Mansions and Gardens

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.  Varieties of flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables mix with sculptures and a unique fountain with a tongue twister! We are thrilled that the Walled Garden is now open all year round (except on particular holidays). Please see opening hours.

The Ward family designed the Castle Park Walled Garden in the 1840s. It was never open to the public and was considered by many as a secret garden. The then named North Down Borough Council restored this beautiful the Garden and it was officially opened as a visitor attraction in April 2009.

The 1.5-acre site has four distinct sections — the kitchen garden, the herb and topiary garden, the swamp garden, and the flower garden.

Find out more about Bangor Castle Walled Garden.

The Walled Garden Helen’s Bay

This "secret" garden is currently undergoing an ambitious restoration project to become a unique visitor destination focusing on organic vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower growing as well as a wide variety of education, cultural, community and private events.

Find out more about The Walled Garden Helen's Bay.

Clandeboye Estate, Bangor

Clandeboye Estate is one of the few great, private estates of Northern Ireland that still remain in the ownership of the original family. With over 2,000 acres, beautiful private gardens, a chapel and located on the outskirts of the popular seaside city of Bangor, only 8 miles from George Best Belfast City Airport.

Find out more about Clandeboye Estate & Courtyard.

Bangor Castle (City Hall)

This impressive building was built for the Hon Robert Edward Ward and his family in 1852. It is presently the headquarters of Ards and North Down Borough Council who use the mansions spectacular grand salon as the Council Chamber. The building is situated in the grounds of Castle Park alongside North Down Museum and is just a short walk from Bangor Castle Walled Garden.

Find out more about Bangor Castle (City Hall)

Greyabbey Village, Grey Abbey and Greyabbey House 

Greyabbey is one of the best examples of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster It was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster.

The Abbey is set in the landscaped parkland of the 18th century Rosemount House, group tours can be arranged.

Find out more about Greyabbey and Grey Abbey House.

Ballywalter Park, Ballywalter

Ballywalter Park is a classic example of an early Victorian Country House built in the Italianate Palazzo style.

Ballywalter Park is a Grade A listed historic house, beautifully restored as a conference venue, providing exclusive lunches, dinners, and accommodation for up to 24 guests in 12 luxurious bedrooms. Tours of the house can also be arranged by appointment.

Ballywalter Park has been in the ownership of Lord Dunleath's family for over 150 years and is one of Ireland's most important historic houses.

We have also piloted a tour of the servants’ quarters, named “You rang M’Lady”.

Find out more about Ballywalter Park Holding Page (working on new website)

National Trust - Mount Stewart House and Gardens, Newtownards

Mount Stewart is a 19th-century house and garden in County Down, Northern Ireland, owned by the National Trust. Situated on the east shore of Strangford Lough, a few miles outside the town of Newtownards and near Greyabbey. Following a three-year £8 million restoration programme, this 19th- century house has been significantly transformed, making it a must-see attraction on the island of Ireland.

Voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry bearing the hallmark of its creator. Edith, Lady Londonderry’s passion for bold planting schemes coupled with the mild climate of Strangford Lough allows rare and tender plants from across the globe to thrive in this celebrated garden.

Find out more about Mount Stewart.