Discover more at The Argory
Find out when The Argory is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Eating and shopping at The Argory
Take time out from discovering the beauty of the estate on your visit to The Argory and step into Courtyard Coffee Shop. The Blackwater bookshop is also on hand with a wide variety of second-hand titles to enjoy over a cup of coffee or take home.
The Courtyard Coffee Shop
Serving seasonal favourites
The Courtyard Coffee Shop has a varied menu with recipes taken from the National Trust Cookbook, plus local seasonal favourites, featuring fresh scones, sandwiches and a selection of tray bakes. There’s also a wide choice of coffee, tea, herbal teas and soft drinks.
Take a seat with a view of the past
Sit overlooking the courtyard, adorned with hanging baskets, or in the lower level converted from former animal stalls.
Take a moment to enjoy the aroma of fresh herbs growing at the entrance before choosing from freshly prepared cakes and light lunches. And don’t forget the locally famous scones and speciality sausage rolls.
Please check our opening times as the coffee shop has limited opening with the exception of July and August when we are open daily.
Allergen information
Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free.
If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.
Always check when you visit
Visited before? We sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients. When you visit, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information for your favourite dish.
The Blackwater bookshop
Browse the shelves
There's a wide range of books to suit everyone. Pick up a novel to enjoy in the sun, get inspired by a travel guide, find new recipes in the cookery section or take home some new bedtime stories for the kids.
Pay in reception
The bookshop is open during The Argory’s normal opening times. There's usually a smiling face to welcome you in but at times when there's nobody available to volunteer, you’re more than welcome to browse and pay for your books in visitor reception.
The bookshop volunteers run two book fairs each year, which are always very well received by the local community and visitors.
Funding conservation projects
The Blackwater bookshop helps to raise money for ongoing conservation projects all around The Argory. Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers and generous donations from visitors and the local community, the bookshop is full of fantastic titles in every genre you could imagine.
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Discover some of the best cafés, restaurants and tea-rooms located at National Trust places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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Second-hand bookshops
Pick up a book from a second-hand bookshop to keep or share. Every purchase will raise funds for conservation projects at the places in our care.
Treat yourself
Looking for the perfect gift or perhaps you're in need of some retail therapy? You can browse our full range via our online shop.
Places to eat in Northern Ireland
Tuck into a great day out with our places to eat and drink across Northern Ireland. Enjoy classic scones in the Courtyard Cafe at The Argory, seasonal selected soups at Mount Stewart or a pub lunch at Mary McBride's in Cushendun. From a cosy corner in a quaint tea-room to a traditional pub which was once the oldest in Ireland, dine in a doorway to nature, beauty and history.