National Trust - Castle Ward — Attraction in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

I thought it would be a good opportunity to revisit Castle Ward house having been here as a child and recalling finding the interior of the house's contrasting styles (one half classical, the other gothic) interesting... Today we find the signage within the grounds inconsistent, insufficient, and often poorly located; the disabled persons' parking is a joke meanwhile able bodied people have parked right next to the entrance; they lock the house doors except for a few minutes before the start of the next tour, which are on the hour and tough luck if you arrive at five minutes past, you'll just have to walk even further to find somewhere to sit down. Oh, and the girl in the visitors centre thought it was acceptable to keep a disabled person standing and visibly in pain waiting while she fixated on a couple who had already got their tour tickets and were dragging out a "light conversation" as if there was no one else in the same small room as they rambled on about inconsequential nonsense. I had to sit down and wait until they eventually wandered off, at which time I asked my quick question (which could have easily been politely dealt with ten minutes earlier). The girl was unable to tell me the different distances of the two routes that could be used to get from the disabled persons' parking up to the main house. The most direct route was up a rather steep gravel path which would be totally unsuitable for wheelchair users (having been a full-time wheelchair user for 4 years I know what it's like) or anyone with severe asthma/COPD and similar conditions. The more gently sloping route was via the sunken garden heading away from the house, then eventually winding round and heading back towards the front of the house, clearly the distance is further but not knowing the exact distances makes it a guessing game for mobility impaired visitors trying to figure out which route is most manageable for them and will result in the least pain/fatigue. Distances between the various points of interest would be greatly appreciated by the majority of mobility impaired visitors who often have to limit their activities due to pain and fatigue. The tour itself was great. Our guide Marion was very thoughtful, especially in making sure I had a seat whenever I needed to sit down. Marion was very informative and interesting, it was a pleasure to listen to her talk about the house and its various occupants over the years. She engaged with the adults and children keeping everyone absolutely fascinated. I wondered if Marion could give the other volunteers some tips on dealing with mobility impaired visitors with respect and attentiveness! Top marks to Marion, if only the other aforementioned issues could be dealt with to the same level of consideration I would be confident in recommending a visit to Castle Ward to both mobility impaired and able-bodied...

We visited the Game Of Thrones Festival day at Castle Ward. (GOT) It was a fantastic day meeting with knights, jousting, swordfights, watching tradesmen create items. (Who were involved in creating props from the show) . Also a chance to mee members of the cast. And a tour showing how the filming and Computer generated imaging were used in creating the special effects in the show. Highlights of my day were meeting 2 of the dogs who played the GOT Dire wolves. Second favourite was the jousting; horses with knights and the birds of prey.

The grounds were lovely, parking was well organised, beautiful views of the building from the hill. Then passing down behind the building were the birds of prey continuing on a path that led you through the various displays.

looking down over house Stark into the lake with the mist just clearing in the distance set the scene for the start of my day with GOT. Just lovely.

Only down sides was there was a lot of walking. A steep field and rough ground. But we were in no hurry so we're able to rest along the way and enjoy various displays, the wonderful views and the grounds. A lot of steps had been taken to address this issue with mats laid down and pathways marked. A very Long line to meet the cast. So we gave that a pass.

Overall a day I and my family will remember as a fun and informative...

This is my favourite place of all time to visit, literally miles of enjoyable walks with breath taking views and castleward is such a relaxing place to spend a day in. Visiting the mansion is a must as its such a beautiful house with lots and lots of history behind its doors and everytime you step inside you learn something new so no visit is ever the same. The walks are magnificent, venture round the lake and if your fit enough walk up to lady Anne's temple for the most exquisite views of the surrounding area. Also take a walk up to Audleys Castle which is not far from the lake and you can enjoy the beautiful views of strangford lough. Once you have explored these walks, although you could never walk around castleward in one day, make your way to the stableyard where you can have lunch or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the tearoom where the staff are very friendly and helpful. Call into the shop to grab yourself a memento of your visit. Any Game Of Thrones fans a visit to the farmyard is a must to see where winterfell was filmed and visit the Game Of Thrones shop also. Every member of staff you meet on your visit to Castleward is more than helpful and they really make your visit even better. I cannot recommend this place enough, family friendly, dog friendly and just an all round...