Grand Houses & Gardens

Though the history of Northern Ireland lives on in its sometimes majestic, sometimes intriguing great houses and gardens, it’s the stories of the people who inhabited them that really bring that heritage to life. So wherever you go you’ll find a tale behind the bricks and mortar – or indeed beneath the soil. Here’s just a small introduction to some of Northern Ireland’s finest properties. You’ll have to visit to discover the full story – a great excuse to spend time in some truly beautiful locations.

Castle Ward

What would the purists make of Castle Ward? Built in the early 1760s, it sports a classic Palladian frontage and a romantic Gothic style rear. A stylistic spilt that continues throughout the interior. Sadly the split was reflected in the fate of its owners - husband and wife, Bernard Ward, Baron Lord Bangor and Lady Anne. It appears it wasn’t only the style of the house they couldn’t agree on. They went their separate ways some years after it was completed.

The Gardens, though, are an altogether more unified affair. This beautiful 820 walled demesne hides an exotic sunken garden and winding woodland paths that lead you down to the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough.

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

It would be hard to find a more spectacular setting than Hillsborough Castle. A working Royal Palace, it’s the official residence of the Royal Family when they’re in Northern Ireland. Built in the 1770s by the Marquis of Downshire, it’s been frequently remodelled since then. The recently refurbished State Drawing Room and Throne Room are well worth a visit. And you’ll be following in some famous footsteps. The Dalai Lama, Princess Diana, Hilary Clinton and Eleanor Roosevelt have all been guests here.

The 100 acres of beautiful gardens are at their best – well, all year round really. Look out for Lady Alice’s Temple, the Quaker Burial Ground and the fascinating Ice House.

Castle Coole

Castle Coole, one of the finest neo-classical houses in Ireland, was built to impress the guests of the first Earl of Belmore, Amar Lowry-Corry. And it succeeded, though at a cost. The final bill - the equivalent of over £20 million in today’s money - left the family finances reeling. However, that didn’t faze the second earl who inherited the house and completed it with equal - and perhaps also inherited - extravagance.

Of course, it does mean there’s all the more for today’s visitors to enjoy – including the great halls, glorious Greek columns, ornate plasterwork and elegant Regency furnishings.

Mount Stewart

Voted one of the top ten gardens in the world, Mount Stewart owes its artistry and inspired planting to Edith, Lady Londonderry – wife of Charles, the seventh Marquess of Londonderry. Her passion for bold planting schemes, and a climate in which rare and tender specimens thrive, make it one of Northern Ireland’s most loved stately homes.

Equally flamboyant in her own life, Edith’s fondness for entertaining the A-listers of the 1920s and 1930s – among them W. B. Yeats, Michael Collins and Winston Churchill - set some local tongues wagging. As did her, entirely platonic, friendship with Labour Leader, Ramsay MacDonald.

Florence Court

Sir John Cole first built a mansion here in the 18th century, naming it for his beloved wife Florence. It would later become the vast, though still romantic, Palladian pile it is today.

However, it nearly was no more. In 1955, fire took hold. Only the quick thinking of Viola Grosvenor – later the Duchess of Westminster – saved it. Forming the servants into a human chain to carry paintings and furniture to safety, she also had the foresight to drill holes in the ceilings, allowing water from the fire hoses to flow away and so prevent their collapse.

The Gardens too have a tale to tell. They are home to the mother of all yews. Gifted to Lord Enniskillen by a local farmer in the 1700s, the Florence Court Yew is reputedly the ancestor of the millions of Irish yews in existence today.

The Argory

Little has changed in The Argory, a superb Greek revival villa since the 1900s. It has never been lit by electricity and much of the original Victorian furniture remains as the family left it.

It’s the tale of its second owner, though, Captain Ralph MacGeough Bond-Shelton that would really make history. A survivor of 1852 sinking of HMS Birkenhead off Cape Town, he instigated a naval protocol that holds to this day. Almost 500 people perished in the tragedy. Yet, as the ship went down the Captain gallantly saved women and children, before swimming through shark-infested water to safety himself. The precedent – women and children first – was set.

The spirit of Northern Ireland – and of those who lived and loved here - lives on in its great houses and wonderful gardens. If this has inspired you to see what else is out there, it’s time to get going. If you're planning a special event or looking for venue inspiration, check out our guide on Historic Houses and Gardens. There are lots of fabulous places you're yet to discover.

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Number of results: 31

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviews
Sentry Hill Historic House & Visitor Centre

Newtownabbey

Address

40 Ballycraigy Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4SX

Telephone
0300 123 7788

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Sentry Hill is a 19th century farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The house and its contents provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Killymoon Castle

Cookstown

Address

11 Castle Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 8JY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8676 4173

info@killymooncastle.com

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Killymoon castle sits in picturesque surroundings overlooking the Ballinderry River on the outskirts of Cookstown just 50 miles from Belfast by car. The castle is a grade A listed building designed by the famous architect John Nash.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ballyrobert Gardens

Ballyclare

Address

154 Ballyrobert Road, Ballyclare, County Antrim, BT39 9RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9344 0101

bookings@ballyrobertgardens.com

Type

Type:

Cottage Garden

Ballyrobert Cottage Garden is a beautiful and unique Irish garden. It extends to 6 acres and is designed in an historic 17th century landscape, with the original cottage and barn being key features. In addition to the more formal garden, is an area…

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
64 reviews
Clifton House - The Belfast Poor House

Belfast

Address

2 North Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 1ES

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

info@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House. From the moment you step through the door you will be transported back in time to the Belfast Poor House – opened in 1774 – which provided sanctuary to thousands of people, from the young and old, to…

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
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Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2005 reviews
Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House

Belfast

Address

College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1LP

Telephone
028 9031 4762

parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Public Park

First established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
43 reviews
Ardress House

Portadown

Address

64 Ardress Road, Portadown, County Armagh, BT62 1SQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8778 4753

ardress@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Ardress is nestled in the apple orchards of County Armagh and offers afternoons of fun and relaxation for everyone. Built in the 17th century as a farmhouse, Ardress was remodelled in Georgian times.

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bellaghy Bawn

Bellaghy

Address

Castle Street, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, BT45 8LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Built around 1619 by Sir Baptist Jones, Bellaghy Bawn is a fortified house and bawn (the defensive wall surrounding an Irish tower house).

Price
Free

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- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ballyscullion Park

Bellaghy

Address

61 Ballyscullion Road, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, BT45 8NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7938 6235

info@ballyscullionpark.com

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Ballyscullion Park is a private house, home of Richard and Rosalind Mulholland and their family, and is available for visits by prior arrangement to its beautiful historic gardens and grounds.

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Maghera Walled Garden

Maghera

Address

Church Street, Maghera, County Londonderry, BT46 5BD

Telephone
+44 (0) 3000 132 132

tourism@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Garden

Maghera Walled Garden, a restored Victorian Garden on the grounds of a medieval 4th Century royal dwelling and ancient Monastery.

Price
Free

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
685 reviews
Castle Ward

Strangford

Address

Downpatrick Road, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4488 1204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Discover a place of contrasts and creativity at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down where visitors can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
502 reviews
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

downhilldemesne@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Mussenden Temple is located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne near Castlerock in County Londonderry. Awe inspiring views, colourful gardens and woodland walks.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking