Belvedere House

Set on the shores of Lough Ennell outside the Midlands town of Mullingar, Lord Belvedere�s grand Hunting Lodge is set on a 160 acres of maintained estate that include a Victorian Walled Garden, Apiary and Falconry Centre, as well as an interpretive centre, exhibition galleries, animal sanctuary and walking trails.

Belvedere House, Gardens and Parks provides an array of attractions that are well worth a visit. Truly impressive and well worth a visit is Bevedere House itself, built in built in 1740 by German-born Architect Richard Castle (1690-1751) as a hunting and fishing lodge for Lord Belfield. The house has been fully restored and is noted for its exquisite rococo ceilings and bow end design.

Many people visit to Belvedere for its exquisite gardens. Lord Belvedere�s Hunting Lodge stands on 160 acres of maintained estate. The Victorian Walled Garden exercises all the senses with a fragrant herb garden, old rose beds, tumbling herbaceous borders, alpines, climbers and vegetable potager. The Belvedere Apiary (Beehives) has a display Hive in the visitor centre. The Belvedere Falconry Centre has daily flying displays of eagles, falcons and hawks. This purpose-built centre also has barn owl and snowy owl aviaries.

Mount Belvedere is also a great place for a walking, with numerous well marked woodland walks, where along the way you can discover masses of wild garlic, fennel and wood anemones. Exploring the grounds and you�ll uncover many of Belvedere�s follies, the largest being The Jealous Wall built to obscure his brother�s larger house.

If you get hungry along the way, you can grab refreshments or enjoy a nice lunch at the Courtyard Caf�, featuring a pleasing menu of fresh, tasty food made on the premises. There�s also a gift shop, interpretative centre, exhibition galleries, three children�s playgrounds, animal sanctuary, tram trips and several picnic areas.