NORTHERN IRELAND Ardress House An elegant 17th century farmhouse with 18th century additions. Also a display of farm implements. The attractive garden has woodland and riverside walks. The Argory This handsome 1820 house is unchanged since 1900. The cluttered interiors evoke the Bond family’s Edwardian taste and interests. The beautiful estate offers garden, woodland and riverside walks for all ages, with superb spring bulbs. There is a year-round programme of craft fairs, walks, musical tours and family days. The house has no electric light. Castle Coole Castle Coole is one of the finest neo-classical houses in Ireland, built by James Wyatt in the late 18th century. The guided tour shows the opulent Regency interior decoration, furnishings and furniture, the state bedroom prepared for George IV in 1821 and the elegant hall where evening concerts are often held. The nearby servants’ tunnel, stable yard and ice house are set within a stunning landscape park ideal for long walks. Programme of fine musical evenings and family days. Castle Ward
A beautiful 300-ha (750-acre) walled estate in a stunning location overlooking Strangford Lough. The mid-Georgian mansion is an architectural curiosity of its time, built inside and out in two distinct architectural styles: Classical and Gothic. There is a year round programme of craft fairs, walks and family days. Crom Estate An important nature conservation area of woodland, parkland and wetland on the shores of Upper Lough Erne. Includes nature trails along the shore to ruins of Crom Old Castle. There are seven holiday cottages situated on the tranquil shores of the Lough. Crown Liquor Saloon The most famous pub in Belfast and one of the finest examples of a High Victorian public house in existence, with rich ornamentation and snugs still intact Derrymore House An 18th century thatched cottage built by Isaac Corry, who represented Newry in the Irish House of Commons for 30 years. Divis and the Black Mountain With spectacular panoramic views over Belfast, the recently acquired Divis and the Black Mountain is a haven for those seeking the wild countryside experience. It is a 1,500 acre mosaic of upland heath and blanket bog – home to a wealth of flora and fauna. On a clear day there are views of Strangford Lough, the Mournes and the Sperrins, as well as Scotland and Donegal. Downhill Castle, Mussenden Temple, Set on a stunning and wild headland with fabulous clifftop walks and views over Ireland’s north coast is the landscaped estate of Downhill, laid out in the late 18th century by the eccentric Earl and Bishop, Frederick Hervey. Estate includes ruins, mausoleum, and beautiful gardens. Mussenden Temple is perched on the cliff edge. Florence Court A fine 18th century house and estate set against the stunning backdrop of the Cuilcagh Mountains. It was the home of the Earls of Enniskillen and is one of the most important houses in Ulster. There are extensive walks in the grounds, also a sawmill, holiday cottage, walled garden and programme of concerts, family days, guided walks and country fairs. Giant’s Causeway Famous and unusual basalt rock formations which can be seen from cliff paths. The Giant’s Causeway is an icon of Northern Ireland and its only World Heritage site. Gray’s Printing Press An 18th century printing press and a collection of 19th century hand-printing machines and an audiovisual display. Hezlett House A 17th century thatched house with a cruck-truss roof construction. Mount Stewart House, Garden & An 18th century house with 19th century additions, childhood home of Lord Castlereagh. Magnificent garden with plants from all over the world. There is also an exciting and innovative events programme. Patterson’s Spade Mill The last surviving water-driven spade mill in Ireland. Demonstrations of spade making given regularly. Rowallane Garden A unique tree and shrub garden with exotic plants from around the world. Also meadows of wildflowers. Springhill A 17th century ‘plantation’ house, and one of the prettiest houses in Ulster. The house tour takes in the exceptional library, Conyngham family furniture, gun room, nursery, resident ghost and the unusual and colourful costume exhibition which has some fine 17th century Irish pieces. There are waymarked paths in the estate. Wellbrook Beetling Mill A hammer mill powered by water for beetling, the final process in linen manufacture. Original machinery is in working order. www.ntni.org.uk |
