Montalto Estate

About

Since opening to the public in 2018, Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch has invited visitors to reconnect with nature through its captivating gardens, scenic walks, and beautiful trails. Set in magnificent natural surroundings, this enchanting estate offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and discovery.

Montalto Estate provides access to its stunning trails and gardens, each with unique and surprising features; historic walks and trails; and an exciting play area where children can explore, learn, and marvel at their natural surroundings. Opened in June 2024, the Montalto Bark Park is a secure off-lead area for dogs to run, play, and enjoy agility challenges, with water stations available for thirsty pups.

A purpose-built visitor centre, designed to complement the estate’s timeless character, includes a reception with lift access, a stylish café serving flavoursome and beautifully presented food, and a shop showcasing estate produce, local craft products, and a curated selection of unique, well-designed items. Visitors can also enjoy a brand new ice cream parlour offering indulgent sundaes, creamy milkshakes, and luxurious hot chocolates made with chocolate from a speciality chocolate tap, while The Stables is the go-to for classic ice cream cones, takeaway coffee, and confectionery, with the bonus of cosy indoor seating for rainy days.

The estate’s gardens include an Alpine Garden, Winter Garden, Fruit Garden, Walled Garden, Formal Garden, and Orchard set within a wildflower meadow, as well as The Lost Garden, revealed in 2023 after being hidden for over a century. Once overgrown and forgotten, this restored space offers a glimpse of 1912, with winding paths, breathtaking views, and interpretive signage revealing its remarkable plants and features. The Winter Garden and Alpine Garden remain open year-round, while the other gardens are accessible whenever possible as they are working spaces. Four champion trees stand proudly around the lake and pinetum, and over the past three years, more than 30,000 trees have been planted here.

Active families can enjoy the Woodland Trail and Low Wood. The impressive handcrafted treehouse features rope bridges, monkey bars, and treetop views for children of all ages, while younger explorers can discover the smaller treehouse and natural play area — each element designed to spark imagination through exploration and discovery.

Nestled in the picturesque County Down countryside, Montalto Estate is a privately owned demesne with history stretching back to the 1600s. It is famously the site of the Battle of Ballynahinch during the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and home to an exotic plant collection created by ‘The Father of Irish Gardening’, Sir Arthur Rawdon.

For tranquil and picturesque walks, visitors can enjoy the stunning Lake Walk and Garden Walk, take in the seasonal displays, and spot some of the wonderful wildlife that calls the estate home; a place to pause, breathe, and truly reconnect with nature.