Arguably the jewel in the crown of Northern Ireland's National Trust properties, this 19th century house and gardens was built on the eastern shores of Strangford Lough for the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family aka the Marquesses of Londonderry. One prominent family member was Viscount Castlereagh who served as Foreign Secretary from 1812-1822 and was central to the defeat of Napoleon.

It was his descendent Edith Vane-Tempest-Stewart, Marchioness of Londonderry (1878-1959) who resurrected the somewhat neglected property to become the exceptional house and gardens visitors enjoy today. Edith's daughter, Lady Mairi Bury gave the house to the National Trust in 1977 and remained resident until her death in 2009.

The House has been extensively renovated to reflect its society heyday when Edith would regularly host royalty, luminaries and heads of state. From the Dining Room bedecked with portraits and laid out for a VIP banquet to Lady Londonderry’s Sitting Room brimming with personal possessions including first editions gifted by WB Yeats and George Bernard Shaw.

An original painting by celebrated equine artist George Stubbs dominates the grand staircase. And the ornate double height chapel with stained glass windows and Italian paintings is still used today for family marriages, christenings and funerals. 

The Gardens are equally resplendent and the main draw for many visitors to Mount Stewart. Voted one of the world's best, each area has been meticulously planted and landscaped from The Shamrock Garden with its Red Hand of Ulster and large topiary harp to The Dodo Terrace's, a menagerie of mythical stone creatures which gave name to The Ark, a group of dignitaries who met to escape the serious matters of war.

A large lake, family burial ground, ceremonial coach, Temple of the Winds octagonal building and over 5.5 miles of walking trails complete the outdoor experience. And the cafe, gift shop, play area and dog friendly enclosure make a day out at Mount Stewart perfect for all the family, pooches included.