Montalto Estate in Co. Down has opened a new tourism experience called "The Lost Garden Trail".
Details
Located within the 400-acre estate, The Lost Garden Trail was initially discovered in 2018 when the estate was preparing to open to the public for the first time in decades. The team uncovered stone slabs in an unexpected area, which led to a forgotten garden. Further investigative work was put on hold while focus continued on opening plans. With the arrival of 2020, the team took the opportunity to revisit the area, and continue the exploration of what else was still to be uncovered.
In the overgrown area, the team started to uncover many artefacts and original features and, working alongside a historic gardens consultant, has brought the garden back to life.
The Lost Garden Trail experience will provide visitors with an understanding of what the area would have looked like back in 1912, when the estate was owned by Lord and Lady Clanwilliam. The Lost Garden Trail is 1.2 miles and surrounded by native woodland. Visitor interpretation located throughout the trail reveals the physical and historical elements of the trail and garden.
The Lost Garden Trail has been made possible through private investment, with additional support from Tourism NI's Experience Development Programme.
Statements
David Wilson, managing director of Montalto Estate, said, "We are looking forward to opening and welcoming visitors to this brand new, magical, experience - The Lost Garden Trail. 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."
Read More: Montalto Estate To Unveil 'The Lost Garden Trail'
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