The Castle on the Island is mentioned in written sources as having been involved in warfare in 1470, so a mid 15th-century date has been suggested, but the present large …

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Strangford & Lecale AONB

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Location: Ballydorn, Ards, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

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Tips

Grace Mulligan

October 25, 2023

Hiking

Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.

sm milligan

August 29, 2023

Cycling

This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury.

The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.

Derek

June 18, 2018

Road cycling

Scenic coastal views, Sketrick Castle, Seals and Otters fishing in the shallow water and a good cafe/restaurant/bar all in the area. Well worth a visit. Very popular with Cyclists at Weekends.

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Best routes to Sketrick Castle

3.8

(6)

riders

1. Strangford Lough loop from Belfast – Strangford & Lecale

56.4km

02:25

370m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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Moderate

4.3

(3)

riders

2. Sketrick Castle – Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop loop from Greenisland

83.0km

03:39

340m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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Moderate

riders

3. Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop – Sketrick Castle loop from Newtownards

62.0km

02:50

460m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Moderate

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Informations

Elevation 0 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 4 March

12°C

5°C

33 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Ballydorn, Ards, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

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Sketrick Castle

1. Strangford Lough loop from Belfast – Strangford & Lecale

2. Sketrick Castle – Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop loop from Greenisland

3. Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop – Sketrick Castle loop from Newtownards

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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