Attractions and Places To See around Tullymacnous - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Tullymacnous are primarily found in County Down, Northern Ireland, near the village of Killyleagh and the shores of Strangford Lough. This area features a blend of historical sites, ancient ruins, and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore medieval castles, monastic settlements, and expansive country parks. The region offers opportunities to engage with local history and enjoy the natural beauty of the lough.
Best attractions and places to see around Tullymacnous
- The most popular 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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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 Tullymacnous?
The area is rich in history. You can visit the impressive ruins of Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a pre-Norman monastic site dating back to the 5th century. Another significant historical landmark is Sketrick Castle, a 15th-century tower house situated on Sketrick Island, which is free to explore. Additionally, Kilmood Church offers a glimpse into local religious history.
Are there any castles to visit near Tullymacnous?
Yes, there are several notable castles. Sketrick Castle is a 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island with grounds open to the public. You can also explore Castle Ward Tower, an 18th-century National Trust property known for its unique architectural styles and as a filming location for 'Game of Thrones'. Nearby, Audley's Castle, also within the Castle Ward estate, is another historic tower with connections to the series.
What natural features or viewpoints are there to enjoy?
The region is dominated by Strangford Lough, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can find scenic coastal views from Sketrick Castle. Nendrum Monastery Ruins also offers excellent views of the Lough, especially from the far east corner where you can spot traces of old salmon fisheries. Delamont Country Park, on the shores of Strangford Lough, provides tranquil views across the lough and towards the Mourne Mountains.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Tullymacnous?
Many attractions are suitable for families. The grounds of Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins are great for exploration. Castle Ward Tower and its estate offer extensive grounds, trails, and Game of Thrones-themed activities. Delamont Country Park features an outdoor adventure playground and a miniature railway, making it ideal for a family day out.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Tullymacnous, particularly near Strangford Lough, offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling on the extensive trails at Castle Ward, or explore the woodlands and trails at Delamont Country Park. Water activities like sailing, kayaking, and canoeing are popular on Strangford Lough. For more specific routes, check out the hiking guide or road cycling routes for the area.
Are there hiking trails near the attractions?
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. The Castle Ward estate offers over 34km of multi-use trails, including the 'Castle Ward Hoof Trail' and 'Castle Ward Farm Trail'. Delamont Country Park also has walking trails ranging from 1km to 7km, such as the 'Delamont Long Walk'. You can find more easy hikes, including the 'Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle', in the easy hikes guide for Tullymacnous.
What is the best time of year to visit Tullymacnous and its attractions?
The best time to visit is generally during the spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer, making it ideal for exploring outdoor sites and enjoying water activities on Strangford Lough. Autumn (September-October) also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Tullymacnous?
Visitors frequently praise the historical depth and natural beauty of the area. Many appreciate the tranquility and scenic coastal views, especially around Sketrick Castle and Nendrum Monastery Ruins. The unique architecture of Castle Ward and its connection to 'Game of Thrones' is also a big draw, along with the extensive trails for walking and cycling.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth visiting?
While not strictly 'hidden,' the Nendrum Monastery Ruins offer a serene experience with a picnic area and a quiet bench providing one of the best views of Strangford Lough. Finnebrogue Woods, though not a highlight in the guide, is a local gem offering natural trails and unique outdoor experiences like bushcraft and wild cooking, providing a different kind of escape.
Where can I learn more about the local history of Killyleagh and the surrounding area?
For those interested in local history, the Killyleagh Heritage Centre provides insights into the village and its castle, with artifacts dating back to the 12th century. You can also follow the Killyleagh Heritage Trail, which highlights historical figures and sites like the castle, mills, and harbor. The Sir Hans Sloane Centre in Killyleagh commemorates the birthplace of the renowned collector.
Can I find any Game of Thrones filming locations in the area?
Yes, the area is famous for its Game of Thrones connections. Castle Ward Tower and its estate served as a primary filming location for Winterfell. Within the Castle Ward demesne, Audley's Castle was also used as a filming location, notably for scenes involving the Twins.
Are there opportunities for water sports or activities on Strangford Lough?
Strangford Lough is an excellent location for water-based activities. Its status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes it perfect for sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. Local clubs and centers in Killyleagh offer opportunities to engage in these sports. You can also enjoy birdwatching and seal spotting along its shores.
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