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Northern Ireland

From the world-famous Giant's Causeway to the world-class Mount Stewart estate, discover places to visit and things to see and do in Northern Ireland.

Places to visit

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Family exploring the house dressed for Christmas at Mount Stewart

Christmas in Northern Ireland 

Discover Christmas days out at National Trust places in Northern Ireland. Explore festively decorated historic houses, browse Christmas markets and more.

Spanish Garden in winter at Mount Stewart, County Down

Gardens and parks in Northern Ireland 

The National Trust look after the greatest collection of historic gardens and garden plants under single ownership in Europe, if not the world. With Rose Gardens, Walled Gardens and Kitchen Gardens, discover some of the best historic gardens in Northern Ireland. Voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry while Castle Ward is home to one of the best examples of a Victorian garden in Ireland.

Christmas at Castle Ward, County Down

Houses and buildings in Northern Ireland 

Whether built through a martial disagreement, family rivalry or even a quirky stipulation in a will, each of the houses and buildings in our care has its own unique story to share. From Castle Coole, one of the greatest Neo-classical country houses in Ireland, to The Crown Bar, a masterpiece in pub architecture, intriguing items and fascinating finds speak of centuries ceased and capture a snapshot in time.

Family exploring the Christmas trail at Rowallane Garden, County Down

Walking in Northern Ireland 

Step into Northern Ireland’s enchanting landscapes this Christmas season and feel the warmth of its festive welcome. Whether you’re strolling or hiking, iconic sites like the Giant's Causeway invite you to explore coastal paths glistening with winter’s charm, while ancient bogs whisper their tales along frost-touched boardwalks.

Dog walkers can enjoy a winter stroll on Portstewart Strand.

Coast and beaches in Northern Ireland 

Northern Ireland boasts a world-class coastal route. From the rugged headland at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne to the gently rolling dune landscape of Murlough National Nature Reserve, there are world-famous landmarks and hidden gems to discover along the way. With the famous rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Giant's Causeway dotted on the coast, enjoy bucket list adventures on the north coast of Ireland.

Visitors enjoying festive treats with their dog

Dog-friendly places in Northern Ireland 

With water bowls, hitching posts and plenty of ground to cover, the places in our care aren't just for history-loving hounds. The sandy beaches and woodland trails on offer are a dog-walker's dream. From dog exercise areas to dog-friendly accommodation, discover a slice of canine heaven when visiting with your four-legged friend.

A Climate for Change

A Climate for Change: Adaptation and the National Trust, sets out the actions we'll be taking in the next stage of our journey to tackle the climate and nature crises. It builds on over two decades of work to ensure coastline, countryside, rivers and historic buildings are ready for and resilient to the current and future consequences of climate change.

A child on their parent's shoulders admiring a view across the water of Stangford Lough from Mount Stewart
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Responding to climate change at Mount Stewart 

Climate change is the biggest threat to the coastline, countryside and historic buildings we care for. Our new report reveals how we’re tackling its causes and effects and identifying future hazards. From protecting and planting trees to working with coastal communities, helping people, heritage and nature adapt to a changing climate is at the heart of everything we do. Find out how we’re adapting to rising sea levels and creating new wildlife habitats at Mount Stewart in County Down. Read the full report here.

A line of volunteers walk uphill on a hedgerow creation day at Foel, Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales
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How we're adapting to climate change 

We see the effects of climate change all around us. So, what are we going to do about it? Our recent report ‘A Climate for Change’ covers everything we’ve learnt so far about adapting to climate change, and what we suggest can be done to face future challenges. We'll be using lessons from the last century of caring for these places of nature, beauty and history to help us navigate the next.

Places to stay in Northern Ireland

Strand House, County Antrim
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Be our guest 

Embrace the magic of winter with a cosy getaway in Northern Ireland, where you can wake up to frost-kissed landscapes or fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the ocean. From tranquil, misty loughs to legendary snow-dusted landscapes, discover the northern reaches of the Emerald Isle in unique accommodations like snug woodland glamping pods or charming coastal cottages. With new cottages available at Carrick-a-Rede and Castle Ward, it’s the perfect time to plan a Christmas or winter escape to remember, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, festive charm, and rich heritage.

Places to eat in Northern Ireland

Visits chatting in the cafe over a cuppa with a Christmas tree in the background

Feeling peckish? 

Tuck into a great day out with our places to eat and drink across Northern Ireland. Enjoy classic scones in the Courtyard Cafe at The Argory, seasonal selected soups at Mount Stewart or a pub lunch at Mary McBride's in Cushendun. From a cosy corner in a quaint tea-room to a traditional pub which was once the oldest in Ireland, dine in a doorway to nature, beauty and history.

Upcoming events

Event

Santa Letter Trail 

Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down

Have you written a letter to Santa? Come and post it with us to make sure your Christmas wishes make their way to the North Pole in time for the big day.

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on
3 Dec to 24 Dec 2024
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 21 other dates or times
Event

Pooch Passport 

Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down

Visit our places between 1 September 2024 and 28 February 2025 and collect four stamps for your dog(s) to claim their free packet of natural dog treats, and eight stamps to get a free snood.

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on
3 Dec 2024 to 28 Feb 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 87 other dates or times
Event

Festive family trail 

Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down

Embark on Mount Stewart's festive trail, circling the serene lake. Celebrate the season's joy surrounded by winter wonders. Join us for a magical holiday experience!

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on
3 Dec 2024 to 6 Jan 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 34 other dates or times
Event

Winter Guided Walk 

Castle Ward, Downpatrick, County Down

Discover more to Castle Ward on one of our volunteer led walks.

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on
3 Dec to 17 Dec 2024
at
11:00 to 13:00
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Rowallane Ramble - Garden Tour 

Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down

Join us every first Tuesday of the month for an enchanting garden tour led by our expert gardeners at Rowallane Garden.

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on
3 Dec 2024
at
11:30 to 12:30
Event

Storytelling Sessions at Rowallane Garden 

Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down

Wrap up warm and snuggle into a story in our second hand bookshop at Rowallane Garden. Especially aimed at the little ones in the family, come and join us for a story every first Wednesday of the month in the morning. The perfect thing for a...

Event summary

on
4 Dec 2024
at
11:30 to 12:00
Event

December Winter Walks 

Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down

It's winter but there's colour to be found in flowers, fruit and bark all around Mount Stewart, find out where to look. Sunday 1st December 1pm - 3pm Wednesday 4th December 2pm - 4pm

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on
4 Dec 2024
at
14:00 to 16:00
Event

Festive Indoor Wreath Making 

Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down

Get creative in the run up to Christmas and join us for our Festive Wreath Making workshop.

Event summary

on
5 Dec 2024
at
11:00 to 13:00
Visitors at the Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Discover more in Northern Ireland.

From the world-famous Giant's Causeway to the world-class Mount Stewart estate, discover the best things to see and do in Northern Ireland.