Audley's Castle, Downpatrick, United Kingdom

Audley's Castle is a three-storey tower house named after its 16th century owner, John Audley.

There are thousands of small stone towers similar to Audley's Castle in the Irish countryside. They are one of the commonest of archaeological sites, which indicates these were not buildings put up for the higher aristocracy, but for lesser lords and gentry. Most were built in the late Middle Ages (roughly 1350–1550). Audley's was built towards the end of this period.

There is very little historical information about the buildings in the small courtyard around Audley's. Only a minority of towers had courtyard walls at all, and their buildings were clearly less important than the tower. The towers in different parts of the country vary, with distinct regional patterns. Audley's with its two turrets linked by an arch is one of a type found in County Down only.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Shannen Murray (2 months ago)
Stunning views. Lovely picnic spot. Bit of a walk if parking at Castleward but worth it!

Aaron Coey (2 months ago)
Beautiful views over Strangford Lough towards Portaferry. Standing on top of a hill and surrounded by a field it is not wheelchair accessible but as a disabled person myself it is still accessible.

Neil Anderson (3 months ago)
Lovely views over Stangford Lough and towards Portaferry. It's Game of Thrones location if you are into the TV show. Battle of Oxcross, season 2.

Josephine Hynes (3 months ago)
Very nice walks of varying lengths but note House and Winterfell experience is only open at weekends

Chris (5 months ago)
The most beautiful place on a sunny day, the views are some of the best about. Really peaceful and relaxing spot.

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