The magical Montalto Estate in rural County Down in Northern Ireland is welcoming visitors to The Lost Garden Trail, a wonderful new tourism experience which has opened for the first time.

Montalto House © Tourism Ireland created by Lewis McClay

Located within the 400-acre estate, The Lost Garden Trail was rediscovered in 2018, when the estate was preparing to open to the public for the first time in decades. The new experience will provide visitors with an understanding of what the area would have looked like in 1912, when the estate was owned by Lord and Lady Clanwilliam.

The trail, which is 1.2 miles long and surrounded by native Irish woodland, gives a splendid sense of tranquillity, and visitor interpretation along the route reveals the key physical and historical elements of the garden.

The Lost Garden Trail, courtesy of Montalto Estate

In 2018, the estate team uncovered stone slabs in an unexpected area, which led to a forgotten garden. Further investigative work was put on hold until 2020, as the estate focused on opening to the public.

With the arrival of 2020, the team took the opportunity to revisit the area, to continue the exploration of what else was still to be uncovered. The team found many interesting artefacts and original features across the overgrown site and, working alongside a highly respected historic gardens consultant, began to bring the garden back to life.

The Lost Garden Trail, courtesy of Montalto Estate

Nestled in the picturesque County Down countryside, just 20 miles from Belfast, Montalto is a privately-owned estate dating back to the 1600s. It is famously the site of ‘The Battle of Ballynahinch’ which took place during the Irish rebellion in 1798. It is also home to an exotic plant collection initially created by ‘The Father of Irish Gardening’, Sir Arthur Rawdon.

Since opening to the public five years ago, Montalto Estate has focused on reconnecting visitors with nature, through access to a range of captivating gardens and beautiful walks and trails. In 2019 the estate received a five-star visitor attraction grading from Tourism NI, the organisation responsible for the development of tourism in Northern Ireland, and in 2020 it was recognised with a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award.

The Lost Garden Trail, courtesy of Montalto Estate

Highlights of the Lost Garden Trail include:

Victorian glasshouse: In the overgrown area the team discovered what remains of an original Victorian glasshouse. The lost garden is the warmest, most sheltered, south facing area on the estate, which is why the glasshouse is located here. This would have catered for fruits that needed a warm and humid climate and helped extend the growing season.

Bridges: The remains of two bridges, linking one side of the garden to the other, have been reinstated in a similar design to the originals. These are also located in their original settings, crossing a stream. All the timber work has been handcrafted by joiners from the Ballynahinch area.

The Lost Garden Trail, courtesy of Montalto Estate

Stone bench seat: Located alongside part of the garden wall is this original feature. It was uncovered as part of the clearing of the site, and visitors can enjoy this discovery as they walk the winding pathways around the trail.

Rose arbour: An exact replica of the one discovered in disrepair by the team has been designed and created by local engineer John Lyons. This statement piece has been carefully placed within its original location and will look even more stunning as newly planted roses mature over the next 18 months to 2 years.

Stag sculpture: A large stone stag has been placed beside a section of original metal fencing to symbolise that this estate once had a deer park, an area which was adjacent to The Lost Garden setting.

The Lost Garden Trail, courtesy of Montalto Estate

Garden plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs: The gardening team discovered Philadelphus, Mahonia, Japanese Maple, and many native trees that had seeded in the area and gave a canopy to this beautiful garden.

Alpine area: Award winning alpines – the alpine plants are in pots as they are lifted in and out according to what is in season, and are expertly nurtured by volunteer Gordon Finch, current Chairman of the Ulster Alpine Society. The society had its humble beginnings on the estate at a garden fete when it was set up by Lady Clanwilliam during her ownership.

A view of Montalto Gardens and Boathouse House © Tourism Ireland

David Wilson, Managing Director of Montalto Estate, said: “We have restored this historic setting, whilst adding sympathetic, contemporary elements. The winding pathways, and diverse planting and features, will tell stories of days gone by which will help visitors ‘step back in time’, and experience a little of the tranquillity from that period. With significant private funding alongside support from Tourism NI’s Experience Development Programme, we have breathed life back into this wonderful area.”

Supporting the opening of The Lost Garden Trail at Montalto, Ciaran Doherty, Head of Regions and Investment at Tourism NI, said: “We are delighted to support the restoration of The Lost Garden Trail which will serve to enhance the visitor facilities on offer at Montalto Estate.  We were also pleased to feature the estate in our recent guide to Historic Houses and Gardens, showcasing a number of visitor experiences to be enjoyed in these beautiful surroundings throughout the year. I have no doubt this project will create new and compelling reasons to visit the area.”

If you or your group would like to visit Montalto Estate as part of a tailor-made tour of Northern Ireland, or indeed as part of a dedicated Garden Tour, please do contact our friendly team today.