The Old Schoolhouse Inn provides the ideal base to explore the numerous parks and gardens in County Down.

Attractions

There are 3 beautiful National Trust properties within 30 minutes drive.
Castle Ward, Mount Stewart and Rowallane Gardens.

Castle Ward offers six enjoyable trails for walkers, cyclists and riders, with a choice of difficulty and distance. There's something for everyone, with amazing scenery to enjoy.

Explore the mansion and gardens at Castle Ward

The mansion boasts two distinct architectural styles: classical and Gothic - one of the strangest architectural compromises created between two people. Explore the inside with a guided tour and then take in the history of the gardens.

Visit the Game of Thrones set at Castle Ward. The Game of Thrones was filmed at Castle Ward.

Castle Ward’s historic farmyard is the location of Winterfell, the backdrop for the series pilot and much of season one. It’s also where you will find the Whispering Wood and key scenes including Robb Stark’s Camp, the Baelor battle and when Brienne confronts the Stark men.

Game of Thrones spent eight weeks at Castle Ward building the set of Winterfell ahead of the pilot episode and hundreds of actors and crew worked on the filming here.

Mount Stewart

Discover the magnificent house

The Londonderry’s family home reopened its doors in April 2015 following a three year £8 million restoration programme. Come and see how this transformation has changed the house.

Explore the world class gardens

With a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry that was the hallmark of Edith, Lady Londonderry, visit Mount Stewart's gardens in County Down, recently voted in the top ten gardens in the world.

The seven acre lake looks stunning no matter what the season. Paths lined with Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Magnolias lead you around the banks of the lake which are planted with Primulas, Irises, and large-leafed Gunneras.

Rowallane Gardens is ideal for leisurely walks, afternoon teas in the cafe or just simply relaxing on a seat in the walled garden.

With acres of garden filled with interesting plants to see and smell, Rowallane has lots to offer.

Carved from the County Down landscape, the garden has grown from the 19th century beginnings of the Reverend John Moore and his nephew Hugh Armytage Moore. Their vision helped create a place where you can leave the outside world behind and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

The gardens are a mix of formal and informal spaces with many unusual vistas and unique plants from across the world. The trees, plants and shrubs range in ages, size and colour and create a spectacle throughout the year.