Top 5 Castles around Clay
Best castles around Clay are primarily found in areas rich with historical significance and natural beauty, particularly around Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. This region is characterized by its coastal landscapes and numerous historical sites. Visitors can explore ancient tower houses and 18th-century estates. The area offers a blend of historical exploration and scenic views.
Best castles around Clay
- The most popular castles is Sketrick Castle, a castle that is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock.…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Sketrick Castle
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Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location)
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Audley's Castle
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Mahee Castle
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Castle Ward
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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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National Trust (Castle Ward, 2023-12-24): https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl_SVBg9R8U Wikipedia (Castle Ward, 2023-12-24): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Ward https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Ward “… The most interesting aspect of Castle Ward is that of its dual architecture, representing the differing tastes of Lord Bangor and his wife, Lady Ann Bligh. While the entrance side of the building is done in a classical Palladian style with columns supporting a triangular pediment, the opposite side is Georgian Gothic with pointed windows, battlements and finials. …”
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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 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.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Clay are most popular with visitors?
The most popular castles in the area include Sketrick Castle, a historic 15th-century tower house on Sketrick Island, and Castle Ward Tower, famously known as a "Winterfell" filming location from Game of Thrones. Castle Ward itself is also highly appreciated for its unique dual architecture and scenic estate.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit around Clay?
Yes, several castles are great for families. Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location) and the wider Castle Ward estate are both tagged as family-friendly, offering tours and activities like archery. Sketrick Castle is also considered family-friendly, with its grounds free to explore.
Which castles offer scenic views or viewpoints?
Many castles in the Clay area boast excellent views. Sketrick Castle offers scenic coastal views, often with seals and otters. Both Castle Ward Tower and Castle Ward provide beautiful vistas of Strangford Lough. Audley's Castle is also noted for its viewpoint.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near the castles?
Yes, you can. Near Sketrick Castle, there's a good cafe/restaurant/bar in the area. The Castle Ward estate also features a coffee shop, perfect for a break during your visit.
Are there any castles around Clay that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Castle Ward is listed as wheelchair accessible, making it a suitable option for visitors with mobility needs.
What kind of historical significance do the castles around Clay hold?
The castles around Clay are rich in history. Sketrick Castle is a 15th-century tower house involved in 16th-century warfare. Castle Ward Tower and
Are there any 'hidden gem' castles or less-visited historical sites?
For a quieter, more atmospheric experience, consider visiting Mahee Castle. This badly ruined 1570 tower-house offers a great atmosphere, especially towards evening, with the sounds of birds across the Lough. Its main hall still retains its roof, providing a unique glimpse into the past.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Clay's castles, particularly near Strangford Lough, offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including the 'Strangford Lough Cycle Trail', and running trails. For more details on routes, you can explore the Cycling around Clay and Running Trails around Clay guides.
Are there opportunities for walking or hiking near the castles?
Yes, the estates around the castles provide excellent walking opportunities. Castle Ward offers trail walks with scenic views of Strangford Lough. Additionally, you can find various running and cycling routes in the vicinity that are suitable for walking, as detailed in the Running Trails around Clay guide.
What makes Castle Ward unique compared to other castles?
Castle Ward is particularly unique due to its dual architecture. It showcases both classical Palladian and Georgian Gothic styles, reflecting the differing tastes of Lord Bangor and his wife, Lady Ann Bligh. This architectural contrast is visible on opposite sides of the building.
Are any of the castles around Clay associated with Game of Thrones filming locations?
Yes, the area is famous for its connection to Game of Thrones. Castle Ward Tower is best known as "Winterfell," and the estate offers tours related to the show. Audley's Castle and Audley's Field were also used as filming locations, with the tower serving as one of the Twin Towers.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles around Clay?
Visitors frequently highlight the blend of historical exploration and scenic beauty. They enjoy the coastal views, the chance to spot wildlife like seals and otters near Sketrick Castle, and the unique experience of visiting Game of Thrones filming locations at Castle Ward Tower. The peaceful atmosphere and trail walks at places like Castle Ward are also highly appreciated.
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