A modern visitor attraction in Northern Ireland, that can be enjoyed by everyone.

In opening up the estate to the public, the owners wanted to preserve its heritage and natural beauty, while at the same time inspiring and delighting visitors.
The result is a stunning tourist attraction that not only retains the estate’s ancient heritage and history but also enables visitors to relax and reconnect with nature.

It is a perfect mix of old world meets new. While its natural beauty, dating back centuries, remains relatively untouched, visitors can also enjoy trails and walks, beautiful gardens, a homely eating experience, and a relaxing shopping environment that’s in keeping with the sustainable spirit of the estate.
Explore Montalto and discover its long and fascinating history. Nestled beautifully in the heart of the picturesque Co. Down countryside, the privately-owned demesne dates back to the early 1600s.

In pre-plantation times the estate was originally owned by Patrick McCartan. However, due to his involvement in the 1641 Rebellion, his Ballynahinch lands were confiscated, and in 1657 the townland was purchased by Sir George Rawdon. Circa 1765, his descendant Sir John Rawdon – First Earl of Moira – built a mansion property on the estate: this is the house that we now know as Montalto House.

Sir John’s ancestor, Sir Arthur Rawdon – The Father of Irish Gardening – had earlier amassed a large collection of exotic foreign plants at Moira Castle. Many of Sir Arthur’s plants were transferred to Montalto when his grandson Sir John moved onto the estate.
The estate has been almost exclusively, a family home since Lord Moira built the first house on the land. Nowadays Montalto offers visitors the use of 400 acres of rolling Irish countryside, which includes wonderful Trails & Gardens and a chance to explore this historic demesne and reconnect with nature.