Things to do at Ardress House

Family Walks at Ardress House | © ©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Step back in time when you visit this 17th-century house with elegant 18th-century decoration and a traditional farmyard. There's lots to do for the whole family when you visit Ardress House, from meeting farmyard animals to adventures in the play area.

Rural life from the past

Past the visitor reception area, you’ll find a traditional, cobbled farmyard. Pop into the different outbuildings including the smithy, byre and threshing barn to get a flavour of old-time rural life. The whole family will love meeting the friendly goats and there’s also a children’s play area.

C:\Users\beth.mcclenahan1\AppData\Local\Temp\Temp1_portfolio (43).zip\1410778.jpg — Cockerel in the farmyard at Ardress House, County Armagh, Northern Ireland | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Explore Ardress house

Learn about the Clarke and Ensor families who lived at Ardress from the late 1600s to the mid-20th century. See how the originally modest farmhouse has been enlarged and re-modelled over the years.

Some of the furnishings are original while others have made their way back here. Highlights include the Drawing Room, Dining Room and a fine collection of paintings on loan from Stuart Hall in County Tyrone.

C:\Users\beth.mcclenahan1\AppData\Local\Temp\Temp1_portfolio (44).zip\896057.jpg — Family visitors looking at a painting at Ardress House, County Armagh | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Lady’s Mile walk

Bring your walking boots and set off on the Lady’s Mile (really three-quarters-of-a-mile if you’re counting). This circular, woodland path is a highlight of any visit, especially in spring when it’s full of wildflowers, or in autumn with the array of colour.

There are some great views back to the house and look out for Frizzel’s Cottage, an 18th-century mud-walled house which has been fully refurbished.

Apple-growing country

Ardress sits in the heart of Armagh’s rich apple-growing country. Visit in May to see the orchards burst into vibrant whites and pinks, and in October for the apple harvest.