Supporter groups in Northern Ireland

Gardeners working at Hezlett House at Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, County Londonderry — Gardeners working at Downhill Demesne | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Interested in making the most of the National Trust near you in Northern Ireland? Join a local supporter group and meet like-minded people who enjoy social activities throughout the year. Join special interest talks and fundraising events across Northern Ireland as well as enjoying visits to National Trust places and hands-on conservation activities. There are four different groups to join across Northern Ireland. Jump to the details of the supporter group near you using the menu.

Why join a supporter group?

Getting together with other National Trust enthusiasts, members and volunteers who feel passionate about the same things is priceless. Sharing unique experiences and finding out more about the places you care about is what being part of a local National Trust supporter group is all about.

From listening to expert talks and going on behind-the-scenes tours to taking relaxing holidays or restoring natural habitats in the great outdoors, you’ll be part of something amazing. Supporter groups promote and assist the National Trust’s work within their local area and raise money for conservation and development projects through all kinds of events.

Belfast Association

The Belfast association was founded over 40 years ago to enhance and promote the work of the National Trust and provide members with opportunities to share common interests and meet like-minded people.

Raising funds for the Trust is also an important part of the Association’s activities. In recent years they have supported special projects at Minnowburn and Rowallane Garden.

Through an organised year-long programme of talks, outings and social events, members learn more about local places of interest and the work of the Trust, as well as forging new friendships.
- Talks: during the autumn and winter months they organise talks on a variety of subjects, usually followed by light refreshments.
- Social events: Christmas Lunch is one of their most popular events and is held in a different venue each year.
- Day trips: they organise a number of day trips and tours to places of interest in NI and further afield. These may include National Trust properties but also privatively owned houses, estates and historic sites. In recent years they’ve have visited Dail Eireann in Dublin, gardens in Donegal, an island in Lough Erne and the Bronte country in County Down.
To become a member of the Belfast Association you must be either:
- A fully paid-up member of the National Trust
- A volunteer who holds a current National Trust Volunteer Card
- An employee of the National Trust
- A member of the public
Current membership is £10 for a single person and £15 for a family membership.

For information about the centre and to join, please contact them by phone 028 9268 2638, or email

Fermanagh Association

Through their activities, the Fermanagh Association support Florence Court, Castle Coole and Crom, helping to protect these special places for everyone, for ever.

A view through the pillars of the Summer House at Florence Court, County Fermanagh, looking out over the lawn and mature trees in the garden and towards the surrounding countryside. — A view of the garden from the Summer House at Florence Court | © National Trust Images/John Millar

North Coast Association

The North Coast Association was founded in 1985. Their objectives are to promote the National Trust locally, raising funds for our work and projects.

Most members live in the north coast region of Northern Ireland and support a range of National Trust projects and appeals, such as:
- The restoration of the walled garden at Bishops Gate
- The Summerhouse at Florence Court
- The garden at Mount Stewart
- Raising the profile of Rough Fort, near Limavady, the first property acquired by the National Trust in Northern Ireland.

North Down and Ards Association

The North Down and Ards Association provides their members, first and foremost, with a friendship of others who appreciate the beauty and history of the area in which they live and the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to fund valuable projects for the National Trust.

Their programme offers talks on many interesting topics such as the history of Belfast’s water supply and ‘Tying the Knot’, about traditions in Irish marriages over the centuries. They arrange walks throughout the year so that members can enjoy the diversity of our beautiful coastal and mountain scenery. They also run a series of coach trips, allowing them to discover historic properties across the region.

The programme includes many opportunities for members to socialise including the Association’s Christmas Dinner held each year in the elegant surroundings of the Royal Ulster Golf Club.