# Castle Ward

- **Country:** Ireland
- **Coordinates:** 54.373000, -5.579000
- **Notes:** An 18th-century National Trust property located 1.5 from the village of Strangford that overlooks the Strangford Lough. The castle has been the home of the Ward family since about 1570, though the modern structure was built for Bernard Ward by an unknown architect, possibly and individual with ties to the Wards or James Bridges. On 10 February 1973, Leonard O'Hanlon (aged 23) and Vivienne Fitzsimmons (aged 17), both members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army, were killed in a premature bomb explosion in the grounds of Castle Ward estate.
- **Year Built:** 1760s
- **Castle Type:** Tower house
- **Location Text:** Strangford

Castle Ward is a historic 18th-century country house situated near the village of Strangford in County Down, Northern Ireland. Overlooking the scenic Strangford Lough, the estate lies approximately seven miles from Downpatrick within the townland of the same name. Construction of the residence began in 1762 under the direction of Bernard Ward, the 1st Viscount Bangor, and was largely completed by 1772. While the specific architect remains unconfirmed, historical records suggest the design may be attributed to James Bridges or Thomas Paty of Bristol. The building is constructed primarily from Bath stone and features three floors over a basement, standing as a prominent landmark in the region.

The property is renowned for its unique and rare architectural duality, featuring two distinct styles on a single structure. The south-west façade presents a classical Georgian design, while the rear of the house showcases a contrasting Gothic style. This unusual combination reflects the differing tastes of the Ward family during the era of its construction. Today, Castle Ward is owned and managed by the National Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations. It operates as a major tourist attraction, allowing visitors to explore both architectural fronts and the surrounding grounds that have remained intact since the 18th century.

Beyond its architectural significance, Castle Ward holds historical importance as a well-preserved example of mid-Georgian estate life in Ireland. The estate has avoided demolition or significant alteration, maintaining its original character and structural integrity. Its location on the shores of Strangford Lough adds to its picturesque quality, making it a key destination for those interested in heritage and landscape. As a protected site, it continues to serve as an educational resource regarding 18th-century design and the social history of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy in Ulster.

![Photo of Castle Ward](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Castle_Ward_2.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Ward (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)