News, Press and PR | June 21st, 2016
National Trust Ulster Gardens Scheme 2016
The Lowry family are delighted to open the ‘gardens’ at their home, Blessingbourne Estate this Sunday 26th June in support of The Ulster Gardens Scheme, which was established to raise funds to support work in gardens cared for by the National Trust in Northern Ireland.
Established by a group of like-minded gardeners who decided to support the work of the Trust by opening their own private gardens to these same visitors with all proceeds going to specific projects within National Trust gardens in Northern Ireland.
Blessingbourne Gardens are located within the beautiful historic 550 acre Country Estate, nestled in the heart of woodlands, lakes and wildlife on the edge of the Clogher Valley, within walking distance of Fivemiletown village and nearby to the Fermanagh’s Lakelands.
Garden visitors can experience the Estate’s picturesque grounds, highlights including the private lakes including ‘Lough Fadda’ stocked with pike, perch and an abundance of smaller fish and nature reserve with red squirrels, stunning Rhododendrons and a Victorian rock garden, designed by Mary Montgomery, a key figure in the rich heritage of the Estate. A memory garden currently being developed to commemorate the American Army who were based at Blessingbourne during the Second World War.
The tranquil location is complimented by a back drop of mature woodlands and delightful gardens featuring a terrace, lawns and borders with sunken garden. There are elegant mature Yew trees and Holm oak, fairy tree which takes pride of place at the front of Blessingbourne House. An Elizabethan manor house, the creation of Hugh De Fellenberg Montgomery, designed by Pepys Cockerell, son of the well-known architect Charles Robert Cockerell. A house brimming with character, with views directly over Lough Fadda it is home to Estate Owners, Nicholas & Colleen Lowry and their family.
To compliment the beautiful gardens, visitors can enjoy a bespoke Walking Trails (4k), around private Lakes and mature woodland. Blessingbourne Estate also offers one of Northern Ireland’s premier Mountain Biking experiences with an exhilarating 13k Mountain Bike Trails and pump track.
Animal lovers will love to visit the working farm where you will see everything from roosters to peacocks, angus beef cattle to goats. Extend your Blessingbourne experience with a self-catering stay in their pet friendly accommodation which includes the 5 star Gate Lodge or Courtyard Apartments.