan Castle.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Magherasaul?
Yes, several castles and their surrounding areas are suitable for families. Castlewellan Castle is located within Castlewellan Forest Park, which offers numerous features like a hedge maze, arboretum, and walking trails, making it a great family day out. Clough Castle Ruins are also considered family-friendly, offering an interesting historical site to explore.
Can I bring my dog to the castles around Magherasaul?
Yes, some castle sites are dog-friendly. For instance, Clough Castle Ruins welcomes dogs. Similarly, the extensive grounds of Castlewellan Forest Park, where Castlewellan Castle is located, are suitable for dog walks, though specific rules might apply near the castle building itself.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The areas around these castles offer various outdoor activities. Near Castlewellan Castle, within Castlewellan Forest Park, you can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking on trails like the 'Lakeside Walk' or 'Slievenaslat Peak & Castlewellan Castle loop'. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Magherasaul or the cycling routes in the area.
Are there hiking trails near the castles?
Absolutely. Castlewellan Forest Park, home to Castlewellan Castle, features numerous trails, including the 'Lakeside Walk' and the 'Slievenaslat & Tea House loop'. Near Dundrum Castle, you can find the 'Dundrum Coastal Path'. You can find more detailed information on these and other trails in the hiking guide for Magherasaul.
What are the best viewpoints near the castles?
Many castles offer excellent viewpoints due to their strategic locations. From Dundrum Castle, you get panoramic views across Dundrum, the Carrigs Estuary, and the Mourne Mountains. Clough Castle Ruins, situated on a motte, provides views over surrounding routes and the Mourne Mountains to the west. Castlewellan Castle itself offers grand views over the lake within the forest park.
What is the best time to visit castles in County Down?
Visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant weather for exploring, with fewer crowds than peak summer. The landscapes around the castles, especially in forest parks, are particularly beautiful during these seasons. However, many sites are accessible year-round, offering different atmospheric experiences.
Are there any other notable castles in the wider Northern Ireland region?
Beyond County Down, Northern Ireland boasts several other significant castles. These include the well-preserved Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim, the dramatic cliff-edge ruins of Dunluce Castle, also in County Antrim, and the picturesque Kinbane Castle. Gosford Castle in County Armagh, a 19th-century mock-medieval fortress, is also noteworthy. For more historic places to visit, you can check the Historic Environment Division website.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles near Magherasaul?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical significance and the stunning natural settings of these castles. The panoramic views from sites like Dundrum Castle and Clough Castle Ruins are highly praised. The tranquil atmosphere and the opportunities for walking and cycling in places like Castlewellan Forest Park, which surrounds Castlewellan Castle, are also popular.
Are there cafes or pubs near these castle sites?
Yes, you can find amenities in nearby villages. Dundrum village, close to Dundrum Castle, offers cafes and pubs. Similarly, the town of Castlewellan, adjacent to Castlewellan Forest Park and Castlewellan Castle, provides various options for refreshments and meals.
Is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3233634" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Castlewellan Castle</a> open to the public for tours?
While Castlewellan Castle is a beautiful Scottish baronial building within Castlewellan Forest Park, it is not generally open to the public for tours as it currently operates as a Christian conference centre. However, you can admire its exterior and the grand views over the lake from the surrounding trails.
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