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