Gardens Open by Appointment 2018
These gardens are open by appointment in aid of the National Trust gardens in Northern Ireland. This scheme is in addition to the established Ulster Gardens Scheme of fixed day openings.
Admission £4
Antrim
10 Riverside Road, Bushmills, BT57 8TP
A large garden with deep borders and unusual plants and shrubs. Woodland walk, snowdrops, primroses, bluebells, scillas etc. large lawn, facing south with country views.
Location: From Bushmills take the Castlecat Road. After approximately 1 mile, turn right onto Riverside Road. Continue for 0.75 miles and turn left at house on left onto drive. Garden at end of drive, approx. 200 yards.
Tel: Mrs Pam Traill for appointment on 028 2073 1219 or 0792 2795 6720
All Year
17 Drumnamallaght Road, Ballymoney, BT53 7QX
An interesting garden with unusual plants, scree, crevice garden, stone troughs, herbaceous border, pond and a stream. Featured in the Greenmount Gardens television programme and listed in Shirley Lanigan’s book, The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland. Plants for sale.
Tel: Mrs Dorothy Brown for an appointment and directions to the garden on 028 2766 2923
April – end September
11 Sallagh Road, Cairncastle, Ballygally, Larne, BT40 2NE
A two acre plantsman’s garden situated on the Antrim Coast and consisting of a number of paths winding through maturing woodland. There are several small ponds and it holds an extensive collection of herbaceous plants, bulbs, shrubs and trees, many of which have been propagated by the owner. Large collection of Hellebores.
Parking limited. Not suitable for children. Partial wheelchair access.
Location: From A8 Belfast to Larne Road, turn left on B148 for Cairncastle at new Millbrook roundabout. After approximately 4 miles, leave B148 at ‘Old Dairy’ (yellow cottage), and fork left onto Sallagh Road. House is 0.75 miles on right, below road.
Alternatively: From A2 Coast Road at Ballygally, from rear of Ballygally car park turn left and drive approximately 1.75 miles to T junction. Turn left again onto B148 and then, shortly after, sharp right onto Sallagh Road access.
Tel: Mr and Mrs D Ledsham for appointment on 028 2858 3003
April – end October
13 Ballynagard Road, Ballyvoy, Ballycastle BT54 6PW
This country garden near Ballycastle, on a 0.5 acre site, is approximately 400ft above sea level with a stunning view of the sea and Kenbane headland. The garden is designed for the prevailing environmental conditions and to protect each section from the severe winds structured windbreaks have been created from ceanothus, potentilla, fuchsia, escallonia, weigela, cistus and conifers. From the first snowdrops, daffodils and primulas in the main garden there is a continual mass of colour until early autumn with lilies, agapanthus, alliums, azalea, hydrangea and many more.
At the end of the garden a number of small paths lead through a large rockery of mature plants and rhododendrons to a fruit tree area. Another area of the garden is planted with a wide variety of hostas, apple trees and other mature shrubs.
Due to limited car parking and narrow road, groups are limited to 10 and regrettably unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Location: Drive through Ballycastle, pass the Marine Hotel on left, take second exit at the roundabout onto the A2 and follow signs for Cushendall. Two miles onto Ballyvoy (Hunters Pub on corner) continue on A2 for 0.75 miles, Ballynagard Road is on the right. Drive approximately 0.75 miles and arrive at first bungalow on the right.
Tel: Dr Tom and Mrs Penny McNeill for appointment on 077 5419 0687
Late May – September
Armagh
7 Mount Charles North, Bessbrook, Newry, BT35 7DW
This garden is in the delightful 18th century village of Bessbrook. A connoisseur’s garden with a superb collection of alpines and clematis, cleverly planted with herbaceous plants and shrubs. There are alpines in troughs and a new addition is a crevice bed.
Location: From Belfast take the A1 for Dublin then take the A27 turn-off for Newry. At the roundabout take the 3rd exit under the bridge (signposted A28 Markethill/Armagh). At the 2nd roundabout take the 2nd exit (signposted Craigmore. Bessbrook 2). At crossroads at Millvale Arms turn right onto B133, after 0.6 miles take first left past Vauxhall Garage, Bessbrook B112. 0.3 miles past the Gospel Hall turn left through the iron gates at railings. The garden is 5 minutes from the main Belfast/Dublin A1.
Tel: Mr and Mrs W McKelvey for appointment on 028 3083 8006
May – August
N’Eoghain Lodge, 32 Ennislare Road Armagh, BT60 2AX
A hidden gem. This 3 acre country garden is full of character and interest. It has been developed over 30 years by a plantswoman who travelled widely to add to her plant collection. Allow plenty of time to linger on the lawns and admire the fine specimen trees and water features. Wander among the many herbaceous borders and admire the gravel garden with rose arches and statuary, There is also a folly created by Mr McGeown who also made superb wrought iron seats for relaxing in the garden. Wonder at the outdoor chess set with toddler size chessmen!
Location: From Armagh take the Keady Road (A29). After approx 2.5 miles, opposite a row of cottages, turn left onto Ennislare Road, take the second left, still on Ennislare Road, and house is first on the right.
Tel: Kathleen McGeown for appointment on 078 8419 1215
May – end September
Summerhill, 77 Mullavilly Road, Tandragee, Craigavon, BT62 2LX
A mature plantsman’s garden of one acre with an interesting collection of plants, many sourced from Ulster Gardens Scheme plant stalls over the last 30 years. There are formal and informal areas of trees, shrubs, roses, clematis and herbaceous plants which have been established in artistic combinations to give seasonal interest. The garden also contains a water feature and raised beds for vegetables and propagation. Mostly suitable for wheelchairs.
Location: From the A27 main Portadown to Tandragee Road approximately 3 miles from Portadown and 2 miles from Tangragee. Leave the A27 at Ballylisk roundabout and take 3rd exit signposted to Laurelvale. Garden is 0.25 miles on left hand side beside Mullavilly Parish Church. From Newry take the A27 to Tandragee/Portadown.
From Tandragee travel 2 miles to Ballylisk roundabout and take first exit signposted to Laurelvale. Garden location is as above.
Tel: Andrew and Heather White for appointment on 028 3884 0463
May – August
Down
3 Brooklands Park, Manse Road, Newtownards, BT23 4XY
A compact garden with emphasis on trees, shrubs, roses and herbaceous perennials grown to attract birds, bees and butterflies. It has an extensive range of plants, and the garden areas have features aimed to enhance and intrigue. The garden has been artistically planted to give year-round interest and the colourful, broad herbaceous border is an attractive feature at the front of the house.
Partially suitable for wheelchairs.
Location: From Dundonald follow the A20 to the roundabout at Ards Shopping Centre. Take the first exit onto Blair Mayne Road North. Turn left into Manse Road. Continue until you reach Brooklands Park on the left.
Tel: Miss Gillian Downing for appointment on 028 9181 5263
April – September
77 Magheratimpany Road, Spa, Ballynahinch, BT24 8PA
This delightful 25 acre garden includes a cottage garden, woodland with shade loving plants and a rock garden. There is a wonderful collection of trees and a wildlife pond.
Partially suitable for wheelchairs.
Location: South of Ballynahinch A24. 200 yards past the Millbrook Lodge Hotel turn right on to the Ballymaglave Road, towards Spa. Turn left on to Magheratimpany Road and Number 77 is on the left hand side.
Tel: Dr and Mrs Colin Tindall for appointment on 028 9756 2812
May – September
‘Glenkeen’, 12 Dunevly Road, Portaferry, BT22 1NB
This is a 12 year old, informal, half acre garden with a variety of interesting plants. The delightfully colourful garden includes soft fruits and vegetables and is wildlife friendly with bee hives. Woodturning studio, dolls' houses and local crafts for sale.
Open 10am to 4pm during Creative Peninsula Week with refreshments available during the week.
Location: From Newtownards take the A20 main Newtownards to Portaferry Road. Approximately 6.5 miles from Kircubbin turn left into Dunevly Road (opposite Lough Cowey Lake sign) Number 12 is just over 1 mile on the left at a U bend. From Portaferry take A20 road towards Newtownards. Dunevly Road is just over 2 miles on the right.
Tel: Ann and Mike Miall for appointment on 028 4277 2418
Groups limited to 15 people
June, July and August
‘Forth Cottage’, 67 Lisnacroppin Road, Rathfriland, BT34 5NZ
This cottage garden has been extended and revamped over three generations of gardeners in the family. The changes reflect the greater variety of cottage type plants available in the 21st century and ideas inspired by many garden visits. The south facing rose garden, in front of the 19th-century part of the cottage, is planted for year round interest and gravel mulched for ease of maintenance. On the terrace, inside the walled garden, crevice style alpine troughs give spring interest, and gravel
paths wind through the beds. The middle lawn is original field grass, with curving beds and a west facing rock solar. The bottom garden is mostly wild flower planting, with the working area, compost bins and the ‘rompers and roamers bed’. The garden is largely wheelchair friendly with plenty of seating available. Car parking limited.
Location: Take the B10 Rathfriland Road, exiting from the A1. Go 7.5 miles, then take a right turn up a steep hill onto Lisnacroppin Road. After 2 miles on Lisnacroppin Road, the garden is on the right. Parking on right after the cottage. From Rathfriland go 2 miles on the B10 and turn left onto Lisnacroppin Road.
Tel: Mrs Helen Harper for appointment on 028 4065 1649
Maximum group of 10 people
May – July
Old Barrack House, 7 Main Street, Hillsborough, BT26 6AE
Old Barrack House garden is in essence a secret garden, hidden away behind the house, a Grade I listed building on Main Street in Hillsborough village. Venturing down the alley between the houses you reach the cobbled yard and barn. Over the years Dawn and Ken have subtly changed and improved the yard, garden and buildings to create the now charming collection of pebbled terraces and garden rooms that keep you guessing as you proceed further down the garden. Dawn is an artist and garden designer and that creative instinct is much in evidence as plants are chosen for height, form and colour of leaf and flowers, in relation to the ambience of each area. You may have seen this garden on the TV show ‘Greatest Gardens’ where Dairmuid Gavin and Helen Dillon critiqued nine gardens. Dawn and Ken’s garden won its heat, and Diarmuid described it as a little bit of heaven, a must see!
Location: Main Street, Hillsborough opposite the Parish Church. Dawn and Ken live in the Old Barrack House - the only house with Wisteria across it.
Tel: Dawn and Ken McEntee for appointment on 028 9268 2329
Private tours only (10 persons minimum). Refreshments can be provided on request at time of booking.
June – September
‘Coille’, 15 Finnebrogue Road, Finnebrogue Demesne, Downpatrick, BT30 9AA
The garden of about one acre has a woodland setting amidst several buildings of architectural interest in the historic Finnebrogue Demesne. It is an informal garden developed over the past 17 years from a neglected overgrown site. It features interesting combinations of shrub and herbaceous planting for both sun and shade, together with courtyard areas around a collection of 18th-century estate buildings.
Partially suitable for wheelchairs.
Location: From Belfast take A7 to Downpatrick. Finnebrogue Road has its junction, a sharp left turn, with the A7, 2.5miles from Crossgar and it links to the A22 Killyleagh/Downpatrick Road, just before the Quoile Bridge. Entrance to the Demesne is on the north side of the Finnebrogue Road, marked by a red-brick gate lodge and stone gate pillars. The driveway and the surrounding land is in private ownership.
Tel: John and Agnes Peacocke for appointment on 028 4461 2766
May – mid September
5 Aldergrange Avenue, Newtownards, BT23 4FY
This constantly evolving garden has been described as a vibrant paradise which offers a taste of the exotic. Tropical ginger lilies, banana plants, roses, agapanthus, clematis, succulents, tree ferns and much, much more. Great colour and perfume in abundance leading to an active informal pond with frogs, newts and goldfish. The garden was a winner in the Belfast Telegraph’s Blooming Marvellous competition, while in 2015 and 2017 it won the Best Medium Garden Award from Comber & District Horticultural Society.
Mostly suitable for wheelchairs.
Location: From Dundonald follow the A20 to the roundabout at Ards Shopping Centre. Take the first exit onto Blair Mayne Road. Turn left into Manse Road. Continue onto Aldergrange Park. Turn right into Aldergrange Avenue. Parking on the road.
Tel: Mr Victor and Mrs Roz Henry for appointment on 028 9182 6764.
(10 persons minimum).
June - end September
Old Balloo House and Barn, 15-17 Comber Road, Balloo, Killinchy, BT23 6PB
Gardens of approximately one acre, developed around a late Georgian house and outbuildings, leading down to the River Blackwater. The garden immediately around the house, created in the mid-20th century, has been restored and extended by the current owners. A wide range of plants is placed artistically, within the different spaces. Winding paths take you through the garden where spring bulbs, especially daffodils, cherry and apple blossom, primula, flowering shrubs, roses, clematis and specimen trees abound. The planting offers carefully framed views within the garden and to the surrounding farmland. Herbaceous material is used throughout the garden as under planting or in the New European Perennial style. Many of the plants have been propagated on site. The garden includes many interesting features such as a water-trough cascade, feeding a rill, which empties into a pond. Please note that part of the garden is not accessible to everyone due to the steep incline.
Unsuitable for young children and wheelchairs.
Location: Between Comber and Killyleagh on the A22 (on crossroads opposite Sofaland).
Tel: Lesley Simpson 028 9754 1485 or Moira Concannon 078 1141 6642 for appointment. Small groups only please, 6–8 max
April – June
Londonderry
‘Hampstead Hall’, 40 Culmore Road, Londonderry, BT48 7RS
A fascinating city garden in the suburbs of Derry. It is comprised of a Japanese style garden, an Italian garden and a formal garden in front of an elegant Georgian House. A new area is under development. Described and illustrated in Shirley Lanigan’s ‘The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland’. Partially suitable for wheelchairs.
Location: Follow the signs for the city centre after crossing the Foyle Bridge. After double set of traffic lights take second right into Baronscourt. House is third driveway on the right.
Tel: Mr Liam Greene for appointment on 028 7135 4807 (evenings)
Groups only
May – end September
28 Killyfaddy Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6EX
This is a mature garden of over one acre densely packed with a wide range of trees, herbaceous plants and a small hardy plant nursery. There is a pond and bog garden, fruit and vegetables, greenhouse etc. It has featured in BBC Television’s ‘Secret Gardens’ and is described and illustrated in Shirley Lanigan’s ‘The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland’. Partially suitable for wheelchairs.
Location: Killyfaddy Road is second left off the Moneymore Road from the centre of Magherafelt.
Tel: Mrs A Buchanan for appointment on 028 7963 2180
All year
Tyrone
Tattykeel House, 115 Doogary Road, Omagh, BT79 0BN
A country garden of approximately 1.5 acres created over a 25 year period, planted with conifers, shrubs, roses and perennials. There is a sheltered seating area, a Japanese influenced area, interesting features and a collection of well grown climbers on the house. The garden was featured on the BBC television series ‘Greenmount Gardens’. Mrs Ward runs a very interesting craft studio at the house.
Partially suitable for wheelchairs.
Location: Tattykeel House is approximately 2.5 miles from Omagh on the south side of the A5 Omagh to Ballygawley Road. There is a sign at the entrance gate.
Tel: Mr Hugh and Mrs Kathleen Ward for appointment on 028 8224 9801
May – July