Summer Outings Programme

Our Summer Outings take place on the first Saturday in the months of May, June, July and August

We meet at the clubroom at 8.45am and leave for our destination at 9.00 am. We try to share transport. Naturally those who may live nearer to the destination can meet us at a pre-arranged time.

Saturday 1st May

Springhill House Experience the beguiling spirit of this inimitable 17th-century 'Plantation' home, with its walled gardens and parkland, full of tempting waymarked paths  History tours breathe life into the fascinating past of this welcoming family home. There are ten generations of Lenox-Conyngham family tales to enthrall you, as well as numerous portraits and much furniture to admire ¿ not forgetting Ireland's best-documented ghost, Olivia. The old laundry houses the celebrated Costume Collection, which features some fine 18th- to 20th-century pieces that highlight its great charm and enthralling past   Wellbrook Beetling Mill Nestling in an idyllic wooded glen offering lovely walks and picnic spots this, the last working water-powered linen beetling mill, offers a unique experience for all the family. Try some scutching, hackling and weaving as you take part in hands-on demonstrations, against the thundering cacophony of beetling engines Don't miss Follow the head-race to the source of the power. Lovely walks and picnic opportunities by the Ballinderry River. Watch the massive water-powered wheel as it turns. For more details see www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Saturday 5th June Silent Valley The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and is the main water supply source for most of County Down and a large part of Belfast. Ringed by mountains, 'The Valley', located within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, houses beautiful parkland, lakes and a pond. It attracts around 50,000 visitors per year most of whom come to enjoy the peace and solitude of this mountain area with its unique landscapes and varied wildlife. Northern Ireland Water has provided a number of visitor facilities at the site including a restaurant, information centre, conference centre and education centre - all housed in two old colonial style bungalows and enjoying delightful views over the parkland. Drivers are required to obey the one-way traffic system which leads to a single large car-park at the south end of the reservoir grounds. During the months of May, June and September at weekends and July and August a daily shuttle bus travels from the car park to the reservoir. The Silent Valley Nature Trail The site of the old railway line that linked Annalong with the Silent Valley reservoir is now home to a new nature trail and was officially opened on 10 April 2006. The second half of the trail, making a complete circuit, was opened on 23rd October 2008 in conjunction with Mourne Heritage Trust Wildlife in the area has flourished. The trail stretches for approximately three kilometres and has a surface path accessible for all including buggies and wheelchairs. It allows visitors to get close to wildlife and wild flowers with excellent places for bird watching along the route. It closely follows the Kilkeel River and includes a picnic area. There are numerous information boards to tell the story of Silent Valley and the surrounding area.

Saturday 3rd July Sean Barden is leading us on another voyage of discovery around lesser known areas near Armagh

Saturday 7th August Belfast Taste and Music Festival ·      Where? The Great Lawn, Belfast Botanic Gardens ·      When? Thursday 5th - Sunday 8th August 2010 ·      Time? Noon to 10.30pm Daily More information for 2010's event will be coming shortly. http://www.belfasttasteandmusicfest.com/