Easy hikes and walks around Drumawhy

Of course, such a beautiful park also needs a pond with a bridge to the island, etc.

Both the park and the Mount Stewart House itself are outstanding attractions.

Like a painting - inhabited by a pair of swans.

You learn to appreciate gardening here: the park around Mount Stewart House looks slightly overgrown, wonderfully randomly grown and seems somewhat neglected and untidy with subtle art between the unobtrusive flowers and colors. Of course, nothing here is natural and nothing is random, but it is incredibly beautiful to look at.

Follow this flat, paved path along the northern strand of Strangford Lough near Newtownwards. You're afforded great views out over the water and also of Scrabo Tower, which looms above the town.

Voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry bearing the hallmark of its creator. Edith, Lady Londonderry’s passion for bold planting schemes coupled with the mild climate of Strangford Lough allows rare and tender plants from across the globe to thrive in this celebrated garden. Each of the formal gardens exudes a distinct character and appeal. Mount Stewart is a delight for the senses with a series of formal themed garden compartments around the house including The Italian, Spanish, Mairi and Shamrock Garden.

Movilla was associated with Saint Finian in the 6th-century. As with many early monasteries, it was plundered by Vikings in the 9th century, but was refounded as an Augustinian abbey in the Norman 12th century and survived until the suppression of religious houses in the 1540s. It has the best collection of 13th Century coffin lids with foliate crosses in the Province. These are built into the inside north wall. Only one stone from the Pre-Norman period survives; it is marked with “Or do Dertrend”, “pray for Dertrend”. Later structures include the ruins of a 13th century church which was rebuilt in the 15th-century. A really fascinating stop.

The grounds are huge and abound with history. You can only be struck by the character of the place. Especially considering the modern sprawl approaching the Abbeys walls.