Belvedere Mansion and Gardens
An 1857 Italianate mansion with rich history, filled with antiques and surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Belvedere Mansion and Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 1857 Italianate mansion with rich history, filled with antiques and surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens.
"The guides are full of knowledge and had so many interesting stories to share concerning the history of the mansion."
🎯 Arrive Before Your Tour
Allow extra time to explore the gardens before your mansion tour begins. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated while exploring the grounds. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Italianate Mansion Interior
Inside the mansion
Explore rooms filled with antiques and unique collections, offering a glimpse into the mansion's storied past.
Landscaped Gardens
Exterior grounds
Stroll through beautifully maintained gardens, a serene escape with plenty of shade.
Gothic Temple
Garden grounds
Discover a unique architectural feature amidst the lush greenery of the estate.
Gone With The Wind Curtains
Specific room in the mansion
See a piece of Hollywood history with curtains famously used in the iconic film.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Tour Insights & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Your Tour
Allow extra time to explore the gardens before your mansion tour begins. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated while exploring the grounds. :droplet:
🎟️ Consider Advance Tickets
While not always necessary, booking ahead can be wise on busy days. :ticket:
🗣️ Engage with Guides
The guides are knowledgeable and share fascinating stories about the mansion's history. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Your Tour
Allow extra time to explore the gardens before your mansion tour begins. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated while exploring the grounds. :droplet:
🎟️ Consider Advance Tickets
While not always necessary, booking ahead can be wise on busy days. :ticket:
🗣️ Engage with Guides
The guides are knowledgeable and share fascinating stories about the mansion's history. +1
📸 Capture the Gardens
The grounds offer beautiful photo opportunities, especially during bloom season. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the knowledgeable and passionate tour guides who bring the mansion's history to life, and the beautiful, serene gardens offer a lovely escape. However, some guests are disappointed by the restricted access to the Belvedere's top room and the absence of original furnishings due to a past fire.
"The mansion is beautiful, no doubt, but we had a few complaints. Top among them is that you're denied access to the Belvadere itself, which is the topmost room with breath-taking 360 degree views. They claimed that it's a fire safety issue, which may be true, but maybe they could allow one person in at a time? That would honestly be the coolest part of the tour and worth the visit by itself.
Also, the mansion is filled with antiques and oddities that the owners purchased throughout the years. This is probably because the majority of the original items burned in a fire. Still, I feel it should be filled exclusively with period-appropriate pieces. That's how my entire group felt, too.
The tour was a bit long but I personally liked our guides. I'd recommend not doing the first one of the day as when it's crowded, it's quite difficult to move about the rooms, as a lot of them are roped off."
Eric Lundell
"We did the tour today and to be honest I thought I’d be bored. But I was wrong. The two guides were full of knowledge and had so many interesting stories to share concerning the history of the mansion as well as items in the mansion. I wish we could’ve gone beyond the second floor but I totally understand why we couldn’t. We learned a lot of history.
Spoiler alert: a famous set of the curtains that were used in Gone with the Wind adorns the windows of one room."
Tricia W
"Overall a very bad experience. The sign said tours started every 30 minutes and we were there at 1:23. After ringing the bell and waiting patiently they came out around 2:35 and told us it would be 20 minutes til we started. We waited of course, and the tour guide didn’t come back out until 2:05 when we rang the bell again. Off to a pretty rocky start with the wait but that’s life. Then we paid right away and she sat down and started talking about her personal life. She did eventually ask us where we were from and we said Waterloo, just here on a girls trip for the day (on a time crunch). She told us a long story about how she bought her house and is now looking to sell it and she saw prices were pretty decent in Waterloo. She asked if it was a nice area and we said it’s great you just want to be careful on the east side of town and she’s said, “well of course you don’t want to be by the blacks.”
There were plenty of other disappointing and annoying points of the tour. She basically talked about unrelated history and you could only peer into the rooms while you stood in one place for 25 minutes. She talked about her personal connections to everyone in the stories as if she was the one who built the house. Either way, that was an unacceptable thing for Bonnie (or anyone) to say and I just immediately wanted my money back. Do not recommend. Several thumbs down."
Brooke Zoll
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Belvedere Mansion and Gardens is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may be limited, so checking local transit schedules is recommended if you're not driving.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Belvedere Mansion and Gardens.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be an option, but it's generally recommended to drive or use local transport due to the estate's size.
The most convenient way to travel from Dublin is by car, taking approximately X hours. Alternatively, you can explore bus or train routes that connect to nearby towns, followed by a taxi or local bus.
Information on nearby public transport can vary. It's best to check local bus and train schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. It's recommended to check the official Belvedere Mansion and Gardens website for the most current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially during peak season or on weekends, to secure your preferred tour time.
Opening hours can change seasonally. Always consult the official Belvedere Mansion and Gardens website for the most accurate and up-to-date operating hours.
Yes, guided tours are a highlight, offering in-depth historical insights from passionate guides. Tours typically run at scheduled intervals. +1
Access to the Belvedere, the topmost room with panoramic views, is often restricted due to fire safety regulations, which can be a point of disappointment for visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours can be on the longer side, with some visitors finding them a bit lengthy. The duration often depends on the guide's storytelling and the group's engagement.
The gardens feature beautifully landscaped grounds, walking paths, and a unique Gothic temple, offering a peaceful and scenic experience.
Accessibility information for wheelchairs and strollers should be confirmed with the venue directly, as historical buildings can have limitations.
Photography policies inside historical mansions can vary. It's best to check with your tour guide or venue staff regarding restrictions on interior photography.
The mansion is filled with antiques and oddities collected over time, though many original items were lost in a fire.
📸 📸 Photography
The landscaped gardens offer picturesque settings, especially during spring bloom. The exterior of the mansion itself is also a great subject.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged in the gardens, allowing you to capture the beauty of the estate.
Policies on interior photography can vary. It's advisable to inquire with staff or your guide about specific rules to avoid any issues.
Morning light can be ideal for capturing the gardens, while late afternoon might offer softer light for the mansion's exterior.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and private estates. It's essential to check the venue's specific policies regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While interior photography might have restrictions, the exterior and grounds provide ample material for stunning shots. Consider visiting in the morning for softer light on the gardens. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mansion's History and Collections
Despite the loss of original items, the current collection provides a fascinating glimpse into historical tastes and trends. The guides are a key part of the experience, weaving narratives that connect visitors to the past. Their passion for the history of the home and its contents is frequently highlighted by guests.
One notable feature is the presence of curtains famously used in the iconic film 'Gone With The Wind,' adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the historical setting.
Exploring the Belvedere Gardens
A unique feature within the gardens is the striking Gothic temple, an architectural element that adds a touch of romanticism and intrigue to the landscape.
Whether you're waiting for your mansion tour to begin or simply seeking a peaceful moment, the Belvedere Gardens provide a delightful experience. The combination of manicured lawns, winding paths, and architectural points of interest makes it a photographer's delight and a perfect place to relax and soak in the estate's atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit