Attractions and places to see around Quarterland, a townland on the western shore of Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland, offer a mix of historical landmarks and natural beauty. This area is characterized by its tranquil environment and historical significance. Visitors can explore ancient ruins and castles, alongside scenic views of the lough. Quarterland tourist information highlights its unique blend of history and nature.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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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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The castle is named after its late 16th century owners, the Audleys, an Anglo-Norman family who owned land in the area in the 13th century. It was sold along with the surrounding property to the Ward family in 1646. Audley's Field was used as a filming location in the series "Game of Thrones", the tower was one of the Twin Towers.
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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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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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Quarterland is rich in history. You can visit the ancient ruins of Nendrum Monastery Ruins, a pre-Norman monastic site dating back to the 5th century. Explore Sketrick Castle, a 12th-century landmark on Sketrick Island, or the 16th-century Audley's Castle. Don't miss Castle Ward Tower, an 18th-century National Trust property with dual architectural styles.
Yes, fans of Game of Thrones will recognize some locations. Castle Ward Tower is famously known as 'Winterfell' in the series. Additionally, Audley's Castle and Audley's Field were used for filming, with the tower appearing as one of the Twin Towers.
The area around Quarterland offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around Whiterock Harbour. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes that pass by historical sites like Kilmood Church and Nendrum Monastery. There are also easy hiking trails, such as the Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle or walks in Delamont Country Park. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Easy Hikes guides.
Many attractions around Quarterland are suitable for families. Sketrick Castle, Nendrum Monastery Ruins, Kilmood Church, and Castle Ward Tower are all marked as family-friendly. These sites offer historical exploration and scenic views that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Quarterland is located on the western shore of Strangford Lough, offering tranquil and scenic views. You can enjoy coastal vistas from Sketrick Castle, which is popular with cyclists for its views. The Nendrum Monastery Ruins also provide excellent views of the lough, especially from a park bench in the far east corner. Castle Ward Tower is set in a beautiful location near the lough's shore.
While specific data on the best time to visit isn't provided, the area's natural beauty and historical sites are generally enjoyable year-round. For outdoor activities like hiking, running, and cycling, milder weather in spring and autumn is often ideal. However, the scenic coastal views and historical grounds can be explored in any season.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. You can enjoy the Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle, which is an easy 1.9 km walk. Other easy options include walks in Delamont Country Park and loops around Whiterock Harbour. For more details, refer to the Easy Hikes around Quarterland guide.
Beyond the more prominent castles and monasteries, Kilmood Church offers a quiet, pretty spot on a rocky knoll above the road, with a fresh drinking water tap in its courtyard. It's a charming historical site that provides a peaceful experience.
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. They particularly enjoy the historical significance of sites like Nendrum Monastery Ruins, noting its quiet atmosphere and excellent views of Strangford Lough. The scenic coastal views from places like Sketrick Castle are also highly praised, often with sightings of seals and otters. The unique architectural style and Game of Thrones connection of Castle Ward Tower are also big draws.
Yes, there are several circular walks available. For instance, the Sketrick Island loop via Sketrick Castle is a popular easy circular route. You can also find running and cycling routes that form loops, such as the Whiterock Harbour loops or the Kilmood Church loops for road cycling. Check the specific route guides for more options.
Nendrum Monastery Ruins is considered the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland, dating back to the 5th century. It consists of three concentric dry-stone walled enclosures, with a church ruin, a round tower, and a graveyard. It has links to St. Patrick and was an important ecclesiastical center, even featuring a sophisticated tide mill in the early 7th century.


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