Northern Ireland’s most gorgeous gardens to visit this spring
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With spring FINALLY starting to feel like it's arrived this weekend, we thought it would be helpful to piece together some of Northern Ireland’s prettiest gardens.
This helpful guide details the popular green spaces and lesser-known urban parks so you can enjoy a leisurely walk and relax with a cheeky picnic.
The best part…some are completely free to explore!
Check it out:
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
First built back in 1828, this city oasis is one of Belfast's most popular outdoor hangouts. The Palm House and Tropical Ravine are worth visiting alone, it's filled with an extraordinary collection of exotic and tropical plants.
Castle Ward, Strangford
Overlooking Strangford Lough, Castle Ward is a unique 18th century house. This impressive estate features two very distinctively quirky gardens - a 17th and 18th century Temple Water and the 19th century Windsor Garden.
Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
With over 20,000 flowers stretching as far as the eye can see, Lady Dixon Park comes alive in summer. For something that little bit different check out their colourful bandstand and Japanese-style garden with a lake and traditional fountain.
Hillsborough Castle Gardens
Walk in royal footsteps as you explore NI's working royal residence. The 1.6 mile trail will take you past spectacular gardens, impressive 150 year old Lime Trees, Quaker Burial ground, Ice House, a serene Temple with Pond and of course Hillsborough Castle itself.
Florence Court Kitchen Garden
Back in 2013, the National Trust took over the maintenance of Florence Court, and has since returned the walled garden to its former glory as a 1930s-styled Kitchen Garden. We're talking forest park trails, perfumed scents, manicured lawns and picture-perfect picnic spots.
Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield
This 19th century garden tucks neatly inside the quaint Co. Down village of Saintfield. The walled garden was originally built for fruit and vegetables, however it's now filled with an eclectic mix of trees plants, herbs and floral moments.
Glenarm Castle Walled Garden, Antrim
Glenarm Castle Garden is one of Ireland's oldest walled gardens dating back to the 18th century. Filled with colour through every season, there's so much to see here, from the peonies in May/June to the woodland walks in autumn.
Mount Stewart, Newtownards
Did you know Mount Stewart was voted in the top ten gardens in the world? Follow the 2.3 mile trail, beginning at the front of the grand house, and you will discover an array of intriguing spaces, including a sunken garden, shamrock garden, Spanish Garden and even an Italian Garden. Some of the world's most exotic plants thrive in this this unique landscape on the Ards Peninsula.
Read more:
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