A FORGOTTEN stately garden in Co Down has been brought back to life after more than a century as part of a major new tourism offering.
Discovered in the grounds of the five-star Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch, The Lost Garden Trail is to open to the public on Friday after significant private investment and support from Tourism NI.
The Montalto Estate was initially opened in 2018, setting the award-winning wedding venue The Carriage Rooms among the 400 acre grounds.
During the preparations, an unexpected discovery was unearthed when the team found a series of stone slabs, leading to a forgotten garden.
The start of the global pandemic in 2020 afforded the opportunity to continue the exploration and begin the extensive restoration work.
Working alongside a respected historic gardens consultant, the setting has been restored with the addition of sympathetic, contemporary elements.
With winding pathways and diverse planting and features, The Lost Garden Trail will now transport visitors back to 1912 when the Estate was owned by Lord and Lady Clanwilliam.
Montalto Estate Managing Director, David Wilson said: “We are delighted and very excited to be opening The Lost Garden Trail to the public. For the first time ever, visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time, and enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful garden and its original pathways.
“Our aim at Montalto Estate has always focussed on providing a top-class visitor attraction which enhances the visitor experience in the region.”
Tourism NI’s Chief Executive, John McGrillen, said: “We are delighted to support this exciting addition at Montalto Estate under the Experience Development Programme, a scheme which offered significant support to post-Covid regeneration for our tourism industry.”
He said customer research showed that historic houses and gardens continued to be a strong draw for both domestic visitors and those from the Republic.
“Given the recent upsurge in visitors from the South, along with recovery of international visitor numbers, I am confident this project will entice culture seekers from near and far,” he said.
Further information about the new attraction is available online.
For further information on Montalto Estate, visit montaltoestate.com.
