Survey Data

Garden No.

DG0002


Date

1810 - 1850


Townland

ARDS DEMESNE


Coordinates

208561, 434404


Landscape Elements
Ancient Remains No
Buildings/Artefacts No
Early Formal No
Late Formal No
Landscape Gardens No
Landscape Park No
Plant Collection No

Description

A large demesne situated on the Ards peninsula, on the extreme northwest coast of Co. Donegal. House, c. 1830, built for the Stewarts on the site of an earlier house for the Wrays. House demolished c. 1965; friary built adjacent to the site. Set in a wooded park of over 2000 acres. Described by Young in 1909, as "one of the most beautiful demesnes in the north of Ireland." Some developments, such as a car park and landscaping changes have been made in the vicinity of the friary. In addition, trees have been planted by the Forestry Commission on the northern side of the demesne. However, many elements of the historic demesne remains, including fine mature trees, some outbuildings and a large walled garden and associated buildings. The northern half of the demesne is now Ards Forest Park, managed by Coillte and the southern half is owned by Ards Friary.