National Trust - Rowallane Garden — Attraction in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

🌸ROWALLANE GARDEN🌸

🎟Another @nationaltrustni property ticked off the list. We spent a full day here exploring the gardens and all that Rowallane gardens have to offer and so much to keep the wee ones amused.

🌳The gardens here are just stunning, one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve seen. With so many different plants and trees to see. Ivy loved finding all the different and unique plants varying in colour. (Check out my reel)

🦁Take the wee ones into the little lions den where they can explore the games, dress up and read some books. On Wednesdays they have a story telling sessions

🏓Take a tour around the gardens where they currently have lots of lawn games on offer. Inspired by traditional sports day you can give your family a challenge.

🪵You can check out their explore and play space, where everything is made naturally. Using fallen trees as climbing frames, log stepping stones and dens made out of branches. A fabulous space where your immersed in all that nature has to offer.

🎶We we’re lucky enough to get to check out their gigs the garden with some fantastic local talent playing we were lucky to get to listen to @pureblarney

🏍My favourite feature of the national trust is their FREE to use balance bikes. A great feature where your little ones can zoom around.

🏠Inside the house had some cute little stalls selling some bespoke products and a lots of information about the gardens.

☕️The cafe here onsite is lovely with some great lunch items and sweet treats. (The curry cornish pasty was amazing)

ℹ️National trust members go free, or it’s £8 per adult, £4 per child (under 5s free) The paths are pram and wheelchair friendly. You can also hire out mobility scooters free of charge just reserve in advance. Open 10-6 and the cafe is 10-5. Check their website for all...

Having recently visited Rowallane Garden, I wanted to share my experience with anyone seeking a beautiful and peaceful escape. Located just outside Saintfield, it's an easy drive from Belfast and well worth the trip.

Blooming Marvels:

The star of the show, without a doubt, are the gardens themselves. As you wander the grounds, you'll be greeted by a vibrant display of flowers depending on the season. In spring, the rhododendrons and azaleas are a breathtaking sight, while summer brings a kaleidoscope of colors in the walled garden. Don't miss the National Collection of penstemons – a unique and impressive addition.

Exploring the Grounds:

The variety of landscapes at Rowallane Garden keeps things interesting. There are formal areas with manicured lawns, perfect for a picnic lunch, alongside wilder woodland walks perfect for getting lost in nature. On a clear day, the meadow walk offers stunning views of the Mourne Mountains. Be aware that some paths might have inclines, so keep that in mind if you have mobility limitations.

Facilities:

The on-site cafe is a welcome sight after exploring the gardens. They offer a selection of hot drinks, light lunches, and delicious treats. A bonus for dog owners – the cafe allows well-behaved pups inside (not just on the terrace) which is a big plus on a rainy day. There are also toilet facilities located near the cafe.

Overall, Rowallane Garden is a haven for nature lovers and anyone seeking a relaxing escape. The well-maintained gardens offer something for everyone, and the cafe provides a convenient spot for refreshment. Whether you're a keen gardener or simply looking for a scenic stroll, I highly...

Dogs allowed in the coffee shop spoilt our visit.

We've been here as a family on numerous occasions and always enjoyed our experience. The garden is always a real treat and very expansive. There has been a recent change to allow dogs into the coffee shop, which we didn't think was a good strategy; perhaps a separate area for this would work well, however if you want a coffee or snack there isn't a separate area if you either don't like dogs or feel uncomfortable, have any kind of phobia or fear of dogs or have children which you don't want to expose to risks associated with attacks. When we were here there were dogs barking which spoilt our experience. I'm sure the majority of dogs are well behaved and their owners are responsible, however I think there should be a choice for those who don't want to accept these risks.

As a side note: Another issue with approach is the cleanliness of tables which adds further workload to staff I'm sure who may not always be able to clean the tables after dogs potentially may have licked and contaminated.

I love dogs and most animals and in most cases I find them more endearing than humans, however on this topic I think it might help people feel more comfortable. Thanks to all the staff who continue to maintain this...