The Argory

About the museum

The Argory is an early nineteenth-century house on the banks of the River Blackwater, built for minor gentry. Its name probably comes from an Irish phrase meaning 'garden hill'. The estate lay in Oneilland, a fertile area that passed through Gaelic, Plantation and Quaker hands before the McGeough family acquired the Derrycaw lands in 1740.

Walter McGeough Bond, a barrister, inherited his father's estate in 1817 and was probably planning a new house by 1818 or 1819. The Dublin architects Arthur and John Williamson designed an austere Greek Revival villa, and building work was well under way by 1820. By the 1830s the house was being filled with furniture, paintings and ornaments bought in France and Italy. The Williamsons also designed the gardens and landscape, making the demesne seem larger than it is.

Later generations included Captain Ralph Shelton, an army officer who entertained friends at the house. The interior has stayed largely unchanged since about 1900. The National Trust acquired the house in the late 1970s. Visitors can tour the rooms, see the art collection assembled by Mr Bond, explore a rose garden and pleasure grounds, and walk the estate along the river.

Highlights

• Neo-classical gentry house designed by the Williamson brothers
• Interiors largely unchanged since about 1900
• Collection of work by Ulster artists
• Rose garden, pleasure grounds and river walk
• Light Box and natural play area for children

Permanent exhibitions

• The Argory house – A neo-classical gentry house with interiors largely unchanged since about 1900, furnished with items bought by the MacGeough Bond family.
• Art collection – Works by Ulster artists collected by Mr Bond and hung in his private rooms.
• The Light Box – An interactive space for families about the story of light at The Argory.

Founded

1979

Operated by

National Trust

Admission & discounts

Prices are without Gift Aid; with Gift Aid the tickets cost £13.20 (adult), £6.60 (child) and £33.00 (family). Entry is free for National Trust members. The National Trust advises booking in advance at weekends, as admission cannot be guaranteed otherwise.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Blue Badge parking is next to visitor reception and an accessible toilet is near the main car park. An induction loop is listed. A mobility scooter can be borrowed from reception, and most walks are accessible with alternative routes for steep slopes. Dogs are welcome on leads.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

A natural wooden play area is next to the main car park, and balance bikes can be borrowed from visitor reception. The Light Box in the courtyard is an indoor interactive space where children can follow the story of light at the house and make neon art.

Getting there & parking

The property is 3 miles from the M1; leave at the signposted junction 13 or 14. At weekends access via Bond's Bridge is closed. For cyclists, National Cycle Network route 95 passes about 7 miles away.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The cafe and bookshop are in the courtyard. The Blackwater bookshop is a second-hand bookshop run by volunteers, and an artisan pop-up shop is also listed. A kiosk serves hot drinks and sweet treats at weekends with indoor seating.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The property is listed as available for functions and offers wedding photography.

Plan your visit