From Belfast: Strangford Lough Kings and Queens Tour｜United Kingdom

Discover some of Northern Ireland's most prominent castles, stately homes, and places of worship on a full-day tour from Belfast. From the private residence of Killeyleagh Castle to the National Trust properties of Castle Ward and Mount Stewart, see some of Northern Ireland's finest sights as you travel from Belfast City to the beautiful landscape of Strangford Lough.

Begin your day with a hotel pickup and head to the Nendrum Monastic Site on Mahee Island. This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre-Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St. Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century and is linked with St. Patrick in a much later source.

Next, visit the Sketrick Castle, a large tower house built in the mid-15th century and actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. Continue to the Killyleagh Castle, a castle in the village of Killyleagh. It is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited castles in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. (Please note this is a private residence and we stop only for a photo opportunity at the gates)

Stop at the Saul Church, known as the Cradle of Christianity in Ireland. Tradition holds that St. Patrick and his companions landed at the mouth of the Slaney river, a few miles from here, in 432 AD.

Next, visit the Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th-century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough. It has also been used as a film location for Game of Thrones. (Please note: Interior tours of the House are limited and may depend on availability, However the grounds are extensive and make for a beautiful visit)

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Portaferry Castle, a small tower house in Portaferry overlooking the harbor. It was built in the 16th century by William Le Savage.

Next, visit the Greyabbey Monastery, a Cistercian abbey-monastery dating from 1193.

Continue to Mount Stewart, now managed by the National Trust. The people who lived and worked here are connected to many significant events in European history, from the Congress of Vienna to the First World War. (Please note: Interior tours of the House are limited and may depend on availability, However the grounds are extensive and make for a beautiful visit)

Finally, visit the Scrabo Tower, which was built in 1857 and is one of Northern Ireland's best-known landmarks before returning back to Belfast.