Mount Stewart House and Gardens are amongst the finest estates in Northern Ireland and can be found about five miles south of Newtownards near Strangford Lough.
The house itself is a fabulous building from the 18th century, now open to visitors and boasting an impressive art collection. Far more famous are, however, the gardens. They were created in the 1920s by Lady Edith, wife of the 7th Marquis of Londonderry. She laid the gardens out in seventeen different areas, all of which conspire to provide endless variety.
Apart from many exotic plants (the local climate is very mild), you'll find flower borders showing the „Red Hand of Ulster“, a tree cut to resemble an Irish harp and statues of mermaids and ... dinosaurs. There is a certain Disney element here ...
When walking through the gardens, do not miss the stunning Temple of the Winds. The octagonal garden house was erected in 1780 and offers a great view over Strangford Lough.
