Renowned garden historian Niall Porteous takes us on an enchanting journey through five of Northern Ireland’s most captivating gardens. Discover the rich heritage and diverse landscapes that characterise these renowned gardens, with each offering its own unique blend of history, horticulture and natural beauty.
Mount Stewart, with its stunning neo-classical house and world-renowned gardens, showcases a blend of formal design and naturalistic planting schemes. Rowallane’s charming landscape features include formal terraces, woodland walks, and a stunning walled garden bursting with colour.
Mount Stewart, Rowallane, Castlewellan, Rostrevor and Brook Hall
Castlewellan, nestled within the picturesque Castlewellan Forest Park, boasts an impressive Victorian castle, maze, and arboretum, while Rostrevor offers a tranquil escape with its beautiful views, woodland trails and exotic plantings. Finally, Brook Hall, a hidden gem in the Northern Irish countryside, invites visitors to explore its enchanting gardens and tranquil lakeside setting.
The Event
Niall Porteous will delve into the history, design principles, and botanical highlights of each garden, offering insight and inspiration for both seasoned garden enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the secrets of these extraordinary Northern Irish gardens.
Admission: €19.50 Ticket includes admission to Huntington Castle Gardens. House tours available 2 – 5 p.m. with last tour at 5 p.m. Cost €12.95 per adult, child < 12 €6.00, concessions €11, infant free, family (2 adults and 2 children) €30. To book a house tour in advance visit www.huntingtoncastle.com or book at the tea room upon arrival. Tea room serves delicious cakes, and speciality teas and coffees.
Directions: From Dublin/Waterford exit the M9 at junction 5 for N80 Rosslare. Continue along the N80 through the village of Ballon. Approx. 4 km from Ballon take a left turn (clearly signposted) to reach the village of Clonegal. The entrance gates to Huntington Castle are at the lower end of the village, adjacent to the Sha-Roe Restaurant.
Type of event: indoors with opportunity to view Huntington Castle Gardens
About Niall Porteous
Niall Porteous is a gardening consultant working in Ireland with long experience of being a head gardener and gardens advisor, much of it for the National Trust. Most recently, he was head gardener at Mount Stewart, Co. Down. He has a love of garden history and received his M.A. in Garden History from Bristol University. Niall approaches the subject as a gardener and not as an art historian. He continues to work as a head gardener at Glenarm Castle, Co. Antrim and has many advisory commissions throughout the island of Ireland including Castlewellan and many OPW, (Office of Public Works), gardens in Ireland. He enjoys botanical travel, and believes it is important for gardeners to see how plants grow in their native habitat. He has just returned from botanizing for five weeks in New Zealand and Victoria.
