Top 4 Castles around Quarterland
Best castles around Quarterland offers a glimpse into historical architecture set within a landscape characterized by coastal views and lough-side settings. The region features several historical sites, including well-preserved tower houses and 18th-century properties. These structures are often found near bodies of water, providing a blend of natural scenery and historical interest.
Best castles around Quarterland
- The most popular castles is Sketrick Castle, a castle that is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. This large tower…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Sketrick Castle
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location)
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Audley's Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Mahee Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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
2
0
Great place for a run along the coastline.
0
0
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
0
1
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.
1
0
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.
3
1
This tower-house, said to have been built in 1570 by an English soldier, Captain Browne, is badly ruined but is still of considerable interest. Rectangular and fairly small in ground plan, it was entered by a door in the north-west wall which has a draw bar socket and a murder-hole. To the left of the door was a stair to the next floor. There are two ground floor rooms, the larger with a semi-circular vault built on plank centring and the smaller with a pointed vault built on paired wicker mats. The smaller room, once thought to be a secure boat bay, may be just a storeroom (compare nearby Sketrick). There were two storeys above, but the upper parts are ruined. Part of the bawn wall survives to the south-west, cut into the hill.
0
0
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.
0
0
Daft Eddy's Restaurant / Pub is very popular with Cyclists, and is just up the hill. There is also a Car park with full facilities if you look back to the mainland just on your left.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Quarterland are most popular with visitors?
Visitors frequently enjoy Sketrick Castle, a historic tower house on Sketrick Island, and Castle Ward Tower, an 18th-century National Trust property famous as a Game of Thrones filming location. Mahee Castle, though ruined, is also appreciated for its quiet atmosphere and historical significance.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in the area?
Yes, both Sketrick Castle and Castle Ward Tower are considered family-friendly. Castle Ward, in particular, offers tours and activities like archery, appealing to a wide range of ages.
What kind of historical significance do these castles hold?
The castles offer a glimpse into various historical periods. Sketrick Castle is a 15th-century tower house involved in 16th-century warfare. Castle Ward Tower is an 18th-century property known for its unique architectural styles. Audley's Castle dates back to the late 16th century, named after its Anglo-Norman owners.
Can I find natural features or viewpoints near the castles?
Absolutely. Sketrick Castle offers scenic coastal views and opportunities to spot seals and otters. Castle Ward Tower is beautifully situated near Strangford Lough, providing picturesque natural scenery.
Are there any castles in the area known for being filming locations?
Yes, Castle Ward Tower is famously known as 'Winterfell' from the Game of Thrones series. Additionally, Audley's Castle was used as a filming location for 'Audley's Field' in the same series.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around these castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find cycling routes like the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail, with options ranging from easy to difficult. There are also easy hiking trails, such as the Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle. For more details, explore the cycling guides and hiking guides for the region.
Are there easy walking routes around the castles?
Yes, there are easy walking routes available. For instance, the Sketrick Island loop, which passes by Sketrick Castle, is an easy hike. You can find more easy hikes in the easy hikes guide for Quarterland.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles in this area?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical architecture with natural beauty. Many enjoy the scenic coastal views, the quiet atmosphere at places like Mahee Castle, and the unique experience of visiting Game of Thrones filming locations at Castle Ward Tower and Audley's Castle.
Are there places to eat or drink near the castles?
Yes, near Sketrick Castle, there is a good cafe/restaurant/bar in the area, which is popular with cyclists on weekends.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Quarterland?
While specific seasonal advice for 'Quarterland' isn't available, generally, the spring and summer months (April to September) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring outdoor historical sites and enjoying the scenic lough-side settings. However, places like Mahee Castle can offer a quiet, atmospheric experience even towards evening in other seasons.
Can I explore the grounds of Sketrick Castle for free?
Yes, the grounds of Sketrick Castle are free to explore. It's a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island.
Most popular routes around Quarterland
Most popular attractions around Quarterland
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Quarterland:
