It’s all about the sea around Strangford and Lecale. An area of outstanding natural beauty, stunning views and of special scientific interest, this part of the world is a real winner for those who like their life outdoors. Whether you want to take a boat across the lough, put on your boots and trek around its shores or immerse yourself in the world of Game of Thrones® you’ll find it all in this beautiful part of our area.
A castle full of fun
Set within the grounds of an impressive eight-hundred-and-twenty-acre demesne, there are no less than 34 kilometres of walks and trails within Castle Ward. Take the route to Audley’s Castle, which fans of Game of Thrones® will recognise as Robb’s Camp or saddle up with friends and cycle around the Castle Ward Shore Trail following the shores of Strangford Lough as far as Audley's Quay. Take some time to have afternoon tea in the Stableyard Café before visiting the castle itself and finding out more about the wonderful world of Lady Anne Ward.
It doesn't stop there. On the same site, fans of Game of Thrones® can take aim and learn the arts of archery. Castle Ward’s courtyard is the very site where young Bran was taught to shoot and on the Game of Thrones Archery Experience you’ll get kitted out in full GOT get up and find out how it’s done.
Indeed, there are a whole host of activities available at Castle Ward including canoeing and kayaking and if you like you can even stay in one of the onsite camping pods.
Take to the sea
The same company, Clearsky Adventure Centre, also runs the Strangford Sea Safari which offers tours around the lough in their twelve-seat high-speed rib. They only go like the clappers a couple of times and they do stop to take in and enjoy some of the quieter features of the lough.
The Strangford Lough Ferry is another option for those who want to see more from the water.
The ferry crosses a stretch of water known as the Narrows and links the beautiful Ards Peninsula to Lecale and the villages of Strangford and Portaferry. With a journey time of around 10 minutes, the ferry crossing saves a good fifty-mile drive around the lough and is a nice way of taking in more of the area.
Go wild for the wildlife here
Strangford and Lecale are teeming with wildlife and a trip to Cloghy Rocks is a must for nature lovers. This peaceful nature reserve is a favorite resting place and breeding ground for seals and it is quite wonderful to see so many of them in their natural habitat.
You are sure to see more of the same with the Legends of Lecale Peninsula Tours. Led by local historian and author Duane Fitzsimons, this tour takes small groups on parts of the forty-seven-mile Lecale Way. Not only will you see important landmarks related to saints Patrick, Brigid and Colmcille but you’ll also hear lots more folklore and legends pertaining to the area. The scenery - well that goes without saying, just like everywhere else around Strangford and Lecale.
Newcastle and Castlewellan Bike Hire We have a wide range of bikes available for hire. Mountain bikes, electric e-bikes, tandem bicycles, kids bicycles. You name it, we should have it. Free delivery and shuttle bus service.
Storyteller Duane Fitzsimons’ tours of the Home of Saint Patrick are filled with amazing legends, artefacts, and folklore.
***Temporary Suspension of Normal Ferry Service **** Essential health and safety work will be carried out at slipways in Portaferry and Strangford, 14 October 2024 and last for 5 weeks. Alternative arrangements intended for passengers include a passenger only ferry operating a reduced timetable.
Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and the shoreline.
The Cuan is situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, on the Village Green in the beautiful tranquil village of Strangford. The Cuan is the perfect setting for a mid-week break, weekend getaway or an activity led holiday with the family.
