Attractions and Places To See around Guns Island - Top 15
Best attractions and places to see around Guns Island include historical sites and natural landscapes situated near Strangford Lough. The region offers 15 diverse places to explore, from 18th-century properties to ancient castles. Visitors can discover a mix of cultural heritage and scenic views in this area.
Best attractions and places to see around Guns Island
- The most popular attractions is Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location), a castle that is an 18th-century National Trust property. It is known…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location)
Highlight • Castle
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Audley's Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
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Castle Ward Shore Car Park
Highlight • Parking
google (Street View, 2022-10-08):
google.com/maps/@54.3713306,-5.5778595,3a,90y,117.72h,84.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7dSc5aXTJSXk5hacxvJvHg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
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Forest Path Along Strangford Lough
Highlight • Trail
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Ardglass Harbour
Highlight • Structure
Ardglass is now one of the safest small harbours on the east coast of Ireland, following improvements made in recent years.
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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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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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Also known as Phennick Cove Marina, in Ardglass, County Down, one of three major fishing ports in Northern Ireland. Ardglass is now one of the safest small harbours on the east coast of Ireland, following improvements made in recent years.
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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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Shore car park for trails google (Street View, 2022-10-08): https://www.google.com/maps/@54.3713306,-5.5778595,3a,90y,117.72h,84.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7dSc5aXTJSXk5hacxvJvHg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
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TheIrishRoadTrip ("Game of Thrones Ireland: 16 Filming Locations From The Show”, 2022-10-08): https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/game-of-thrones-filming-locations-northern-ireland/ “… You’ll find the 16th-century Castle Ward, which was the backdrop for the series pilot and a chunk of season one, just 40 minutes from Belfast. Castle Ward was used as ‘Winterfell’ – the home of the Stark family. Its towering medieval walls and now-iconic castle tower gate made it an ideal shooting location for the show. …” #GoT #HouseStark #Winterfell #Westeros Wikipedia (Winterfell (Game of Thrones episode), 2022-10-08): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winterfell_(Game_of_Thrones_episode) National Trust(HBO's Game of Thrones at Castle Ward, 2022-10-08): https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward/features/game-of-thrones-at-castle-ward Peak Discovery Ltd (Winterfell Tours, 2022-10-08) https://www.gameofthrones-winterfelltours.com/thedarkhedges https://youtu.be/RMwzMU7iW_Y Tripadvisor (Game of Thrones - Winterfell Trek from Belfast(, 2022-10-08): https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g186470-d15079832-Game_of_Thrones_Winterfell_Trek_from_Belfast-Belfast_Northern_Ireland.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit near Guns Island?
The area around Guns Island is rich in history. You can explore Castle Ward Tower, an 18th-century National Trust property known for its dual architectural styles. Another significant historical site is Audley's Castle, a 16th-century tower house with a fascinating past.
Are there any Game of Thrones filming locations around Guns Island?
Yes, fans of Game of Thrones will recognize several spots. Castle Ward Tower served as a primary filming location for Winterfell. Additionally, Audley's Castle and its surrounding field were used for scenes such as Robb Stark's camp and the Twins.
What kind of natural landscapes can I explore near Guns Island?
The region offers beautiful natural settings. You can enjoy the Forest Path Along Strangford Lough, which provides scenic views of the lough through ancient trees. The area is characterized by coastal views and forest paths, perfect for nature lovers.
Are there family-friendly walks around Guns Island?
Yes, many trails in the area are suitable for families. The Castle Ward estate, accessible via the Castle Ward Shore Car Park, offers easy, signposted walks through forests with great views of Strangford Lough. These paths are generally considered family-friendly.
Can I find easy hiking trails near Guns Island?
Absolutely. For easy hikes, consider routes within the Castle Ward estate, such as the 'Castle Ward – Castle Ward Shore Car Park loop from Strangford' which is around 4.5 km. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Guns Island guide.
Are there cycling routes available around Guns Island?
Yes, the area provides several cycling opportunities. Routes like the 'Kilclief to Ardglass Harbour loop' offer moderate challenges and cover distances around 29 km. Explore more options in the Cycling around Guns Island guide.
Where can I park when visiting attractions near Guns Island?
A convenient parking option is the Castle Ward Shore Car Park. This facility provides direct access to trails and is close to various points of interest within the Castle Ward estate, including Game of Thrones filming locations.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible places near Guns Island?
The Castle Ward Shore Car Park is listed as wheelchair accessible, providing a starting point for exploring parts of the Castle Ward estate. It's advisable to check specific trail conditions for accessibility before visiting.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Guns Island?
Visitors frequently highlight the unique blend of history and natural beauty. The Game of Thrones filming locations at Castle Ward Tower and Audley's Castle are very popular. The scenic forest paths along Strangford Lough and the charming fishing village of Ardglass Harbour also receive high praise.
Are there opportunities for running near Guns Island attractions?
Yes, there are several running trails. You can find moderate routes like the 'Audley's Castle – Audleystown Wood loop' which is around 7.7 km. For more challenging runs, consider the 'Castle Ward Hoof Trail run'. Details are available in the Running Trails around Guns Island guide.
Are dogs allowed on trails around Guns Island?
Many outdoor areas and trails around Guns Island are dog-friendly, especially within the Castle Ward estate. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and check specific signage for any restrictions, particularly in nature reserves or sensitive areas.
What is the best time of year to visit Guns Island?
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor attractions and trails around Guns Island. During these times, the natural landscapes are vibrant, and conditions are ideal for hiking and cycling. However, historical sites like Castle Ward are accessible year-round.
Are there places to eat or drink near the attractions?
While specific cafes and pubs are not detailed for every highlight, the nearby village of Strangford and the fishing village of Ardglass Harbour offer options for refreshments and meals. The Castle Ward estate itself may also have facilities, especially during peak season.
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