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A heritage experience celebrating the story of Ulster linen

Step back to a time when flax fields stretched across the local countryside. Irish linen was renowned throughout the world.

Set within the historic surroundings of The Walled Garden and Old Mill House, Helen’s Bay, From Flax to Fine Linen brings Ulster’s linen story to life. Discover the people, traditions and communities shaped by this remarkable industry.

Your experience begins beside the flax field with traditional ‘elevenses’. Enjoy freshly churned butter, homemade jam and warm soda bread with a pot of tea.

Meanwhile, Lorraine shares stories of growing and harvesting flax. Discover how the annual harvest brought communities together. Hard work, friendship and even romance all played their part among the fields of blue.

Next, step inside the Old Mill House. Here, you’ll discover how workers transformed flax into fine linen.

Christine from Kiri Cottage Crafts will introduce you to the traditional art of spinning. You can try your hand at the spinning wheel and create your own embroidered linen handkerchief to take home.

Finally, we’ll head to our beautiful Victorian Glasshouse. Here, you’ll enjoy an elegant Afternoon Tea on fine vintage china, with crisp white damask linen tablecloths. We’ll also serve a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, or a non-alcoholic alternative.

This unique Ulster linen heritage experience in County Down combines history, storytelling and traditional crafts. It also includes delicious food and a little taste of Victorian elegance.

What to expect from your Ulster linen heritage experience

• Traditional elevenses with warm soda bread, freshly churned butter, homemade jam and tea
• Stories of Ulster’s flax and linen heritage
• Traditional spinning demonstration
• Hands-on spinning experience
• Your own embroidered linen handkerchief to take home
• Elegant Afternoon Tea in the Victorian Glasshouse
• Fine vintage china and white damask linen tablecloths
• Complimentary sparkling wine or non-alcoholic alternative

Event Details

Time: 10.00am–1.00pm
Admission: 9.55am
Price: £75 per person
Location: The Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay, County Down

Elevenses are served on arrival, followed by Afternoon Tea later in the experience.

Please note: This three-hour experience takes place both indoors and outdoors. It involves some walking and standing, so please dress appropriately for the weather.