CRUISE TOOL KIT Belfast Plus / Ards & North Down - Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

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1 Belfast Plus / Ards & North Down - Ulster Folk & Transport Museum Ulster Folk & Transport Museum Be Transported to a Bygone Era Step back in time and uncover a way of life from 100 years ago. Discover town and countryside with cottages, farms, schools and shops to explore as you wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum. Chat to costumed visitor guides as they demonstrate traditional crafts. Climb on and off majestic steam locomotives or experience the sensation of flight in the Transport Museum bursting with horse drawn carriages, electric trams, boats, motorbikes, fire-engines and vintage cars. There is a little walking required around galleries and between exhibit buildings. Comfortable shoes and a raincoat are recommended. Most of the museum is fully accessible although due to the nature of the exhibit buildings not all are fully wheelchair accessible. Recommended visit length: 2 hours either Folk or transport Museum, 4 hours for both parts. Location: Located 7 miles east of Belfast, near Holywood, on the main Belfast to Bangor Road (A2), just 15 minutes outside Belfast City Centre. Opening times: March to September: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00. October to February: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday & Sunday 11:00 to 16:00, The museum is closed on Monday except for Northern Ireland Bank Holidays. Facilities: There are 2 gift shops in the museum selling local craft, books and souvenirs along with unique items made in the museum. There is also a corner shop which sells sweets. There are two coffee shops using local ingredients, serving lunches and a range of treats, freshly baked on site. Coach parking: There is dedicated coach parking in our 2 main car parks. We recommend transferring guests between the Folk & Transport museums on your coach as it a brisk 10 minute walk

2 Belfast Plus / Ards & North Down Step Back In Time Learn about what life was like in this area in years gone by; the traditions, culture and heritage which has shaped the region today. Take a rare opportunity to visit Bangor Castle and its Walled Garden where a Victorian servant will enlighten you on what life was like for the family who lived here. Enjoy lunch in a traditional thatched cottage, now part of The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, and one of the oldest inns in Northern Ireland before immersing yourself in the Folk Museum at Cultra. Tour lasts for approximately 9 hours. 10am 11.15am Bangor Castle 11.15am 11.45pm refreshments pm Walled Garden pm Lunch pm Ulster Folk & Transport Museum 17.15pm Return to Ship Costing - 40pp includes lunch and refreshments. Minimum numbers of 20 for the tour with a maximum of 30. Coach Parking On site. Outdoor clothing and suitable footwear advised.

3 Belfast Plus / Ards & North Down - Stately Home and Gardens A horticultural feast is on offer visiting three spectacular gardens and Mount Stewart House on this full day trip. Visit the splendid Mount Stewart National Trust House and Gardens and experience a tour of the historic house along with spending time in both the formal and lakeside gardens. In the afternoon, discover the secrets of the two walled gardens in Ballywalter and Bangor and how they provided for the gentry in years gone by and are still bearing produce today! Timing 8.45am 6pm (9hrs 15Mins) Costing - 50pp includes lunch and refreshments Seasonal Easter - October Coach Parking On site Minimum numbers of 20, maximum number of 30 Outdoor clothing and suitable footwear is advised A good level of fitness is required for walking and standing

4 Belfast Plus / Ards & North Down - Noble tours! Abbey to Stately Home Take this unique opportunity to visit the village of Greyabbey on the shores of Strangford Lough where you will find one of the finest Georgian country houses in Ireland, the present Grey Abbey House (the third to be built on the site). A resident will guide you around and join you for tea and scones. After leaving the house you will visit the atmospheric ruins of the Cistercian Abbey founded by Lady Affreca, the wife of John DeCourcy before continuing on the rest of your journey. Or: Tea with the Lord Embrace this rare opportunity to become a member of the gentry as the affable Lord guides you around his remarkable home and joins you for a chat over tea and a sweet treat, in the historic conservatory. Visit Ballywalter House, located in the heart of the Ards Peninsula, and enjoy the company of Lord Dunleath. The House has been home to the Dunleath family for over 150 years. Tour lasts for approximately 5 hours. Costing - 30pp includes morning refreshments. Coach Parking On site. Minimum numbers of 20 for the tour with a maximum of 30. Outdoor clothing and suitable footwear A good level of fitness is required for walking and standing

5 Belfast Plus / Ards & North Down - Mount Stewart Inspirational gardens and a new visitor experience. Voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry bearing the hallmark of its creator. Edith, Lady Londonderry s passion for bold planting schemes coupled with the mild climate of Strangford Lough allows rare and tender plants from across the globe to thrive in this celebrated garden. Each of the formal gardens exudes a distinct character and appeal. The Londonderry s family home reopened its doors in April 2015 following a three year 7 million restoration programme. Come and see how this transformation has changed the house including new rooms on show, the opportunity to see nationally and internationally significant family portraits, stunning silver collections and other family treasures. Mount Stewart House. For the first never before seen rooms will be accessible to the public. All existing rooms within the house will also be re-presented and interpreted, with textiles, carpets and curtains. There will be new collections featuring paintings and artefacts on show for the first time and there will be one of the most significant silver displays in the Trust s care exhibited. Visitors can enjoy and explore the house at their leisure through free flow tours. Throughout their journey the story of Edith, Lady Londonderry and the Londonderry family will be interpreted and visitors can view a unique exhibition revealing the story of the Restoration Project and its legacy. There is also an exciting repeat visitor offer as new rooms will be opened periodically over the coming years to reveal more of the Londonderry family story. The Formal Gardens and Lake Walk. Mount Stewart is a delight for the senses with a series of formal themed garden compartments around the house including The Italian, Spanish, Mairi and Shamrock Garden. Further afield visitors can enjoy the beautifully landscaped and informal grounds surrounding the picturesque lake walk. There will also be access to the walled garden where visitors can explore interesting new walks or

6 join a garden tour. The Shamrock Garden reflects Edith s love of Irish mythology and the topiary surmounting the Shamrock hedge is a beautifully depicted children s story. Visitors can keep an eye out for the new topiary statue being created depicting a Formorian (a half human, half demon) that is associated with Strangford Lough. Visitors can stroll through the gardens in their own time or avail of one of our guided garden tours (with one of our knowledgeable gardening team) to the formal gardens and beyond. Seasonal Garden Highlights. Spring: Mount Stewart has a succession of colour from bulbs, primulas, meconopsis, exotic trees, shrubs and bedding displays throughout the spring. This is the best time of year for the great collection of rhododendrons but also camellias and a growing collection of magnolias. Summer: Summer brings in the fresh new growth of ferns and trees ferns, with a large collection of sub-tropical ferns due to the mild micro-climate. In early summer the formal displays of scented rhododendrons in the Italian, Spanish, Mairi and Shamrock Gardens are magnificent. A great collection of scented lilies also flower in succession all summer long in the Lily Wood. Autumn and winter: The displays in the Italian, Sunk, Mariri Gardens and Tir n an Og peak in the early autumn and glowing colours begin to be revealed everywhere. By November, rhododendrons begin to re-emerge all over the garden and many other winter flowering trees and shrubs add a splash of colour. Visitor offer: Welcome and orientation Refreshments Shopping Toilets Parking Guided Garden Tours On arrival visitors will be greeted with a warm welcome by a member of our Visitor Experience Team. Visitors will be given maps and orientation leaflets. Our tea room is open daily, serving fresh local produce and delicious treats. Capacity for 65 covers and a pre-booked group menu can be arranged. Retail offer specialising in unique Mount Stewart merchandise and exclusive local hand crafted gifts. Male, female, disabled and changing place facilities in various locations. There is coach parking on site 100 yards from reception with a drop off and pick up point available. There is extra car parking available in the overflow car park. Depending on your needs we can offer a formal gardens tour or a longer garden tour incorporating the lake walk and pleasure grounds. (An additional 5.00pp including members) Events Programme Please check our website for a list of upcoming events. Regular unique events featuring local musicians, artists, performers and artisan food suppliers. Planning your visit.

7 When programming your itinerary we recommend you schedule a minimum of 2 hours for a visit to Mount Stewart. All group bookings can be made through our dedicated booking co-ordinator and we can discuss individual requirements to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. The group rate applies to a minimum of 15 in a group. Free admission and a complimentary tea/coffee and scone are provided for the coach driver and tour guide. Accessibility: Parking is available close to the house and Gardens for disabled visitors. There is an adapted toilet in the reception area. The one mile path around the lake is wheelchair user accessible. Guide dogs are permitted inside the house and the Temple of the Winds.

8 Belfast Plus / Ards & North Down - Castle Ward Castle Ward is an eccentric 18th-century mansion on a rolling hillside and looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down. The house is most famed for its clash of architectural styles reflecting the tastes of Lord Bangor and wife, Lady Ann Bligh. Admission: Group Rate (15+) 6.50 per person National Trust members free Tour length: 45 Minutes Recommended visit length: 2 hours. Location: Strangford Co. Down, 50 minutes drive from Belfast Opening times: House Open daily 17 March 31 October. Grounds Open all year around. Facilities: Two sets of toilets including disabled access located in Farmyard and Stableyard. Coach House Café is located in Stableyard and caters for up to 60 covers. Gift Shop and Bookshop in Stableyard is 500yards from main carpark. Coach Drop-off: Main Car park has free parking for 3 coaches Any additional extras that could be arranged for special groups Garden Tours with property gardener (approx. 30minutes), Specialised tours of the house, looking at niche items within the collection. (Linen, Irish landscape art, architecture, Mary Ward). Landscape tours around demesne with Ranger. Monthly invoicing - yes Min/Max numbers - 15/120 Note: There are steps in the house meaning limited access for those with mobility issues. Grounds are extensive and contain pathways of a rustic nature (non- smooth surfaces). Further details and access plans can be forwarded on request.

9 Belfast Plus / Ards & North Down - The Art of Milling, Pottery & Whiskey Take in the beauty of the Ards Peninsula and some of its wonderful crafts. You begin the day at a fine example of a windmill in the heart of the Ards Peninsula and hear of the art involved in the milling process. Next, visit one of the area s renowned craft providers and enjoy a demonstration of their unique techniques and perhaps purchase a memento to take home. Lunch will be a selection of tasty treats from our fertile fields and fresh waters. The afternoon will be spent at the fascinating Echlinville Distillery to see the fine art of whiskey making and perhaps taste a golden drop! Tour lasts for approximately 9 hours. Costing - 50pp includes lunch and refreshments Minimum numbers of 20 for the tour with a maximum of 30. Seasonal Easter - October Coach Parking On site Outdoor clothing and suitable footwear is advised. A good level of fitness is required for walking and standing

10 Belfast Plus / Ards & North Down - Saints and Scholars Discover a land of saints and scholars with a visit to Bangor Abbey and hear of its links with Columbanus, Gall and Comgall. At North Down Museum visit a replica of a Monks Cell before experiencing the tranquillity of Nendrum Monastery, set on the shores of Strangford Lough. Tour lasts approximately 7 and a half hours am 11.45am Bangor Abbey 12am 13.00pm North Down Museum pm Café Cure pm Nendrum 4.30pm Return to Ship Costing - 30pp includes lunch and refreshments. Minimum numbers of 20 for the tour with a maximum of 30. Coach Parking On site. Outdoor clothing and suitable footwear advised.

11 County Down Rowallane Garden Saintfield, Leave the outside world behind and immerse yourself in nature s beauty in this inspirational garden. Explore the mix of informal and formal garden spaces with unusual features and unique plants from across the world and discover rare species of Rhododendrons and blue poppies, a natural Rock Garden and outstanding Walled Garden with spectacular displays of herbaceous plants, shrubs and bulbs. Visitor facilities include café, pottery workshop and exhibition area linked to the seasons and stories of the Garden. Rowallane Garden is located just 25 minutes from Belfast and is open year round. Dedicated coach parking is available with welcome and orientation on arrival. All-inclusive group rates are available - 7pp for admission and a tour with one of our expert gardeners. Tours last approximately 1 hour but can be adapted to suit the specific needs of the group. Additional charges for out-of-hours visits. Invoicing available on request or alternatively payment can be made on the day by using cash or credit/debit card.