Audley's Castle (State Care Monument)
Sightseeing attraction | Downpatrick | Northern Ireland | United Kingdom
Audley's Castle is a 15th-century castle located approximately 1.6 kilometers northeast of the village of Strangford in County Down, Northern Ireland, on a rocky hill overlooking Strangford Lough. It is a three-story tower house named after its 16th-century owner, John Audley.
The castle consists of a tower surrounded by a walled courtyard, known as a bawn. Each floor of the tower has a main room and one or two smaller rooms. The ground floor was used for storage, while the first floor, with larger windows, a fireplace, and a latrine, served as a living and reception room. The second floor was likely the private sleeping area of the castle lord and his family.
In 1646, the castle was sold to the Ward family along with the surrounding estate. In the 18th century, the area was transformed into a landscaped park, with the ruins of Audley's Castle serving as a focal point for the long vista along Castle Ward's artificial lake, Temple Water.
More recently, Audley's Castle has served as a filming location for the television series "Game of Thrones." The castle and its surrounding grounds were used for various scenes, including as the backdrop for Renly Baratheon's army camp.
Today, Audley's Castle is a State Care Historic Monument and a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the historical architecture and picturesque surroundings. The grounds offer several paths leading to the castle, providing impressive views of Strangford Lough.
