EXPLORING THE STORMONT ESTATE IN MAY 2025
THE STORMONT ESTATE IN BELFAST [PHOTOGRAPHED MAY 2025]
The Stormont Estate, located on the outskirts of Belfast, is a significant public parkland renowned for its beautiful gardens, extensive walks, and historic features. It serves as the home of the Northern Ireland Government and has consistently received the prestigious Green Flag Award, recognising its high standard of management and public enjoyment.
Here's a detailed look at its individual features:
Buildings:
Parliament Buildings (Stormont): The most prominent building on the estate, opened in 1932, is the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Designed in a Greek classical style by Sir Arnold Thornely, its imposing facade with eighteen Corinthian columns and grand staircase is a notable landmark. Originally white Portland stone, it was camouflaged during WWII and has retained a stained appearance since. Inside, the Great Hall boasts intricate woodwork and stained glass depicting Northern Ireland's history.
Stormont Castle: Built around 1830, this Scots Baronial-style mansion was originally a private residence before becoming the official home of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland and now serves as the seat of the Northern Ireland Executive. While generally closed to the public, it occasionally opens for European Heritage weekends.
Stormont House (Speaker's House): Constructed in 1926, this Neo-Georgian building was formerly the official residence of the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Parliament.
Summer Houses and Gate Lodges: The estate features two summer houses and identical gate lodges at the Massey Avenue and Prince of Wales entrances, also designed by Arnold Thornely.
Stormont Castle Cottages: Built around 1840-1859, these cottages originally provided worker's accommodation and now serve as offices for the Stormont Estate Management Unit.
Driveways and Avenues:
Prince of Wales Avenue (The Mile): This grand avenue leads directly to Parliament Buildings and is lined with 305 red-twigged lime trees, strategically planted to create an illusion of a better view of the Parliament Buildings as one approaches.
Massey Avenue: Another public entrance to the estate, providing access to various features.
Nature and Parkland Features:
Woodlands and Nature Trails: The estate boasts extensive woodlands with marked walking trails. The "Long Woodland Walk" is approximately 4km, while a shorter option is 2km. These trails offer opportunities to observe local wildlife, including rooks, great tits, blue tits, chaffinches, wrens, long-tailed tits, red squirrels, and badgers. In spring, the Stormont Glen woodlands are particularly beautiful with bluebells and wood anemones.
Fitness Trail: A 1.6km fitness trail is equipped with outdoor gym equipment at various points, catering to those seeking an active outdoor experience.
Adventure Trails: The estate features several adventure trails designed for a range of age groups, often incorporating sensory points, fairy houses, and woodland carved animals. These trails are supported by interactive maps and quizzes, providing an engaging and educational experience.
Stormont Glen: A steep ravine with scenic views.
Wildlife Refuge and Sports Pitches: Areas designated for wildlife and recreational sports.
Barrage Balloon Anchors: Remnants from WWII, these anchors held balloons protecting government buildings from bombings.
WWII Bomb Crater: A historical point of interest from the war.
Gardens:
Formal Gardens: Beautifully maintained formal gardens contribute to the estate's grandeur.
Rose Garden: Located north of the Massey Avenue entrance, this garden was created in 2013 for quiet reflection, featuring a circular bed with a variety of "Remembrance" roses and lavender for striking contrast.
Public Art and Memorials:
Carson's Statue: An imposing 12-foot bronze statue of Lord Carson, a prominent Unionist politician, stands at the roundabout at the top of Prince of Wales Avenue.
Reconciliation Sculpture: Created by Josefina de Vasconcellos, this sculpture depicts a man and woman embracing. Originally titled "Reunion," it was renamed "Reconciliation" and has casts placed in significant locations worldwide, including Stormont Estate, Coventry Cathedral, and Hiroshima Peace Park.
The Gleaner Statue: Sculpted by John Knox in 1951 for the Festival of Britain, this sculpture of a woman gathering bears the inscription "Thrift is the Gleaner Behind All Human Effort."
Lord Craigavon's Tomb: The tomb of James Craig, Viscount Craigavon, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, and his wife, is located on the east side of Parliament Buildings.
Somme Memorial: A group of mature Cedars surrounds a granite stone commemorating the 36th Ulster Division, highlighting the significant loss of Ulstermen in the Battle of the Somme.
Other Features:
Mo Mowlam Play Park: An inclusive and accessible play park with over 40 pieces of equipment, designed for children of all abilities to play together. It even has a "Quiet Hour" on Sundays for children with extra needs.
Outdoor Gym Equipment: Scattered along the fitness trail, providing opportunities for exercise.
Picnic and Barbecue Areas: Numerous spots for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Dog Park (The Bullfield): A special enclosed area where dogs can run off-leash, with picnic tables and seating for owners.
Visitor Facilities: Includes public toilets and catering options.
The Stormont Estate, located on the outskirts of Belfast, is a significant public parkland renowned for its beautiful gardens, extensive walks, and historic features. It serves as the home of the Northern Ireland Government and has consistently received the prestigious Green Flag Award, recognising its high standard of management and public enjoyment.
Here's a detailed look at its individual features:
Buildings:
Parliament Buildings (Stormont): The most prominent building on the estate, opened in 1932, is the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Designed in a Greek classical style by Sir Arnold Thornely, its imposing facade with eighteen Corinthian columns and grand staircase is a notable landmark. Originally white Portland stone, it was camouflaged during WWII and has retained a stained appearance since. Inside, the Great Hall boasts intricate woodwork and stained glass depicting Northern Ireland's history.
Stormont Castle: Built around 1830, this Scots Baronial-style mansion was originally a private residence before becoming the official home of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland and now serves as the seat of the Northern Ireland Executive. While generally closed to the public, it occasionally opens for European Heritage weekends.
Stormont House (Speaker's House): Constructed in 1926, this Neo-Georgian building was formerly the official residence of the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Parliament.
Summer Houses and Gate Lodges: The estate features two summer houses and identical gate lodges at the Massey Avenue and Prince of Wales entrances, also designed by Arnold Thornely.
Stormont Castle Cottages: Built around 1840-1859, these cottages originally provided worker's accommodation and now serve as offices for the Stormont Estate Management Unit.
Driveways and Avenues:
Prince of Wales Avenue (The Mile): This grand avenue leads directly to Parliament Buildings and is lined with 305 red-twigged lime trees, strategically planted to create an illusion of a better view of the Parliament Buildings as one approaches.
Massey Avenue: Another public entrance to the estate, providing access to various features.
Nature and Parkland Features:
Woodlands and Nature Trails: The estate boasts extensive woodlands with marked walking trails. The "Long Woodland Walk" is approximately 4km, while a shorter option is 2km. These trails offer opportunities to observe local wildlife, including rooks, great tits, blue tits, chaffinches, wrens, long-tailed tits, red squirrels, and badgers. In spring, the Stormont Glen woodlands are particularly beautiful with bluebells and wood anemones.
Fitness Trail: A 1.6km fitness trail is equipped with outdoor gym equipment at various points, catering to those seeking an active outdoor experience.
Adventure Trails: The estate features several adventure trails designed for a range of age groups, often incorporating sensory points, fairy houses, and woodland carved animals. These trails are supported by interactive maps and quizzes, providing an engaging and educational experience.
Stormont Glen: A steep ravine with scenic views.
Wildlife Refuge and Sports Pitches: Areas designated for wildlife and recreational sports.
Barrage Balloon Anchors: Remnants from WWII, these anchors held balloons protecting government buildings from bombings.
WWII Bomb Crater: A historical point of interest from the war.
Gardens:
Formal Gardens: Beautifully maintained formal gardens contribute to the estate's grandeur.
Rose Garden: Located north of the Massey Avenue entrance, this garden was created in 2013 for quiet reflection, featuring a circular bed with a variety of "Remembrance" roses and lavender for striking contrast.
Public Art and Memorials:
Carson's Statue: An imposing 12-foot bronze statue of Lord Carson, a prominent Unionist politician, stands at the roundabout at the top of Prince of Wales Avenue.
Reconciliation Sculpture: Created by Josefina de Vasconcellos, this sculpture depicts a man and woman embracing. Originally titled "Reunion," it was renamed "Reconciliation" and has casts placed in significant locations worldwide, including Stormont Estate, Coventry Cathedral, and Hiroshima Peace Park.
The Gleaner Statue: Sculpted by John Knox in 1951 for the Festival of Britain, this sculpture of a woman gathering bears the inscription "Thrift is the Gleaner Behind All Human Effort."
Lord Craigavon's Tomb: The tomb of James Craig, Viscount Craigavon, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, and his wife, is located on the east side of Parliament Buildings.
Somme Memorial: A group of mature Cedars surrounds a granite stone commemorating the 36th Ulster Division, highlighting the significant loss of Ulstermen in the Battle of the Somme.
Other Features:
Mo Mowlam Play Park: An inclusive and accessible play park with over 40 pieces of equipment, designed for children of all abilities to play together. It even has a "Quiet Hour" on Sundays for children with extra needs.
Outdoor Gym Equipment: Scattered along the fitness trail, providing opportunities for exercise.
Picnic and Barbecue Areas: Numerous spots for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Dog Park (The Bullfield): A special enclosed area where dogs can run off-leash, with picnic tables and seating for owners.
Visitor Facilities: Includes public toilets and catering options.