Now available in the RESEARCH area of the NIHGT web pages:
A concise history of the development of the Garden at Glenveagh Castle is presented here. There have been three significant periods of development of the Garden, the first - during the ownership of Mrs Adair from 1885-1921, the second - that of Henry McIlhenny from 1937- 1983 and the third - most recently under State ownership from 1983 to the present.
Castlewellan Arboretum & Annesley Garden, Comment on
“Anyone who has recently visited the Annesley Garden and Arboretum will be in no doubt that the Gardens and the important collection is in serious decline. The gardens where purchased by government some years ago and are currently under the stewardship of DARD NI’s Forest Service.
The walled Annesley garden, dating from 1740, provides a central focal point for the National Arboretum at Castlewellan. This magnificent collection of trees and shrubs, set in beautiful surroundings, also incorporates fountains, ponds, ornamental greenhouses and broad sweeping vistas.
The collection ranks among the top three arboreta in the British Isles and the finest in Ireland. It is also highly significant among European collections!
It includes:-18 oldest existing specimens in the British Isles, 34 ‘champion’ trees of the British Isles and 42 ‘champion’ trees of Ireland. WE NEED TO RAISE AWARENESS of this jewel and influence decision makers to such an extent that we reverse the decline! “
Northern Ireland Heritage Gardens Committee 2012