Days out Northern Ireland autumn and winter 2017 Registered charity number 205846 Welcome All your favourite places This autumn and winter enjoy magical experiences at our special Mid Ulster 5 places with the National Trust. Jump into the great outdoors Antrim and North Coast 6–7 and be inspired by nature as our gardens and woodlands come County Fermanagh 8 alive in a riot of reds, oranges, yellows and browns. Explore our County Down 10–12 walks and take in the stunning views or join us at one of many Around Belfast 13 exciting activities and events happening all year round. 50 things to do 14 What’s on 15–26 Information Who we are and what we do 27 The National Trust is an Volunteer and make a difference 27 independent conservation Time to get away 28–29 charity funded through Contact details 30 Places to visit — Map 31 memberships, donations, legacies and commercial operations. The great outdoors With the help of our members, Mount Stewart The world’s biggest playground is right supporters and volunteers outside your front door, so stretch your we look after some of the legs and your imagination, and create unforgettable memories exploring the country’s most beautiful National Trust members great outdoors today. places, including historic During normal opening hours Northern Ireland is superb for walking houses and collections, and the National Trust is full of special members are entitled to free Rowallane Garden places rich with wildlife, crammed with countryside and coastline. entry. Additional charges for some stories and commanding stunning views. From landscaped gardens to wild coasts, events may also apply to members Further information Become a member and help to help raise essential funds for and from gentle nature trails to rugged Details of events are correct at the time of printing. parklands, we’ve got a great range of walks protect Northern Ireland’s the restoration and upkeep of the Please note that the information provided in this for everyone to enjoy. special place you are visiting. guide may change without notice. Please check event natural and built heritage details before travelling by contacting the relevant Or why not get on your bike and use some while enjoying access place or visiting our website nationaltrust.org.uk/ni pedal power to feel the wind in your hair on Divis and the Black Mountain one of our cycle routes. We have trails to to extraordinary places, suit all ages and abilities, and with bikes to Follow us online hire at some of our places, all you need to experiences and activities. nationaltrust.org.uk/ni bring is a sense of adventure. facebook.com/nationaltrustNI So wrap up warm, get your boots on, and drink in the wild air as you enjoy woodlands Join today at your @nationaltrustNI ablaze with colour this autumn and winter. @nationaltrustNI favourite place or online Alternative formats at nationaltrust.org.uk Telephone 028 9751 0721 or email [email protected] Registered charity number 205846 2 3 All your favourite places Mid Ulster With many miles of beautiful coastline, huge Ardress House stretches of countryside, panoramic views, This 17th-century farmhouse, elegantly historic houses and glorious gardens in our care, remodelled in Georgian times, offers fun we have a wealth of treasures for all to enjoy. and relaxation for all the family. The cobbled farmyard with a dairy, smithy and threshing barn is the perfect spot to feed the resident chickens, while the nearby apple orchards are great for exploring. Children will enjoy visiting the small farmyard animals, having a go on the ride-on tractors and dressing-up. The Argory Surrounded by a wooded riverside estate, Springhill the interior of this Irish gentry house still evokes the eclectic tastes and interests of the MacGeough Bond family. The rose garden, Springhill with its unusual sundial, pleasure gardens This 17th-century plantation house, home of the and walks along the River Blackwater are Lenox-Conyngham family, is brought to life on ideal for exploring. There’s also fun for kids guided tours. Discover the celebrated costume on the indoor bug trail and the zipline in the collection in the old laundry and kids ‘dressing up’ children’s play area. in the Costume Closet. Explore the walled garden Minnowburn and way marked trails, with views of Slieve Gallion and the Sperrins, and enjoy the natural play area. Whether you’re looking for active ways to spend your Wellbrook Beetling Mill leisure time, somewhere to explore with the children Step back in time and discover how yarn or inspirational days out with family and friends — was spun at Northern Ireland’s last working there’s always a special place to explore. water-powered linen beetling mill. Hands-on demonstrations reveal the importance of the linen industry in 19th-century Ireland. The glen Leave every day stresses behind and enjoy all the time is ideal for relaxing walks and perfect for a in the world with us. There really is something to see, picnic by the Ballinderry River. do and enjoy at all our places, every day of the year. Derrymore House When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the Resting peacefully in a landscaped demesne, National Trust, your support helps us to look after The Argory this 18th-century thatched cottage is rich in special places for ever, for everyone. history and a great place for walks. Ardress House Thank you Gray’s Printing Press The indelible story of printing is told behind this Georgian shop front in Strabane, once reputed for your part as Ireland’s printing capital. in keeping For more information on our places places to visit, check out our website nationaltrust.org.uk/ni special. Wellbrook Beetling Mill 4 or follow us online. 5 Causeway Coast In Northern Together we Ireland three can protect out of four Northern places cannot Ireland’s fund their own natural and conservation. built heritage. Cushendun Carrick-a-Rede Connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge Cushendun Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge across the Atlantic Ocean, this rocky Nestled at the mouth of the River Dun (Brown River) island is the ultimate clifftop experience. at the foot of Glendun, Cushendun is a charming The bridge was traditionally erected by Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House historic village steeped in character and folklore. salmon fishermen and if you are bold Admire the white Cornish-style houses designed by enough to make the crossing you will The sheltered gardens, Mussenden Temple and Clough Williams-Ellis, explore the grounds of historic be rewarded with unique geology and striking mansion ruins bear testament to the Glenmona House and enjoy the circular walking trail. wildlife. On a clear day enjoy views across eccentricity of the Earl Bishop who once made this the seas of Moyle to Rathlin Island and the 18th-century demesne his home. With views over Portmuck Scottish islands. Access to the rope bridge long white beaches and the mountains of Donegal Portmuck and Skernaghan Point is via timed tickets which are purchased it is a wonderful place for a refreshing walk or on date of visit to the site. Coach and fun in the children’s natural play area. Nearby at Once the site of smuggling and home to an group visits must pre-book in advance Hezlett House, life in a rural 17th-century cottage ancient monastery, the Islandmagee peninsula’s Portstewart Strand through the North Coast Booking Office. is told through the people who once lived there. coastline is steeped in history. An Area of Special Sweeping along the edge of the north Scientific Interest, it has some of Northern coast, this two mile stretch of golden Ireland’s largest colonies of cliff nesting seabirds Giant’s Causeway sand offers uninterrupted views of the and offers views of the famous Antrim coast. coastline. It’s an ideal place for lazy The famous basalt columns at our iconic picnics, surfing and long walks into the World Heritage Site, left by volcanic wildlife-rich sand dunes. You can also eruptions 60 million years ago, are home White Park Bay enjoy bird watching from the bird hide to a wealth of local history and legend. Embraced by ancient dunes, Neolithic settlements on the Bann Estuary, a sanctuary for Follow in the footsteps of giants along the and passage tombs, this arc of white sand nestles waders, wildfowl and nesting birds. windswept walking trails to discover flora between two headlands on the North Antrim and fauna of international importance as coast. Home to a range of rich habitats and a well as fantastic bird watching. Indoors, the myriad of wildlife, its secluded location makes it Portstewart Strand interactive exhibition in the Visitor Centre ideal for quiet relaxation and peaceful walks. unlocks the secrets of the landscape. Giant’s Causeway Downhill Demesne 6 White Park Bay 7 Castle Coole County Fermanagh Castle Coole One of the finest examples of Neo-classical architecture in Ireland, Castle Coole has an elegant and restrained exterior, while the interior is brimming with opulence, luxury and colour. Guided tours also reveal life below the stairs in the servants’ rooms and quarters. The surrounding rolling parkland, interspersed with Crom mature oaks, woodlands and paths, is perfect for refreshing walks and fun in the outdoor play area. Crom Home to islands, ancient woodland and historical ruins, this 2,000-acre demesne sits in a tranquil landscape on the peaceful southern shores of Upper Lough Erne. One of Ireland’s most important conservation areas, it has many rare species and is great for relaxing walks, cycling and boat trips, or overnight camping.