'Phased and gradual' reopening of National Trust parks

The National Trust has announced the phased reopening of its gardens and parklands in Northern Ireland.

It says around 29 properties will be reopening from 3 June.

However, the trust says advance booking will be required in order to limit numbers and maintain public safety.

The announcement comes after the Executive permitted the reopening of outdoor spaces as part of step one in its plan to ease the coronavirus lockdown.

The reopening of trust properties will be “phased and gradual”.

From 3 June it will begin reopening Mount Stewart, Rowallane Garden, Castle Ward, Florence Court, Castle Coole, The Argory and Downhill Demesne.

Over the coming weeks more places will begin reopening, it said.

Visitors will be able to book their tickets in advance online from Friday. They will be free for trust members, while other visitors will pay an admission fee.

Director General Hilary McGrady said: “We want to provide safe, local, welcoming spaces for people, and wherever possible we will open our gardens and parks, and coast and countryside car parks.

“The fresh air, bird song, big skies and open spaces people have missed will be there, but things will be very different, particularly at first.

“We want to thank people for their patience and support while we gradually begin reopening and welcoming our visitors.”