BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

We travel from the port of Belfast to Mount Stewart, an impressive 18th century mansion now owned by the National Trust. The property boasts one of the greatest gardens in Britain and Ireland. Home of the influential Londonderry family, the famous gardens span 98 acres and include Sunken, Shamrock and Italian Gardens as well as the amazing Dodo Terrace and the Temple of the Winds – a hilltop banqueting house designed by James ‘Athenian’ Stuart in the 1780s.

We travel from the port of Belfast to Mount Stewart, an impressive 18th century mansion now owned by the National Trust. The property boasts one of the greatest gardens in Britain and Ireland. Home of the influential Londonderry family, the famous gardens span 98 acres and include Sunken, Shamrock and Italian Gardens as well as the amazing Dodo Terrace and the Temple of the Winds – a hilltop banqueting house designed by James ‘Athenian’ Stuart in the 1780s.

Situated on the Ards Peninsula, the Mount Stewart Gardens – nominated as a World Heritage Site – were designed by Lady Londonderry for her children, in 1920. Today there is a significant series of outdoor ‘rooms’, vibrant parterres and lush borders that contain exotic plants, which thrive in the area’s microclimate, together with breathtaking vistas across the central lake.

After a guided tour of the house, we can stroll through the gardens and enjoy refreshments in the tearoom (at our own expense) or browse through the gift shop.

On our way back to Belfast, we travel through the wealthy suburbs of Hollywood, and return to our awaiting ship.

TOUR NOTES: Please note that the upstairs of Mount Stewart House is not accessible to wheelchairs. There are approximately two hours of walking involved. Refreshments are not included.