Private Estate Stay in Ireland | Gilford Castle Estate

Return to yourself

Get outdoors

Exploring Gilford Castle Estate

Gilford Castle’s estate sprawls over a meander in the River Bann. Its fine ornamental gardens give way to a wilder landscape of ancient woodlands and meadows. This landscape has been shaped over millennia and it is now your sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in nature’s quiet rhythms or indulge in invigorating pursuits. Selected experiences can be arranged in advance, subject to availability and an additional fee.

Picnicking

Savour fine food in the estate’s sun-dappled meadows or beside the gentle waters of the River Bann, surrounded by birdsong.

Indulge

Nature walks

Venture into the estate’s woodlands where the paths lead you into a living history, connecting you with the same lands that have seen the passing of clans, settlers, and travellers. Every step brings you closer to peace and tranquility.

Tennis

Our court provides the perfect setting for an unhurried match. We can arrange for professional coaching or friendly tournaments.

Shooting

Indulge in the sport of kings with an experienced gamekeeper amid acres of natural beauty. Available by prior arrangement.

Falconry

Experience the age-old art of falconry amid the open fields of the estate. Witness the grace of trained birds of prey as they take flight and return to your gloved hand. Available by prior arrangement.

Fishing

Cast your line and let the hours pass in peaceful anticipation. Fishing at Gilford Caste estate is more than a pastime—it’s a chance to join the river’s story, which stretches back to the time of Ireland’s earliest inhabitants.

Archery

Perfect your aim on the castle lawns with traditional longbows and handcrafted targets. Archery at Gilford offers a touch of medieval pageantry in the tranquillity of the outdoors.

Wild swimming

The River Bann offers the rare pleasure of wild swimming in pristine, tranquil waters.

Paddle boarding & kayaking

The gentle curves of the River Bann invite quiet exploration. Glide along tranquil waters on a paddle board or kayak.

Transfers

Arrive or depart in style with private helicopter or chauffeur-driven transfers, available by request and best arranged at the time of itinerary planning. A scenic flight over the Irish countryside offers a fitting prelude—or finale—to your stay at Gilford Castle.

Golf excursions

World-class golf is available off-site—from Portrush to Portmarnock—and can be arranged entirely to your wishes. Our team will secure tee times and coordinate transfers.

FAQs

Planning your activities

Is the estate exclusive use?

Yes. When you stay at Gilford Castle, the estate is reserved for you and your party. You can enjoy the castle, gardens, woodlands, meadows, and private riverbank access in peace throughout your stay.
How big is the estate?

Gilford Castle is set within 207 acres of Grade A parkland and mature woodland. The estate extends around a meander of the River Bann, with ornamental gardens, ancient woodland, open meadows, and quiet riverbank paths to explore.
Can day visitors explore the estate?

No. Gilford Castle Estate is not open for general day visits. Access to the grounds is reserved for staying guests and guests attending pre-arranged private events.
Can we explore the grounds on our own?

Yes. Guests are welcome to enjoy the estate at their own pace. The grounds are private and peaceful, with woodland paths, gardens, meadows, and riverbank walks to discover during your stay.
Can we use the River Bann during our stay?

The estate offers access to the River Bann for selected outdoor pursuits, including wild swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. River-based activities must be arranged before your stay and are subject to weather, water conditions, availability, safety guidance, and any applicable third-party fees.
Which activities are included in the stay?

Access to the estate grounds, self-guided nature walks, wild swimming, lawn games, and use of the tennis court are included at no extra cost. Specialist activities, including shooting, falconry, fishing, archery, paddleboarding, kayaking, tennis coaching, golf excursions, and private transfers, can be arranged separately, subject to availability, and incur fees payable to third-party providers.
How far in advance should I book activities?

We recommend discussing activities as early as possible in the itinerary-planning process. Pursuits requiring a specialist guide, instructor, equipment, or external provider, such as shooting, falconry, fishing, archery, golf, and helicopter transfers, should be arranged well in advance and will incur third-party fees.
Are the grounds suitable for children?

Yes. The estate is well suited to families, with space to explore and several activities that can be adapted for younger guests. However, younger guests should always be supervised, this is particularly important around the river, woodland and any activity areas.
Are activities suitable for all ages?

Many activities can be adapted for different ages, abilities, and levels of experience. Some pursuits are subject to age, safety, licensing, supervision, or provider requirements. Let us know your group’s ages and interests, and we’ll advise on the most suitable options.
Can we do multiple activities on the same day?

Yes. Many guests combine gentle activities with more structured pursuits, such as a morning nature walk or fishing session followed by an afternoon picnic, river activity, or tennis match. We’ll help you shape an itinerary that feels relaxed, balanced, and personal to your stay.
What happens if the weather changes?

Some outdoor pursuits are weather-dependent, especially river-based activities, shooting, falconry, and helicopter transfers. If conditions are unsuitable, we’ll help adjust your plans where possible.
Can you arrange a picnic on the estate?

Yes. Picnics can be arranged in the estate’s meadows, gardens, or by the River Bann, depending on the weather and your itinerary. Please get in touch with our Events Team who can arrange this for you at a small additional cost.
Do we need to bring our own equipment?

For arranged activities, specialist equipment is usually provided by the relevant instructor or activity partner. We’ll confirm what is needed when planning your itinerary. Guests who wish to play golf may prefer to bring their own clubs.
Can you arrange golf during our stay?

Yes. World-class golf is available off-site, including Royal County Down, Portrush, and Portmarnock. Tee times and transfers can be arranged as part of your itinerary.

Explore the estate

Outdoor pursuits

Explore the estate in your own way. We’re here to facilitate any activities you might like to pursue. Speak to us about your vision, and we’ll make it a reality.

As you wander, you’ll share the grounds with the estate’s many wild residents—red squirrels darting through branches, rabbits along the woodland edges, and a chorus of birds that bring the air to life: wrens, long-tailed tits, goldcrests, blackbirds, swallows, and more.

Gilford Castle has become a haven for wildlife thanks to ongoing ecological care and investment in the natural environment. Owl boxes, bird houses, and bat roosts are nestled discreetly among the trees, while hedgehog shelters, ladybird houses, and a duck house encourage smaller creatures to thrive. Along the main avenue, we have planted thousands of flowering bulbs to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. We’re keen to do our part to sustain our local biodiversity for generations to come.

Embark on your adventure