One Day – North Down and the Ards Peninsula

Step back in time and experience what life was like in Ulster over 100 years ago. This museum has recreated a bustling town filled with authentic period buildings, including an old-time picture house, post office, corner shop and a blacksmith hard at work.

Take a tour of Castle Espie’s tranquil setting which offers the best views of Strangford Lough, County Down and is home to Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic water-birds. In autumn, visitors can witness almost the entire population of migratory brent geese. The centre has the most significant habitat improvement of its kind in Ireland, including restored lagoons, grasslands, salt marshes and reed beds. Finish with lunch in the Kingfisher Kitchen where you can enjoy lunch with a spectacular view.

Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust’s ownership. Engaging tours of the opulent house reveal its fascinating heritage and historic world-famous artefacts and artwork. The mild climate of Strangford Lough allows astonishing levels of planting experimentation. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season.

The Echlinville Distillery on the Ards Peninsula became Northern Ireland’s first licenced distillery in over 125 years, distilling its first spirit in 2013. Echlinville Tours offer a real insight into the workings of an award winning whiskey and gin distillery that currently produce the popular Jawbox gin brand as well as Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. Their ethos is to produce the finest spirits with authenticity and provenance,  so it can tell the story of the land from which it originates and of those who brought it to life. All tours finish with a few drams of exquisite spirit.