Visit local landmarks for free on European Heritage Open Days

6 September 2017

A NUMBER of famous local landmarks are among those being opened to the public as part of this year’s European Heritage Open Days.

This weekend is the 20th year of the European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) weekend, which allows the public to explore unusual and more well-known sites for free.

Audley’s Castle, St John’s Point Church and Castle Ward House and Demesne are on the list for 2017.

Audley’s Castle, which sits on the shores of Castleward Bay, near Strangford, is a 15th century tower house which was built by the Audley family but passed to Bernard Ward in 1646.

By 1738, Audley’s Castle was in a ruinous condition and became an eye-catching focus of Castle Ward’s Temple Water. The complete circuit of the bawn wall is visible and extends to the cliff edge. Visit between 12pm and 4pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

St John’s Point Church is at Point Road, Killough.

This small church, which dates from the 10th or 11th centuries, marks the site of an early establishment associated with Eoan, son of Cairland, and in medieval times it was a chapel. Visit between 8am and 8pm on both days.

Alternatively on the Saturday, take a self-guided tour of Castle Ward’s unique Georgian Mansion, set in a stunning location overlooking Strangford Lough. New for this year, book for the guided walk of the Temple restoration project.

The estate is open on Saturday between 10am and 6pm. The house is open from 12pm and the last entry is 4pm.

Whilst all events are free some require pre-booking. Check the website or @ehodni on Twitter.

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