Beech Hill Guide to Some Great Days Out from Belfast
Rowallane Gardens: Rowallane is 25 mins drive from
Belfast. Established in the 1860s it is a beautiful natural garden with
an outstanding collection of trees, shrubs and other plants. Run by
The National Trust it is famed for its rhodoendron and azaleas. Rowallane
Garden, Saintfield, Co. Down. Tel: 028 9751 0131 www.ntni.org.uk
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre: Castle Espie's unique
beauty is full of the sights and sounds of nature. Ireland's largest
collection of ducks, geese and swans, many of which will feed from your
hand. Extended gardens and woodlands with a gift shop, home made food,
art gallery and three bird hides. Only 12 miles from Belfast, Castle
Espie is perfect for families and groups. Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain
Road, Comber, Co. Down. Tel: 028 9187 4146 info@castleespie@wwt.org.uk
www.wwt.org.uk
The OUTLET: The OUTLET is Irelands premier retail outlet
centre, consisting of 80+ units in a crescent shaped configeration.
The centre plays host to a selection of retail brands un-paralleled
in Ireland. The OUTLET, Bridgewater Park, Banbridge, Co. Down. info@the-outlet.co.uk
www.the-outlet.co.uk
Somme Heritage Centre: The centre examines Ireland's role in
the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement
in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions
and the 36th (Ulster) Division. Guided tours bring the visitor back
in time to 1910 where they learn about the Home Rule Crisis, recruiting
and training of men and life in the trenches. Somme Heritage Centre,
233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, Co. Down. BT23 7PH. Tel: 028 9182 3214
sommeassociation@dnet.co.uk
www.irishsoldier.org
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum: The award winning
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum recaptures a disappearing way of life,
preserves traditional skills and celebrates transport history. The Folk
Museum invites you to stroll through yesteryear's countryside with its
farms, cottages, crops and livestock. The Transport Museum presents
Ireland's most comprehensive transport collection and includes The Irish
Railway Collection, Road Transport Galleries, X2 Flight Experience,
exhibitions including Titanic exhibitions. Only 6 miles from Belfast.
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Holywood, Co. Down. BT18 0EU
Tel: 028 9042 8428 uftm.info@magni.org.uk
www.uftm.org.uk
Mount Stewart House and Gardens: A fascinating 18th
century property with exquisite architecture including The Temple Of
The Winds. A world Heritage Site with world famous gardens. A guided
tour of the house takes in the history of the Londonderry family. Open
March-Oct. Approximately 45 minute drive from Belfast. Mount Stewart,
near Newtownards, Co. Down. Tel: 028 4278 8387 www.ntni.org.uk
Nendrum Monastery: Nendrum Monastery was founded with
the blessing of St. Patrick, and was at its prime in the year 1000.
It is a magic spot, a beautiful island accessible by bridges, with dry
stone walls, heavenly views and a guide and site display. Open April-Sept:
Tues-Sat 10.00am-7.00pm, Sun 2.00pm-7.00pm. Oct-March: Sat 10.00am-4.00pm,
Sun 2.00pm-4.00pm, Admission free. Nendrum Monastery, Killinchy, Co.
Down. Tel: 028 9054 3037 www.ehsni.gov.uk
Bangor Abbey: This wonderful Abbey was founded in 558AD
by St. Comgall and is where the Antiphonarium Benchorense was written.
Throughout history the Abbey was destroyed and rebuilt many times. The
main body of the building dates from the 1830s and 1840s but the tower
is from the 15th Century and the octagonal Steeple dates from 1693.
The Church Yard has many interesting grave stones. Visitors should respect
that this is a working place of worship. Bangor Abbey, Junction of Abbey
Street, Newtownards Road, Bangor, Co. Down. Tel: 028 9127 0069
Parliament Buildings, Stormont: Stormont estate home
of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The extensive parkland open daily
until 7.30pm. Access to Parliament Buildings is restricted to The Great
Hall. Guided tours by special arrangement. Parliament Buildings, Stormont,
Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast.
This information is complied by and copyrighted to Beech
Hill Country House. It may not be reproduced in any form without written
permission other than to print and use for personal use whilst visiting
Northern Ireland .
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