Winterfell's Heart in the North

Castle Ward stands as Northern Ireland's most magnificent 18th-century estate and the iconic filming location for Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark. Built between 1762-1760, this unique National Trust property showcases an extraordinary architectural compromise - Palladian classical on one side, Gothic Revival on the other - reflecting the contrasting tastes of its original owners.

Spanning 850 acres of landscaped parkland along Strangford Lough, Castle Ward provided the perfect backdrop for establishing the Stark family legacy in Season 1. The historic farmyard became Winterfell's central courtyard, witnessing King Robert Baratheon's royal arrival, the famous archery practice scenes where Stark children honed their skills, and Ned Stark's pivotal conversations that shaped the series' destiny.

The estate's medieval tower house, built in 1610, adds authentic castle atmosphere to every scene, while the expansive demesne offers the grand scale worthy of the North's most powerful House. Arya's memorable bulls-eye shot, Robb's archery instruction, and the emotional reunion between Ned and Robert all unfolded within these historic walls.

Beyond its screen fame, Castle Ward represents over 260 years of Irish heritage, featuring working mills, Victorian gardens, and one of Ireland's most unique architectural statements where two completely different styles coexist in perfect harmony.

This specific filming area encompasses The main historic farmyard area, serving as Winterfell's central courtyard where King Robert's royal party made their grand entrance.