In 2004 I visited Ireland for the first time, spending my time in the northern half of the country. Less familiar to most travelers than the south, northern Ireland (both the Republic and Northern Ireland itself) is a beautiful, wild land. But it also has manicured areas tucked into its wild corners.
One of the most beautiful of those manicured areas is Mount Stewart Garden, a gorgeous estate just outside Belfast.
In April, it looks like this:
(Yes, the skies did open up and pour at one point.)
This is my contribution to Photo Thursday on Nancie’s Budget Traveler’s Sandbox. Check it out for more images and stories from around the world.
Very beautiful garden 🙂
Beautiful photos of a stunning garden! At least there was time for the photos before the heavens opened
Ah, but it's Ireland. We were able to duck into one of the garden follies, from where we were able to watch it just pour for about 20 minutes. Then the sun came out again!
Glorious! I so love going to gardens when I travel and these ones are beautiful.
Spectacularly beautiful!
Thanks for showing us this side of Ireland.
Looks like a nice place to visit.
Mount Stewart is just outside Belfast, so an easy day trip from that city. It is also very close to the coast and glens. Really a lovely area.
I really like the photo of the potted plants with the wall of the house rising up behind them. I've always wanted landscaping like this, but a) I don't have acres and acres of property; and b) it's too hot in Texas.