New trails unveiled at Mount Stewart

Previously unseen parts of Mount Stewart demesne, on the shores of Strangford Lough, were officially opened to visitors this week, with a network of new walking trails and archaeological wonders to explore.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Aug 2016, 07:58 BST
Updated 4th Aug 2016, 16:00 BST

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Previously unseen parts of Mount Stewart demesne, on the shores of Strangford Lough, were officially opened to visitors this week.Previously unseen parts of Mount Stewart demesne, on the shores of Strangford Lough, were officially opened to visitors this week.
Previously unseen parts of Mount Stewart demesne, on the shores of Strangford Lough, were officially opened to visitors this week.

The land has been looked after by the National Trust, Northern Ireland’s largest conservation charity, since it was acquired for £4 million as part of last year’s major restoration project at Mount Stewart, which saw a further £8 million spent on the renovation of the House.

The acquisition now brings the outdoors at Mount Stewart to over 800 acres of rolling, County Down countryside.

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Three miles of new walking trails wind through a landscape ‘lost in time’ and establishes Mount Stewart’s reputation as one of the best-preserved Irish country demesnes.

The landscape of the demesne is virtually unchanged since the Stewart family bought it in the mid-18th century and built up a working farm, interspersed with woodland, orchards, follies, a walled garden and, of course, the stunning formal gardens for which Mount Stewart is famed.

Jon Kerr, National Trust manager in East Down, said: “Mount Stewart has always been a gem but this newly accessible land really completes the sense of the demesne being a uniquely preserved, historic Irish demesne. The history of Mount Stewart is absolutely fascinating – the family and their guests were players on the international political stage right up until recent times.

“Opening up the demesne allows visitors to really immerse themselves in that history and explore parts of the estate that no-one, outside of the Stewart family and their tenants, has previously seen. We would like to thank Ulster Garden Villages for their financial help in developing these trails.

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“Since last year’s restoration project, the number of visitors to Mount Stewart has soared by almost 20% - we had our best year ever in 2015 with 187,000 visitors. I hope the new walking trails will further enhance the visitor experience and create a much stronger connection with the outdoors and nature.”

Dr Tony Hopkins, Chairman Ulster Garden Villages said: “We are delighted with the completion of these walking trails which really open up the beautiful countryside at Mount Stewart. The demesne is right in the heart of East Down and is comprised of rolling drumlins, with stunning – and sometimes sudden and unexpected – views over Strangford Lough and right the way down to the Mournes. It really is a precious landscape, and a historic one: we are very proud to have played a part in opening up access to National Trust members, supporters and visitors.”

The new paths are the first phase in a ten-year plan to develop trails across the remainder of the demesne, with the ultimate goal of providing up to 20 miles of trails. The restoration of the demesne has also been kindly supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation.

For more information visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart

Related topics:National TrustNorthern Ireland