The town of Strangford stands on the eastern shore of the narrows of Strangford Lough. The Vikings came to Strangford in the 9th century where they are said to have established a small trading colony, although the area presents little evidence of long term colonization or settlement of the area by them.

After the Norman conquest the area around Strangford came under the control of the Audley family.

Strangford Castle is a fortified tower house it was built in the 15th century but most of what we see today dates from the 16th century. It is not usually open to the public.

Nearby is Castle Ward a country mansion and estate owned by the National Trust, also close to Strangford village on the Castleward estate close to the shore is a touring caravan park.

Strangford village was once a thriving port, near Strangford town is Seagen Ireland's first commercial tidal power generator.

The images below are woodcarvings located in a wood on the northern outskirts of Strangford Village, each has a verse compose by local school children carved upon it. You will discover the path to this wood if you go up past the castle until you come to a path on the left of the road. This will take you through the wood towards the shore, where you will discover a small swimming pool filled by the incoming tide.

Read about The Territory of the Ards, By James O'Laverty. published in 1878.