Spend a private day tracing Saint Patrick’s footsteps, exploring Game of Thrones’ Winterfell at Castle Ward and finishing with a guided tasting at Hinch Distillery. This flexible, chauffeur‑led tour covers Downpatrick, Strangford Lough and key filming sites in County Down.
Spend a private day tracing Saint Patrick’s footsteps, exploring Game of Thrones’ Winterfell at Castle Ward and finishing with a guided tasting at Hinch Distillery. This flexible, chauffeur‑led tour covers Downpatrick, Strangford Lough and key filming sites in County Down.
A mist hangs low over Strangford Lough as the executive vehicle eases out of Belfast and into County Down — green fields slide past, shorelines angle toward the lough, and the guide's voice begins to stitch legend to landscape.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hound of Ulster Tours · Belfast, County Down
A mist hangs low over Strangford Lough as the executive vehicle eases out of Belfast and into County Down — green fields slide past, shorelines angle toward the lough, and the guide's voice begins to stitch legend to landscape.
This private, full-day (approx. 8‑hour) loop links Downpatrick’s Saint Patrick sites and Down Cathedral with coastal crossings, Castle Ward’s grounds (used as Winterfell in Game of Thrones) and a guided tasting at Hinch Distillery. History here is literal: Saint Patrick’s grave and early Christian baptistry sites reflect Ireland’s early medieval conversions, while Castle Ward’s 18th‑century architecture was repurposed for HBO’s stark northern kingdom. Geologically, the coastline around Strangford is a shallow, biodiverse tidal lough with rocky skerries and sandy creeks that attract seabirds and marine mammals.
Expect short on‑foot visits — gravel paths, estate lawns and a ferry photo stop across the lough — rather than long hikes. Culture comes in whiskey, storytelling, and the small museums of Downpatrick and Strangford villages.
Practical guide: the tour is private for up to four guests in an executive vehicle with a registered guide‑chauffeur; tailor the stops to your interests. Bring photographic kit, waterproof layers and valid ID for the distillery tasting. Ferry crossings are brief and good for wildlife watching; walking is generally easy but surfaces can be uneven and winds on the shore can be strong. Book in advance for private slots at Hinch Distillery and plan pickup in Belfast or nearby towns.
Most departures begin in Belfast with pickup options; return is typically to the original pickup point but can be adjusted when booked.
The tour includes a guided distillery visit with tasting at Hinch Distillery; check any age limits or tasting preferences when booking.
Yes — this is a private, bespoke tour for up to four people and the guide will tailor stops to your interests and timing.
Short on‑site walks vary in surface and may include steps; the tour is rated easy but notify the operator of mobility or age requirements to arrange accessibility or shorter walking options.
Hound of Ulster Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A mist hangs low over Strangford Lough as the executive vehicle eases out of Belfast and into County Down — green fields slide past, shorelines angle toward the lough, and the guide's voice begins to stitch legend to landscape.
A mist hangs low over Strangford Lough as the executive vehicle eases out of Belfast and into County Down — green fields slide past, shorelines angle toward the lough, and the guide's voice begins to stitch legend to landscape.
This private, full-day (approx. 8‑hour) loop links Downpatrick’s Saint Patrick sites and Down Cathedral with coastal crossings, Castle Ward’s grounds (used as Winterfell in Game of Thrones) and a guided tasting at Hinch Distillery. History here is literal: Saint Patrick’s grave and early Christian baptistry sites reflect Ireland’s early medieval conversions, while Castle Ward’s 18th‑century architecture was repurposed for HBO’s stark northern kingdom. Geologically, the coastline around Strangford is a shallow, biodiverse tidal lough with rocky skerries and sandy creeks that attract seabirds and marine mammals.
Expect short on‑foot visits — gravel paths, estate lawns and a ferry photo stop across the lough — rather than long hikes. Culture comes in whiskey, storytelling, and the small museums of Downpatrick and Strangford villages.
Practical guide: the tour is private for up to four guests in an executive vehicle with a registered guide‑chauffeur; tailor the stops to your interests. Bring photographic kit, waterproof layers and valid ID for the distillery tasting. Ferry crossings are brief and good for wildlife watching; walking is generally easy but surfaces can be uneven and winds on the shore can be strong. Book in advance for private slots at Hinch Distillery and plan pickup in Belfast or nearby towns.