Great Ireland Characters: Lady Londonderry / Publisher Tourism Ireland Exclusive

Finding inspirationTravelling the world as a member of the privileged upper class allowed Lady Edith to soak up lots of different influences.

These inspired her to create different styles in her gardens. It’s for this reason that stepping into Mount Stewart is a true departure from the standard ornate beauty of many Victorian estates.

These gardens usher myth and lore into real life in a way that makes them look as though they have always belonged. Tír na nÓg, the legendary Irish land of eternal youth, has its own space here, guarded by stone towers and an imposing statue of the white stag – a central figure in Celtic mythology.

But perhaps even more whimsical is the Dodo Terrace, where concrete statues of dinosaurs, apes and (of course) dodos immortalise the members of Lady Edith’s Ark Club: a secret group of her nearest and dearest, which included Winston Churchill, WB Yeats and even Prince Albert!

Celebrating natureThese gardens were never intended as a manicured, pristine space; rather, they are a celebration of nature and of Lady Londonderry’s love of design and horticulture.

Italian elegance, Moorish ingenuity, Greek mythology and Gaelic folklore all have a place in Mount Stewart, as if the visitor is taking a tour guided by Edith’s personal travel diary.

Throughout the 100 years since their formation, the themed gardens have developed their own unique beauty; their plants, shrubs and flowers maturing into something very special.

As you stand here, it’s worth pausing a minute to look around and really take in the sights and smells dreamed up by a visionary woman, who travelled the world’s four corners to lay the best of it all right here at your feet.

Trust us: it’s worth the trip.