gardens antrim

These formal gardens in late seventeenth century style are a unique survival in Ulster. They lie within the old demesne of Antrim Castle, of which only a single tower remains.

Formal walks are lined with hedges of hornbeam, lime and yew of a height rarely seen today rising to more than 20ft in some cases. Some walks focus on formal water features such as the Round Pond and the T-shaped Canal, others on a formal parterre garden, yet others on an earthen mound which has a spiral path run...

By the seventeenth century, roses were extensively grown in almost every European garden. Three hundred years later they remain firm favourites and nowhere more so than in Ulster - the home, for over a century, of two world-famous breeders: Dickson's of Newtownards and McCredy's of Portadown....

Its long and fascinating history began during the late 18th and early 19th centuries when there was an upsurge of interest in botany, horticulture and gardening, encouraged by the range of new plants being brought back from the East and the Americas by plant hunters.

The formation of "Botanic Gardens' became fashionable, and gardens had already been established in Dublin and Cork when the Belfast Botanic and Horticultural Society was formed in February 1827. Under its president, th...

The Palm House is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear and cast iron glasshouse. Its construction was initiated by the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society in the 1830s. The two wings were completed in 1840, and were built by Richard Turner of Dublin, who later built the Great Palm House at Kew Gardens. The 37 foot high elliptical dome at Belfast was only added twelve years later.

Over the years the Palm House acquired a reputation for good plant collections, and the...

The urban enviroment is an important part of Belfast's heritage and is enhanced by the unique blend of features and characters of the city many parks, old and new, large and small Annual events promote interest and activity in the parks, and include lectures, demonstrations, guided walks, bus tours, band performances, children's aciivities, outdoor summer schemes, educational programmes and major events such as Rose Week and the Spring and Autumn Flower Shows....

Farming culture is traced from past to present. Farm animals, horse and trap rides, walled garden, nature trails, picnic area, lakes, history room, carriage display, adventure playground, tea room, gift and craft shop. Pre-booked schools and groups at any time....