Castle Ward is a striking 18th-century mansion located near Strangford Lough in County Down. What makes this estate truly unique is its split personality. The front façade of the mansion is designed in the grand Palladian style, favored by Bernard Ward, the 1st Viscount Bangor. However, the rear of the mansion is built in a Gothic Revival style, reflecting the tastes of his wife, Lady Ann Bligh. Unable to agree on a single design, the couple settled for both—one side classical and balanced, the other dramatic and Gothic.

The estate spans over 800 acres of woodlands, gardens, and trails. Beyond its architectural quirks, Castle Ward has played a part in Irish history, standing through the political unrest of the 18th and 19th centuries. More recently, it became famous as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones, serving as the iconic backdrop for Winterfell.

Castle Ward is also considered one of County Down’s most haunted locations. Witnesses have reported hearing the unmistakable sound of of galloping hooves and the rattling of carriage wheels charging along the estate pathways, but there are no horses or carriages to be seen. The ghost of Lady Ann Bligh herself has been sensed around her former home. Unexplained cold spots, the faint scent of lavender perfume, and distant, echoing footsteps have all been attributed to her. Staff and visitors have even reported sudden feelings of unease, particularly in the Gothic section of the house where Lady Ann spent most of her time. The faint sound of a child crying has also been reported emanating from the old nursery rooms, when no children have been present in the great house.