Latest News

Keep up to date with news from Montalto Estate

Parkrun Begins at Montalto

David Wilson, Montalto Estate’s Managing Director said, “We are thrilled to be facilitating a new parkrun at Montalto Estate. We recognise that it's a fantastic opportunity for locals of all ages and abilities to come together, get active, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings on offer. We belie...
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International Women’s Day

With a workforce where female employees outnumber males, and many of our management positions are held by women, then it would be remiss for us not to acknowledge International Women’s Day, and give heartfelt thanks to these individuals. This a lovely chance to celebrate the contribution that ...
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Free Parent & Baby / Parent & Toddler Meet Ups

A great free way to meet other local parents and it provides opportunities for your little ones to play and enjoy socialising with other babies and toddlers. Some toys and mats will be provided.   Parent & Baby Meet Up (bump - 12 months) Mondays 9:30am –10:30am   Parent ...
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Free Winter Walk Offer*

Get outdoors more in 2024 with our Free Winter Walk Offer* Simply spend £8.50 on breakfast in The Café between 9:30am – 10:30am and enjoy one free admission into our Trails & Gardens.  Check out our new Breakfast Menu, including our delicious Smoked Salmon Bagel, or maybe yo...
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Order Your Montalto Desserts & Hampers

Pre-order your Christmas Desserts & Hampers at Montalto Choose between our delicious Chocolate Yule Log (£18), festive Bailey's Cheesecake (£20), or Fresh Fruit Pavlova (£15). Collection date for desserts: 23rd or 24th December. This year, we’ve also curated two wonderful Montalt...
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Christmas Tree Light Switch On at Montalto

Join us for a magical evening, on Wednesday 22nd November at 6pm, for our annual Christmas Tree Light Switch On. We will be joined by music from Spa Primary School and Ballyloan Flute Band, as well a visit from the man himself, Santa Claus. Enjoy our homemade hot chocolates, and a trip into ou...
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Our brand new Christmas Shop is now open…

*The Christmas Shop is now closed and will reopen again in autumn 2024.* To coincide with The Christmas Shop opening, we are now excited to announce we will be fully open 7 days a week. The Christmas Shop is now located right beside our Café, offering festive gifts, decorations, wrapping stations...
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Montalto Estate Turns 5!

To celebrate Montalto Estate being open to the public for 5 years, we have asked Keith Reilly, our Operations Director, 5 questions about the journey so far: How has the estate grown/developed over the past 5 years? 5 years have seen enormous changes across almost all aspects of the estate. Wh...
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Christmas Shop & Ticket Office Positions

Help us bring a little Christmas Magic to our customers. Montalto Estate is currently recruiting for people to join our team, and work as Christmas Shop advisors for our beautiful annual pop-up Christmas Shop. We also have positions available to assist with operations in our ticket office which h...
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Granda Gordy’s Ice Cream Parlour

Granda Gordy's Ice Cream Parlour is now open! Call in to try our new Bueno Brownie Sundae, with local Draynes Vanilla Ice Cream, filled with Brownie pieces and crushed Bueno, drizzled in Bueno Sauce, and topped with Fresh Cream. With our new dog-friendly seating area, treat your dogs to a refreshi...
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Now Opening Monday & Tuesday

We are delighted to announce that we are opening 7 days a week, throughout July & August. Enjoy Montalto Estate, throughout summer, with our new extended opening times: Mon & Tues: (Mondays 9:30am - 11am ASD & Inclusion Session ONLY) Trails 9:30am - 8pm  Ice Cream Parlour 9:30am ...
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Taste of Ulster & Tourism NI Accreditations

Montalto are thrilled to be able to share the news that we have received two wonderful accreditations in as many months. For the fifth year in a row, we have passed our Taste of Ulster inspection (these are the little plaques proudly displayed at The Café entrance). This award is all about being...
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Spring Has Sprung…

...and so have our Summer Opening Times As the days are getting warmer, and the evenings are getting longer, we are now open later: Trails & Gardens: Wed - Fri: 9:30am - 7pm (Last admission 6pm) Sat & Sun: 9:30am - 5pm (Last admission 4pm) The Café: Wed - Sun: 9:30am - 4pm...
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The Lost Garden Opens

The Lost Garden Trail, located within the 400-acre Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch, was discovered during the 2018 opening preparations. The team at Montalto Estate uncovered stone slabs in an unexpected area, which led to a forgotten garden. With the arrival of 2020, the team took the opportunity...
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Are you a Pastry Chef / Baker?

We have the perfect job opportunity for you... Company Information Montalto Estate is a privately owned 400-acre estate in Ballynahinch, County Down. The historic estate has been fully open to the public since 2018 and has become a major 5-star tourist attraction in the area, welcoming over 10...
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Love is in the air…

Tuesday 14th February, 5pm - 8pm. Take a little stress out of the day and surprise a loved one by joining us this Valentine's for a romantic Pizza Night that we hope you won’t be able to resist. As we play host to couples looking to make new memories, we are sure you’ll enjoy the ideal settin...
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Free Morning Winter Walk Offer

This offer has now ended. Start your year off right with a free walk around our Trails & Gardens. Simply spend £7.50 on breakfast in The Café between 9:30am - 10:30am and enjoy one free admission into our Trails & Gardens. We have something for everyone, choose from our sweet French ...
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Merry Christmas from Montalto Estate

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for visiting Montalto this year. After a tough few years for everyone, it was great to see so many of you back at our events, or exploring our Trails & Gardens, or catching up with friends in The Café. We hope the Christmas Shop helped ...
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Recruiting – Marketing Manager – 14 Month Maternity Cover

Do you have the experience and desire to get involved in marketing at a successful five-star visitor attraction? We are currently recruiting for a full-time marketing professional to cover a maternity. The job will focus on building out all of the marketing activities of the business under an alr...
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Halloween At Montalto

Join us for a spooky spectacle. The Carriage Rooms at Montalto is opening its doors for an enchanted Family Witch's Wander this Halloween - Sat 29th - Mon 31st Oct. Pick your own pumpkin from our pumpkin patch, and follow your own map that will then lead to: Pumpkin carving Face painti...
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Breakfast & Free Early Morning Walk Offer – Autumn Colours

From 21st September to coincide with the change of opening times for our Café (now open each morning from 9:30am), our breakfast and free early morning walk offer will once again be available each Wednesday to Friday. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the gardens as they are slowly transforme...
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Kids Go Free

Until Fri 26th August KIDS GO FREE* from 4pm, to Montalto Estate Trails & Gardens. Come and explore this beautiful estate, and start building special memories for you and your family, which will last a lifetime.

Opening Hours:
Wednesday – Friday 9:30am – 7pm.
Saturday – Sunday 9:30am – 5pm.


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The Carriage Rooms at Montalto Celebrates 10 years

Offering one of the most beautiful venues on the island of Ireland, The Carriage Rooms at Montalto is a firm favourite with couples looking for a luxury exclusive-use wedding location. This venue has celebrated the most memorable day of hundreds of people’s lives and this week it has something to ...
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Montalto Tree Planting Ceremony for the Queen’s Jubilee

Montalto Estate invited a number of local people and organisations to plant these seven trees at the estate to represent the seven decades of the Queen’s reign. This will form part of the Queen’s Green Canopy to mark her Platinum Jubilee. The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree planting ...
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New Head Gardener

Introducing our new Head Gardener Lesley. Lesley has a wealth of knowledge and passion for all things gardening. Look out for some tips that will be on our social media pages over the next coming weeks. Excited to have you on the team. Lesley manages the day to day running of the gardens and w...
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Montalto Easter Fair

Come and join us at Montalto Estate on 18th & 19th April to enjoy our Montalto Easter Fair, an exciting day out for the family. On the front lawn, view beautiful handcrafted items from local exhibitors including artisan and gift products - everything from handmade jewellery and soaps to homew...
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Spring into summer opening hours

Welcoming Spring at Montalto Estate. Spring is the perfect time to boost your energy with colder months causing us to almost hibernate during the gloomy weather, which is now hopefully behind us. The beauty of nature with bright skies, colourful flowers blooming and wildlife singing, it is with plea...
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Afternoon Tea in Montalto Café Now Available Thursday and Saturday

Enjoy afternoon tea favourites including delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones that can be indulged before tucking into sumptuous sweet delights creatively crafted with a nod to nature. The Montalto Garden Afternoon Tea (sample menu) Demitasse of soup Sandwiches Smoked salmon, ...
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Love is in the air at Montalto Estate

When you imagine the perfect proposal, it surely has to be something like Adam created for his beautiful now fiancée Lucy in the boathouse at Montalto Estate this month.

Huge congratulations to you both and we wish you a lifetime of happiness together.


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Take Home Desserts Christmas Menu Now Available

Take a look at our mouthwatering Christmas Take Home Menu offering the perfect desserts for your Christmas table. This will include: Handmade Traditional Christmas Cake A box of six mouthwatering mince pies Baileys & White Chocolate Cheesecake Irresistible chocolate Yule Log Fruit and fr...
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Enjoy Thursday Afternoon Tea

Treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea at The Café at Montalto. Enjoy afternoon tea favourites including delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones that can be indulged before tucking into sumptuous sweet delights creatively crafted with a nod to nature. To book this afternoon tea, pleas...
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Greater Newry Area Awards Success for Montalto

The resilience of the business community in the Greater Newry Area has been celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony. The biennial event took place at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa on Thursday 7th October and honoured the achievements of 27 individuals and organisations including Montalto Estate...
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Recruitment Open Day

Recruitment Open Day - Full and part-time permanent positions available. Join Montalto Estate during our exciting time of growth and development! The two roles that we are currently recruiting for are that of Café front of house team member and Café barista. You’ll have the opportunity ...
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Please Respect Our Staff

We continually appreciate our staff who work so very hard during difficult times in hospitality. Small acts of kindness, generosity and warmth, maybe even a little note or review from lovely customers go such a long way to making someone’s day that little bit easier and can have a big impact. F...
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RSPB at Montalto Estate

Northern Ireland is home to all sorts of wonderful wildlife, from lolloping Irish hares to soaring red kites, not to mention stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. Meet the RSPB NI at Montalto Estate this weekend. They will explain how you can 'Give Nature a Home' whilst also sharing the ...
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Montalto Café opening from 9am

This gem on the outskirts of Ballynahinch has a genuine wow factor. It is a stunning venue for many reasons; the grounds, the gardens, the buildings but the food and drink are of major appeal, so much so, that The Café at Montalto is now open from 9am offering a selection of delicious breakfast opt...
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Café Reopening

What a beautiful sunny day for our Café to reopen. Here, our Operations Director, Keith Reilly welcomed some of our first customers back to the Café, Esther Watson and Gary Wilkinson, both from Hillsborough with a voucher. We have a new brunch menu available from Wednesday to Sunday, offering d...
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The Building of The Witch’s Cottage

After completion of the Boathouse on the lake, the owners were so pleased with the result that in conjunction with architects John J O’Connell it was decided in late 2016 to build a fairytale cottage in the gardens to provide a point of interest for visitors when the estate opened in 2018. Designs...
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Extended Estate Closure

As always, the most important thing for Montalto is the safety of our customers, staff and suppliers. Based on recent guidance and discussions, the estate will be closed from December 25th. We will review this after four weeks. This decision saddens us greatly and although we are sorry for this inco...
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Café and Shop Reopening

We are delighted to once again be able to offer sit-in options from Friday 11th December. We will continue to have social distancing measures in place. Please follow signage to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. We are reopening with a changed menu however you can still enjoy ...
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Christmas Take Home Menu

Montalto Estate has unveiled its mouthwatering Christmas Take Home Menu offering a variety of desserts and trimmings. From handmade traditional Christmas Cakes and Fruit & Fresh Cream Pavlova to Duck Fat & Rosemary Potatoes and Cranberry and Apple Stuffing, there are many delicious options t...
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Christmas Shop Preview Evening

This evening we welcomed guests to the preview of The Christmas Shop at Montalto Estate. Visitors were greated with lots of beautiful products that both inspire and that bring the magic of Christmas to life. Christmas Shop Information: • Opening to the public on Wednesday 21st October. It will...
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The Café at Montalto has reopened

We are delighted to let you know that after a period of consultation following recent legislative changes, The Café at Montalto will reopen on Wednesday 30th September as normal. The decision was taken to close until we had clarification on a number of points regarding licensed premises. Many th...
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Montalto Estate Wins 2020 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

It has been announced that Montalto Estate has been recognized as a 2020 Travelers’ Choice award-winner.  Based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviews, prior to any changes caused by the pandemic, award winners are known for consistently receiving great traveller feedback, placing them in the top ...
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MONTALTO ESTATE SHORTLISTED FOR GARDEN OF THE YEAR

Montalto Estate has announced that it is only garden in Northern Ireland to be shortlisted for this competition - of which the public decide the winner - so they need your help. The Estate was purchased by the Wilson family in 1995. They set about a programme of works to restore the house, ground...
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Montalto Estate Phased Reopening

If you're looking for space and fresh air then we would be delighted to welcome you back to Montalto We are thrilled to let you know that the estate Trails & Gardens will once again be available for you to enjoy. While we are going through this phased reopening period, you will notice some chan...
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Covid-19 Estate Closure

?????? ??????? At this very difficult time for everyone, it is with great distress and sadness that we have decided to close Montalto Estate until further notice. We will close our doors at 2.00 pm today (Friday 20th March 2020). Due to the rapidly increasing gravity of the situation we feel w...
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Walking in nature – Bringing the outside in

Over the past month we have been focusing on promoting all that is good about walking in nature on the estate. Walking for short bursts each day can greatly improve mood and wellbeing and with four walking trails, Montalto makes the most perfect location to explore and reconnect with nature, awakeni...
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Taste of Ulster Accreditation for The Café at Montalto

Continuing on from the recent success of achieving a ‘Best Local Produce Restaurant’ award, Montalto Estate is proud to install their Taste of Ulster accreditation plaque. This is awarded to local cafés, restaurants, bars and hotels that deliver on taste, atmosphere, service and value. 2019 ...
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Mission Christmas at Montalto Estate

Montalto Estate is a public drop off point for the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal this year. Mission Christmas is back to make this Christmas Day different for local children living in poverty. It’s a heart-breaking thought, but there are thousands of children living right here in ou...
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Best Local Produce Restaurant Awarded To The Café at Montalto

FOOD and drink represents a mammoth £5 billion industry for Northern Ireland, sustaining more than 100,000 jobs, with pubs, hotels, restaurants and other eating establishments forming an integral part of this. In the UK alone, people will eat out more than 11 billion times this year and will spend ...
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Christmas Shop Opening

On Friday the 18th of October we opened the Christmas Shop for a second year running.  Since opening, it has been a great success in which customers have been able to browse a beautiful display of Christmas baubles, decorations, lights, trees, gift-wrap and more.  The shop is located in the Parlou...
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Step back in time and explore the new History Trail at Montalto

Montalto Estate, a beautiful five star visitor experience aimed at reconnecting people with nature through the estate’s magnificent surroundings, is having a double celebration.  Not only is the attraction celebrating its 1st year opened to visitors on 21st September but has announced yet another...
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Tourism NI’s five star approval for Montalto Estate

Montalto Estate located just outside Ballynahinch in County Down has recently received a five star visitor attraction grading from Tourism NI. Montalto Estate opened its doors to the public for the first time in September 2018 and received its 100,000th visitor by August 2019. The property offers...
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Montalto Estate celebrates 100,000th visitor ahead of its first year

Montalto Estate, a beautiful visitor experience aimed at reconnecting people with nature through the estate’s magnificent surroundings, has welcomed its 100,000th visitor. This major milestone comes ahead of the estate’s first year in operation which will be marked in September 2019. Owned by...
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Montalto Wins Best Tourism & Hospitality Business Award

Members of the Montalto Estate team attended the recent 'Greater Newry Area Business Awards’ where we were shortlisted in two categories. We were awarded first place for 'Best Tourism and Hospitality Business' as well as receiving highly commended for 'Best Marketing Initiative.' A massive well do...
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Oral History Archive launched at Montalto Estate

Over the past few months, we have been interviewing, researching and gathering living memories from local people who recall the traditional aspects of a working estate and the community that built up around it. They’ve brought it all vividly back to life for the public to listen to and enjoy. T...
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Spring has Sprung at Montalto Estate

Spring is the perfect time to boost your body and mind with colder months causing us to almost hibernate during the gloomy weather, which is now hopefully behind us. Being surrounded by nature has been proven to reduce blood pressure and has been long known to elevate our mood and ease stress. From ...
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FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2019

We are delighted to have been shortlisted in the ‘Family Business of the Year’ category of the ‘FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards’ . These awards recognises the best small businesses and the self-employed from right across the UK, from every sector and industry and from businesses o...
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AED donated to Montalto Estate by Demesne Contracts

Local company Demesne Contracts Ltd. specialists in all aspects of groundworks and landscaping, have donated a defibrillation unit to Montalto Estate.  The company, who continue to work at the estate as part of the ongoing development, helped to install the unit in the play area at The Low Wood. It...
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The Café at Montalto receives 5* Food Hygiene Rating

The scheme gives businesses a rating from 5 to 0 which is displayed at the premises and online so customers can make more informed choices about where they decide to purchase and eat food. The rating shows how well we are doing, based on standards found at the time of inspection. Well done to all o...
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Belfast Zoo red squirrels provide welcome boost to Montalto Estate

The release follows the zoo’s most successful year with this iconic species.  Over the past 12 months, 10 red squirrel kittens have been born at Belfast Zoo and six animals have previously been released to the Silent Valley Mountain Park. The latest captive-bred squirrels will provide welcome ...
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Launch of Montalto Estate


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Step into and explore the beautiful world of Montalto Estate

From Friday 21st September everyone will have the opportunity to step into and explore the magnificent world of Montalto Estate as, for the first time in its history, visitors will have access to never-before seen gardens and trails located around the historic estate. Nestled in the picturesque Co....
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Historic Montalto Estate Gets Ready To Enchant As A New Visitor Attraction

Montalto Estate, a 400 acre private estate located in rural Co. Down only minutes from the centre of Ballynahinch, is getting ready to open to visitors for the first time in its history.   Owned by the Wilson family, the new visitor attraction represents a major private investment creating up to 3...
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Montalto Estate Proud to Sponsor Local Sports Clubs

The sponsorship recipients currently are Ballynahinch Rugby Club, Spa Golf Club and Drumaness GAA Club. Managing Director, David Wilson said: “Sport participation and physical activity is important for everyone in local communities and we are proud to support golf, GAA and rugby in the Bally...
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Volunteers sought to help red squirrels thrive

Ulster Wildlife is appealing for volunteers to help protect red squirrels in Montalto Estate, in Ballynahinch, and the surrounding area, where a recent red squirrel sighting has sparked fresh hope for this endangered mammal. Montalto Estate was once a haven for red squirrels until they were pushed ...
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The Carriage Rooms at Montalto wins prestigious Mrs2Be Brides’ Choice Wedding Award

Leading Irish wedding website Mrs2Be.ie announced the winners of their Brides’ Choice Awards in an exciting virtual awards ceremony on 25 June 2018 with The Carriage Rooms at Montalto taking the title of Best Wedding Venue - Exclusive.  The online event was deemed a huge success by the Irish wedd...
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NI Top 40 Under 40

David Wilson, Managing Director of Montalto Estate was recently included in the prestigious Northern Ireland top 40 under 40 list at an event held in The Malone Lodge hotel. This event organised by Business First recognises talented individuals in business in Northern Ireland. Now in its fourth y...
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A Transformation…

Montalto Estate is undergoing a transformation. Owned by the Wilson family, this estate is being developed into a flagship tourism visitor destination which will be open to the public in 2018. The 400 acre estate enjoys a prestigious rural location, set in rolling countryside between the world ac...
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