Across Northern Ireland there’s plenty of amazing castles and gardens to visit, with entertainment for all ages. In this blog we've rounded up some of the best options for each county, with suggestions of nearby attractions and places to eat too, because all that exploring is bound to work up an appetite!
Castles in Belfast and Antrim
Heading north-east from Belfast city you come to Carrickfergus, where Carrickfergus Castle has been guarding Belfast Lough since 1177. It's in excellent condition, and the only preserved castle of its age which is open to the public, so take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore a medieval structure and bring history to life. Nearby there’s a perfect pit-stop for pub grub at Ownies or PaPa Browns Grill beside the castle or try The Bank House‘s tasty family fare in the centre of Whitehead.
Over towards the east of the city, check out a castle with a difference at Stormont Castle Estate, which features the Mo Mowlam Playpark, as well as several woodland trails, a dog park, outdoor gym and boardwalk. There's also a coffee shop and toilets on site. Awarded its ninth consecutive Green Flag award in 2022, there's lots of greenery to enjoy here, as well as a picnic tables and barbecue areas, plus there's Stormont Castle itself which is home to the Northern Ireland Executive. Note that the building is closed to the public except for European Heritage weekend, during which time it opens its doors to the public.
In terms of outdoor spaces across Belfast to enjoy, in the Belfast Hills wee ones love the Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen where they can stop for a photo op with an 8ft-high version of The Gruffalo, after finding all his storybook friends along a winding path through the woods.
Or if a waterside setting is more what you're after, Lagan Valley Regional Park connects Shaw's Bridge with Belfast and Lisburn, via the towpath. Look out for the coffee shop at the Lock Keeper's Cottage which makes for a great pit stop, with locally sourced coffee, ice cream and tray bakes.
Heading back out of the city, and into Antrim, young sea dogs love Antrim Lough Shore Park where there is a nautical themed play park. Located on the shores of Lough Neagh, this is a popular destination for visitors with the Six Mile Water river path incorporating Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House, one of the UK's most historically intact gardens.
Causeway Coast and Glens
North from Carrickfergus, hug the coast and you’ll find yourself on the magnificent Causeway Coastal Route. One of the first major stops along the way is Glenarm Castle which features an enchanting Walled Garden famed for its tulips and flower displays, plus the delightful Tea Room on site serves up delicious lunches and light bites.
Further along the Causeway Coastal Route, midway between Cushendall and Ballycastle, is Ballypatrick Forest’s short forest drive which takes in gorgeous views of Rathlin Island, and carrying on up the coast road eventually leads you to Castlerock. This small seaside town is where you’ll find the National Trust's Mussenden Temple perched on a cliff edge. While it's not a castle by definition, the architecture of the building is incredibly regal, and the placement of the temple makes for a spectacular sight, while the views out over the sea are uncomparable.
A short drive from Castlerock leads to Roe Valley Country Park, near Limavady, offering spectacular riverside views and woodland walks, as well as delicious treats and substantial bites in Ritters Tea Room. Nearby Binevenagh Forest is home to the Finn MacCool Finger Stone, relating to the famous giant reputed to have lived nearby. There's lots to see and do here, so make sure to take the time to take it all in and enjoy the best of the local architecture and nature.
County Down
Venture a little south from Belfast and you never know who you might see at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the official residence of the royal family in Northern Ireland. For a fee you can explore its throne room and get a peek at the informal living room, complete with Windsor family photos, but on sunny (or just dry) days there’s nothing like setting out a family picnic on its stunning lawns. There's two cafes on site too, with a wide range of refreshments handmade on site, with ingredients grown in the gardens. One Sunday each month, a hearty roast dinner is served - perhaps the only opportunity you'll have to say you'd dinner at a royal residence! Nearby, the picturesque village of Royal Hillsborough also has terrific play parks on either side of the Hillsborough Lake, which makes for a lovely walk any day of the week. Admission is free and there are lots of sculptures hidden throughout the forest too, which makes for an added element of interest.
From here, can head east in the direction of Strangford Lough, and reconnect with nature at the magnificent Montalto Estate near Ballynahinch. This beautiful country estate was until recently a private family home, and it offers lots of well-maintained trails and walks, as well as an exciting playpark and on site cafe. Located just 30 minutes from Belfast, it's a welcome opportunity to reconnect with nature that's close by.
Continue towards Downpatrick and step into the National Trust's Castle Ward to delight in the flora and fauna around Temple Water, including the rare green woodpecker which can be spotted around the Boundary Trail, or explore the ruined castle on the Loughshore Walk.
If you're heading back towards Belfast following a visit to Castle Ward, the best - and most fun! - route is by crossing Strangford Lough on the ferry to Portaferry. Consider stopping at The Cuan for a tasty portion of locally caught, fresh seafood, which makes for a lovely meal with an enviable view out over this lovely little town.
Another County Down gem is Crawfordsburn Country Park outside Bangor. This is a real treat for the kids with two beaches, a stunning waterfall and loads of hedgehogs and rabbits roaming around, not forgetting Grey Point Fort which is open to visit on Saturdays and Sundays. The Loaf Pottery and Coffee Shop in Crawfordsburn is worth a visit after a day in the country park, or family favourite Little Wing pizzeria in Holywood on the way back to Belfast is one that everyone will enjoy.
Other green spaces in this county include the Narnia Trail at Kilbroney Forest Park, which - spoiler alert! - has to be entered via a wardrobe door, or Castlewellan Forest Park which has a great maze to explore plus excellent mountain bike trails and a lake for kayaking or SUPing when the weather’s fine.
County Armagh
The Navan Centre and Fort outside Armagh city, is where myths come alive. Meet Iron Age Celts, and learn about the bravest of them all – Cú Chulainn and his warrior gang. Navan Fort is also considered to be what brought Saint Patrick to Armagh, the Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland, and it's this, along with the discovery space and ecology trail which really bring the area to life.
Head south in the Orchard County to Slieve Gullion Forest Park, where the Giant’s Lair story trail will keep young minds enthralled for hours. Ireland's "Mountain of Mystery" offers visitors numerous walking trails, an adventure playpark, and Fionn's Giant Adventure Trail, a forest path which brings to life the rich tapestry of local legend and mythical folklore through sculptures, statues and installations throughout the park.
At Oxford Island in Craigavon, you’ve miles of walking paths, birdwatching hides and meadows to explore, as well as a brand new play park to run around. And don’t forget the hidden gem of Lurgan Park – if it’s possible to keep 259 acres hidden! Go rowing on the lake or stick to the walking paths if you’re more of a landlubber. Nip to the nearby, quaint Brownlow House Tea Room if you’re peckish where everyone from primary school age and upwards can also get a taste of local and world history.
To satisfy the hunger pangs, get fed and watered at Uluru in Armagh city centre, Café IncredABLE in Lurgan or Craigavon’s Loughside Café on Lough Neagh’s shores while Chimes Coffee House in Portadown is another great spot for quick bites.
County Fermanagh
County Fermanagh, the capital of lakelands country, has a whole host of castles and beautiful gardens dotted in between its lakes, rivers, canals and streams. Perched dominantly on Lough Erne’s banks, Enniskillen Castle harks back almost 600 years and its fascinating story unfolds inside its own museum. Castle Archdale outside Irvinestown not only boasts beautiful lough shore walks, but also its former WW2 flying boat base. For stately grandeur, Castle Coole is a total treat with a stunning wooded park sloping down to Lough Coole – and check out its quirky servant's tunnel. Cladagh Glen Walk near Belcoo features cascading waterfalls and cave springs while Lough Navar Forest is a jewel in the awesome crown of the Marble Arch Caves geopark system.
You’ll be hungry after all that, so stop off in Enniskillen at The Firehouse or Franco’s, both serving great value family fare in the town, while the Customs House Inn in Belcoo will hit the spot with your gang.
Derry-Londonderry
If you’re looking for a castle in Derry-Londonderry, you’re surrounded by one! The City Walls form a walkway around the inner city with unique views of the original town. No visit is complete without completing this magnificent circular trail where you’ll find numerous bastions, cannons, battlements, gates and wonderful vantage points over the old and new city.
In the city, The Playtrail is a real fun place to bring your gang with something for all ages in the adventure areas, sensory garden and fairy walk. Or pop into Ness Country Park near Killaloo, named for one of the highest waterfalls in Northern Ireland including its magnificent waterfall walk. Or head to Garvagh Forest for walking, cycling and mountain bike trails for all abilities.
If you’re ravenous in the city, you won’t go wrong at Caterina’s Bistro or Solo. There’s a big Italian welcome at Nonnas Wood Fired Pizza and Spaghetti Junction while further afield White Goose Tea Room in Garvagh will do you the power of good.
County Tyrone
Take a tour of Killymoon Castle on the outskirts of Cookstown and learn how its designer also just happened to design London’s Regent Street and Buckingham Palace… or how a former owner once lost it in a bet! History buffs can’t miss a visit to Harry Avery’s Castle in Newtownstewart , a stone castle built in the 12th century by an O’Neill clan chieftain and very rare for its era. Meanwhile at The Argory in Moy riverside trails, snowdrop walks and adventure playground await.
If you’re near Cookstown, head straight to Drum Manor Forest Park and let the kids pedal their bikes or hit Gortin Glen Forest Park just outside Omagh with its network of woodland trails nestled in the Sperrins. If you’re in Omagh, The Grange Park is a family-friendly green space with picnic facilities, playground and an eco-trail. Don’t forget to make a wish at the wishing well in Dungannon’s Parkanaur Park.
Feeling famished? Enjoy afternoon tea and award-winning scones in Lady Ada’s Tea Room at The Argory. Sallys in Omagh has everything to keep hangry demons at bay. If you find yourself in Cookstown, the renowned Time Bar and Venue has a bit of a hidden secret: its bistro offers one of the best children’s menus in the mid-Ulster area, and in a very contemporary setting.
As you can see there’s no shortage of castles and gardens from all eras and with an appeal to all ages here in Northern Ireland. And that’s just flavour of what your family can discover on a trip around the various castles and gardens you'll find in each county. If you're off exploring, we’d love to hear your thoughts using our hashtag #EmbraceAGiantSpirit