11k Run Newry: Scenic Trails at Castle Ward Estate

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 10.8km loop at Castle Ward offers a perfect blend of coastal scenery and immersive woodland running. Starting from the Shore Car Park, runners will enjoy a relatively flat and fast opening stretch along the banks of Strangford Lough before heading inland to tackle the estate's gently undulating forest trails. With an ascent of just 77m, the course is approachable for those looking to build endurance without punishing climbs, though the mixture of paved paths and multi-use trails keeps the terrain engaging. Expect wide, well-maintained tracks that provide plenty of room for a steady tempo run through one of Northern Ireland's most beautiful landscapes.

Beyond the trails, Castle Ward is steeped in history and popular culture. The 18th-century National Trust estate is famously split between Gothic and Classical architectural styles, but modern visitors often recognize the farmyard as the filming location for "Winterfell" in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Running here feels like stepping back in time, as you pass the towering Audley’s Castle—a 15th-century tower house overlooking the water—and navigate old-growth forests that have sheltered this corner of County Down for centuries. It is a premier destination for runners in the Newry, Mourne and Down area who appreciate a route where nature and heritage collide.