Page 249 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 24: The Land of St Patrick 247

Above left The wrought-iron and glass palm
5252) holds exhibitions and can and take the B20 (Ballyrobert Road) house in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens Above An
arrange guided tours of the campus. for Bangor and then the A21 to old-fashioned picture house recreated at the
From University Square, turn right Newtownards. Take the A20 for Ulster Folk Museum
onto College Park and continue Portaferry, driving beside Strangford
to Botanic Avenue and the Ulster Lough, and turn left for Mount Stewart
Museum 8 (www.nmni.com; open after 8 km (5 miles).
Tue–Sun), which has a fine collection
of art, craftwork and archaeological 3 Mount Stewart House
finds. Next door are the Botanic and Gardens
Gardens 9 (open daily), opened in Portaferry Rd, Newtownards,
1827. The early Victorian wrought- BT22 2AD; Co Down
iron and glass palm house was Created by Lady Londonderry in the
added soon after. To return to City 1920s, these gardens contain a vast
Hall, follow Botanic Avenue onto range of plants and trees, set off by
Dublin Road and Bedford Street. architectural features such as the
ª From Donegall Quay, take Victoria octagonal Temple of the Winds and
Street leading to A2 for Bangor, crossing outstanding views across Strangford
Queen Elizabeth Bridge. Continue on A2 Lough. Highlights include the Italian
to Holywood, following the signs for the and Spanish Gardens, the Shamrock
museum (11 km/7 miles from Belfast). Garden and the Sunken Garden. The
house has an eclectic collection of EAT AND DRINK IN BELFAST
Taxi and Boat Tours furniture and artwork – including a The Crown Bar inexpensive
To see West Belfast’s political painting of the celebrated racehorse The interior of Belfast’s most famous
murals, symbols of the city’s past Hambleton by George Stubbs – and pub, built in 1895, is ornately tiled,
and present sectarian divisions, information about the statesmen with etched glass, polished brass
take a Black Taxi tour from City Hall. who have lived or stayed here. and cosy snugs. The menu includes
Or tour the Titanic Quarter by boat, ª Leaving Mount Stewart, turn left baguettes and burgers plus traditional
visiting landmarks connected with onto the A20. Greyabbey is just over Irish stew and beef and Guinness pie.
the building of the RMS Titanic. 3 km (2 miles) from Mount Stewart. 46 Great Victoria St, BT2 7BA; 028 9024
Tours leave from the Lagan 3187; www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk
Lookout on Donegall Quay. The Cellar Restaurant moderate
This is one of the city’s best-kept
secrets. Set on the slopes of Cave Hill,
2 Ulster Folk and Transport it has great views over the city.
Museum Expect dishes such as venison, guinea
Cultra, Holywood, BT18 OEU; Co Down fowl, pan-fried salmon, lamb and one
or two vegetarian options.
This outdoor museum-village (open Belfast Castle, Antrim Rd,
Tue–Sun) has a collection of early BT15 5GR; 028 9077 6925;
20th-century buildings from all over www.belfastcastle.co.uk
Ulster, reconstructed here. A Deane’s expensive
transport section commemorates Award-winning eatery, run by chef
local ship- and aircraft-building, and Michael Deane, known for its high-
a miniature railway runs on Saturday quality cuisine using locally sourced
produce. Sleek, modern decor.
afternoons, weather permitting. 36–40 Howard St, BT1 6PF; 028 9033
ª Rejoin the A2 in the direction of Above The Neo-Classical façade of Mount Stewart 1134; www.michaeldeane.co.uk;
Bangor. Leave it at Crawfordsburn House, with a grand stairway leading to its gardens open Tue–Sat
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–50; expensive, over £50

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