Gardens of Antrim & Down

We depart this morning, with our expert gardener Peter Harrison, from The Alex Hotel in Dublin. Our first visit of the day will be to Old Barrack House Garden in Hillsborough. Tucked behind a Grade I listed house the garden is a charming collection of pebbled terraces & garden rooms.

Following some free time for lunch (at own expense) we will have a private guided tour of Hillsborough Castle. We will explore the fascinating history & stunning state rooms of this Georgian House, followed by some free time to enjoy the historic gardens with Peter. In the late afternoon, we continue to the Dunadry Hotel where our tour is based. An evening meal is included each night during our stay.

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart the hotel for our first visit of the day: the Billy Old Rectory Peace Garden in Bushmills. This mature three-acre garden, located in front of the Georgian Rectory, features large lawns, an ancient well, herbaceous borders, a pond area, and a developing woodland garden.

Next, we visit Benvarden Garden, a historic estate located near the North Antrim Coast. The estate boasts a wonderfully preserved period house, a mature walled garden, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Lunch will be included here today.

Our final visit of the day will be to a private garden in Ballymena before returning to our hotel in the late afternoon.

Our day begins with a visit to the family-run Ballyrobert Gardens. Designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding countryside, this six-acre garden features an extensive collection of labelled plant varieties. Highlights include the Cottage Garden, Glenlinchy Borders, Lakeside Garden, Woodland Garden, and Orchard Garden. Refreshments included and there is also an excellent nursery.

In the afternoon, we head to Glenarm Castle Garden, nestled in the Glens of Antrim. The Walled Garden dates from the 18th century and has been lovingly restored over the past twenty years. Explore the delightful herbaceous borders, soothing water features, and kitchen gardens. Before returning to the hotel, we will enjoy lunch (included) in the Tea Rooms, situated in the old Mushroom House.

After checking out of the hotel, we depart for a morning visit to Mount Stewart House & Garden, which has been voted one of the world’s top ten gardens. This unique garden is one of the few late compartmentalized Arts & Crafts-style gardens and was the deeply personal creation of Edith, Lady Londonderry, in the early 20th century. There will be a guided tour of the house, followed by free time for lunch and to explore the gardens with Peter.

Before heading back to Dublin, we have a comfort stop at The Carrickdale Hotel Including refreshments. We then continue our journey, arriving at The Alex Hotel, Fenian Street, in the late afternoon.