Audley’s Castle
Tourist site

Audley’s Castle

Irish castles
Audley castle - © Mcimage

Audley’s Castle is a castle in Northern Ireland, located in Downpatrick, County Down. Dating from the 15th century, this ruined building is a 3-storey tower house overlooking the river Strangford Lough…

Visit Audley’s Castle

An Anglo-Norman castle built on a cliff

Château Audley is named after John Audley, a wealthy Anglo-Norman who was the building’s first owner. He had the castle built to establish himself in the region and develop his economic influence.

The château is still in good condition today, despite some apparent ruins. It takes the form of a tower less than 10 meters high, an ancient courtyard and a single doorway. An old barn and stables were also on site, but have not survived the test of time…

Audley Castle was built into the side of a cliff to keep an eye on Strangford Lough. At the time, this was a strategic location to keep an eye on the comings and goings of boats.

This charming building can still be visited today. And it’s free: as long as you’re careful with ruins and avoid fragile areas!

The castle has a gravely, magnificent charm, lost in the Northern Irish countryside. A magical setting for an excellent, romantic moment. That’s Ireland too: a castle in the middle of the countryside, lost and desolate, in the middle of nowhere, endlessly facing the passing of time!


Practical Guide

Audley’s Castle

Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.

Address

Audleystown Rd, Portloughan, Downpatrick, Downpatrick (County Down) - Northern Ireland

GPS coordinates

54.379683, -5.572026

Visit duration

45 minutes

Opening hours

  • every day

Check the opening hours and admission requirements before you leave, especially during peak season or on Irish public holidays.
Prices

  • free of charge

Location

Audley’s Castle on the map

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