Attractions and Places To See around Cluntagh - Top 20

The area around Cluntagh is rich in history. You can visit Kilmood Church, a pretty historical site situated on a rocky knoll. Another significant historical landmark is Audley's Castle, a 15th-century tower house with connections to the Anglo-Norman Audley family and known as a filming location for "Game of Thrones." Additionally, Castle Ward Tower, famous as "Winterfell" in Game of Thrones, is an 18th-century National Trust property showcasing both classical and gothic architectural styles.

Absolutely. The region is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can find the Strangford Stone, the tallest megalith in Ireland, located on the shores of Strangford Lough. The Lough itself offers stunning views and opportunities for nature observation, particularly along Quarterland Road and Ringhaddy Sound, known for its scenic beauty and unusual swollen hills.

The area offers various outdoor activities, especially cycling and running. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Delamont to Ardglass Harbour loop' or the 'Saint John's Point loop'. Running enthusiasts might enjoy the 'Delamont Country Park running loop' or the 'Strangford Stone loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Cluntagh and Running Trails around Cluntagh guides.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Castle Ward Tower, with its Game of Thrones connections and estate, offers tours and activities like archery. The area around Strangford Stone, located within a 200-acre Country Park, provides a great day out for all ages with walking and nature observation opportunities. Kilmood Church is also listed as family-friendly.

For attractions within the Castle Ward estate, such as Castle Ward Tower and Audley's Castle, the Castle Ward Shore Car Park is available. This car park is conveniently located for accessing trails and various Game of Thrones filming spots within the grounds.

Yes, the area is famous for its Game of Thrones connections. Castle Ward Tower served as "Winterfell," and you can book tours and archery experiences there. Audley's Castle (Audley's Field) was also used as a filming location, notably for scenes involving Robb Stark and Talisa.

Beyond the castles, a truly unique landmark is the Strangford Stone, recognized as the tallest megalith in Ireland. It's situated in a beautiful country park on the shores of Strangford Lough, offering both historical significance and scenic views.

Yes, for refreshments, the area around Strangford Stone in Delamont Country Park features Steamers Coffee Shop, which offers a variety of refreshments, including breakfast, lunch, coffee, and ice cream in the summer. Additionally, Kilmood Church has a fresh drinking water tap in its courtyard.

The trails around Cluntagh offer varied terrain. For instance, cycling routes like 'Mallard Plantation – View of Castle Ward Mansion loop' are rated as easy, while others such as 'Portaferry Marina – Whiterock Harbour loop' are considered difficult. Running trails range from easy loops around Strangford Stone to more challenging routes like the 'Strangford Stone – Picnic Café loop'. The landscape often includes winding, undulating lanes with views of Strangford Lough.

Yes, the Castle Ward Shore Car Park is listed as wheelchair accessible, providing a starting point for exploring the wider Castle Ward estate and its trails.

County Down boasts a wealth of historic sites beyond those directly around Cluntagh. For a comprehensive list and further details, you can visit the Department for Communities website: Historic Places to Visit. This includes various castles, prehistoric monuments, and archaeological sites.

While Cluntagh is in County Down, nearby County Monaghan also offers a rich array of heritage sites. These include ancient monuments, old graveyards, and rock art sites, reflecting a long history from the Bronze Age. You can explore more about these sites on the Monaghan Tourism website: Monaghan's Heritage Sites.