Ballyscullion

Overview

Ballyscullion Park sits on the tranquil banks of Lough Beg, where the River Bann meets a mosaic of reed‑filled wetlands. The estate is a private family home, but it opens its historic gardens, Georgian house and surrounding woodlands to visitors by prior arrangement. Guests can enjoy a house tour led by Richard Mulholland, a home‑cooked meal prepared by the family’s resident chef, and the chance to explore a landscape that inspired poet Seamus Heaney and once served as a World War II military base.

History

The story of Ballyscullion stretches back to the late 18th century when the eccentric Earl‑Bishop Frederick Hervey commissioned an extravagant palace (1787) modelled on St Peter’s in Rome. The original house featured a 350‑ft façade, a central rotunda and a double corkscrew staircase offering panoramic views of the Antrim hills, Mourne Mountains and Sperrin range. The Earl‑Bishop died in 1803 and his cousin Sir Hervey Bruce abandoned the project; the unfinished palace was demolished in 1813, leaving only a fragment of the gallery wall and the rotunda’s foundations, now a romantic woodland ceremony spot.

In 1840 Sir Charles Lanyon – the architect behind Queen’s University Belfast – designed the present house for Sir Henry Hervey Bruce. The Mulholland family purchased the estate in 1938; Sir Harry and Lady Mulholland restored the house and grounds, and during the 1940s the property served as a base for the British 202nd Engineering Combat Battalion and later the US 82nd Airborne Division, training for the Normandy landings.

The estate’s natural assets earned it Ramsar and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designations, recognising the rich flora and birdlife of Lough Beg and its surrounding wetlands. At the southern tip of the strand lies Church Island, a historic monument where the ruined Church of St Taide – reputedly founded by Saint Patrick – bears a stone with the saint’s knelt‑knee imprint. The island remains a pilgrimage site each first Sunday of September.

Literary connections run deep: Seamus Heaney grew up nearby, his father grazing cattle on the strand, and the poet drew inspiration from Lough Beg for several of his verses.

What to See & Do

• Guided House & Garden Tour – Richard Mulholland, a professional tour guide, delivers a 45‑minute talk covering the estate’s architectural evolution, the Mulholland family’s linen‑industry legacy and anecdotes about Jane Austen’s brother Edward Knight and Charlotte Brontë’s relatives.
• Walled Garden & Courtyard Cottages – The meticulously maintained walled garden showcases seasonal borders, heritage fruit trees and a herbaceous border that changes colour throughout the year. Adjacent Courtyard Cottages (five 3‑bedroom, 6‑bed units) provide comfortable on‑site accommodation for families or small groups.
• Church Island & St Taide – Accessible via a short walk across the wetlands, visitors can view the ruined church, the kneeling‑stone imprint and the ancient rag tree that locals credit with healing powers.
• Wildlife Watching – As a Ramsar site, Lough Beg attracts waders, swans and migratory birds. Early‑morning visits often reveal flocks of whooper swans and a chorus of reed‑bed warblers.
• Special Events – The estate hosts the annual Ballyscullion Park Book Festival each May, biennial charity balls, and a range of private weddings. The walled garden and the restored Palace Ruins provide atmospheric ceremony settings.
• Culinary Experience – Meals are prepared in‑house using produce from the estate garden. Guests may choose a light coffee, a full lunch, tea service or an evening dinner, all paired with locally sourced Irish ingredients.

Getting There

By Car – The park lies just one mile south of Bellaghy village, reachable via the A5. A 62‑vehicle car park is available on‑site.

Public Transport – Bellaghy is served by regular train services from Derry/Londonderry. From the station, a short taxi ride (or a local bus where available) completes the journey to the estate.

Practical Information

Booking – Email the estate directly or use the online booking form on the website. A modest fee covers the guided tour, garden access and any meal you choose; exact pricing is provided on request.

Seasonal notes – The estate’s wetlands are especially vibrant in spring when wildflowers bloom and migratory birds arrive. The Book Festival in May showcases local authors and includes readings in the historic walled garden.

Why visit? Ballyscullion Park offers a rare blend of aristocratic architecture, literary heritage, and unspoiled natural beauty, all curated by a family that welcomes visitors into their home. Whether you’re tracing Seamus Heaney’s poetic footsteps, seeking a unique wedding venue, or simply craving a peaceful walk along Lough Beg, Ballyscullion delivers an intimate, unforgettable Irish experience.