Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Glenarm Castle and Gardens

You are here: Home > Destinations > County Antrim > Activities & Attractions in County Antrim

Activities & Attractions in Antrim

Antrim’s position in the north-east corner has given it a central role in the history of Northern Ireland and its neighbours. The county is peppered with some of the finest castles and historic heritage sites on the island. As you make your way around, it’s not hard to see why it has been chosen as the location for so many TV shows and movies known for their epic grandeur and scale.

Back in time at Antrim Castle Gardens

Antrim Castle Gardens, a 400-year-old gem is located just outside Antrim town itself near the shores of Lough Neagh. It features the famous Italian Tower, the playful Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and the elegant Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House where you’ll find out all about the gardens and the story of their owners - the highly influential Massereene family. Take the chance to check out the 10th century round tower in Antrim, a prominent reminder of the town’s role as an ancient monastic settlement.

Across the Lough lies Carrickfergus Castle

Castle hunters are spoilt for choice in this part of the world. At the imposing Carrickfergus Castle overlooking Belfast Lough, you’ll find an excellent example of what the Normans were able to put together when they got here 800 years ago; yet remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. A recent excavation uncovered an escape tunnel under the castle. You would do well to locate it just in case you run into ‘Button Cap’, the resident ghost.

Walk the glorious, gut-wrenching Gobbins Cliff Path

Roused by all those tales of valour and knights in shining armour, you’ll no doubt be tempted to test your own mettle. You will need it if you decide to take the walk along the world famous Gobbins Cliff Path. This spectacular cliff walk was originally built in 1902 by a railway engineer with an apparent dash of the daredevil in him. A dramatic and challenging experience with steep narrow steps and striking suspension bridges. The payback is huge though as the views along the rugged coast are spectacular.

Gorgeous grounds of Glenarm Castle

Further up the coast from the aforementioned Carrickfergus, sits a very different but no less impressive fortification, Glenarm Castle. This has been part of the McDonnell family since 1686. They still own and live on the grounds but thankfully they like to have visitors to enjoy its world-famous walled garden. This little piece of heaven was in fact used in the movie Five Minutes from Heaven starring Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt.

Count the Glens of Antrim

There are nine Glens of Antrim and each of them has their own unique character, offering spectacular views and hidden gems of history in equal measure. For walkers, The Glens can be tackled through two waymarked footpaths. The Ulster Way will take you through dramatic seaside scenery and coastal villages, while the 32km Moyle Way runs inland across the plateau from Glenariff Forest Park to Ballycastle.

Stop in the picturesque towns and villages dotted along the Glen's path for a real taste of local life, including Glenarm, Carnlough, Cushendall and Cushendun - each of which has a distinct story to tell. In Cushendun, you’ll find the famous Caves, one of the many spectacular spots that were used in the filming of Game of Thrones®. And look out for the beloved sculpture of ‘Johann’ the goat – a famous local resident!

Make your way through The Dark Hedges

Of course, every fan of Game of Thrones® will want to make their way to the famous Dark Hedges outside Ballymoney. When the renowned Stuart family planted this beautiful avenue of beech trees in the eighteenth century they did so to impress those approaching their marvellous mansion at Gracehill House. They could hardly have guessed how famous these ‘dark hedges’ would become. And today they are unarguably the most photographed beech trees in the world. It's atmospheric and impressive, regardless of the weather, so if you've time definitely mark this on your map.

Step into the Island life on Rathlin

Hop on the ferry to Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off-shore island. There's lots of scenic walking trails to enjoy, and take the opportunity to learn about island life at the Boathouse Visitor Centre. Home to the largest breeding seabird colonies in Europe and RSPB Seabird Centre, birdwatchers and nature lovers will delight in a trip. Or for something different, head for Rathlin West Light which is known locally as the ‘upside down’ lighthouse.

Swing over to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

If that isn’t enough excitement for one holiday then the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is exactly what you’re after. Connecting a tiny island with the mainland, this once-temporary structure was built specially by salmon fishermen, and although the rickety rope bridge has been replaced with a much sturdier version, even in the lightest of breezes you might feel it...sway a little.

The site car park will be open at weekends for visitors to walk this section of the Causeway Coastal Route, with a £5 charge for car parking, free for National Trust members and local pass holders.

Stop and sip at Bushmills Distillery

For whiskey lovers, a visit to Ireland’s oldest working distillery at Bushmills is a must. After taking the excellent behind-the-scenes tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery you will get to sample a wee dram for yourself. Just be sure you’ve crossed all those tricky bridges beforehand.

A cliff edge castle at Dunluce

Heading west out of Bushmills, the coastal route reveals one of the jewels in Northern Ireland's crown, Dunluce Castle. Perched dramatically on the cliffs of the coast, this breathtaking castle ruin has inspired artists and writers through the centuries. Built around 1500 by the local MacQuillan family, it was later seized by the Scottish MacDonnell clan and boasts a tumultuous history. Take some time to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this castle via the audio-visual tour.

Find your port of call in Portrush

Just a 10-minute drive west of Dunluce Castle you’ll find the fun loving seaside town of Portrush. Set on a mile-long peninsula with glorious blue flag beaches either side and an impressive rocky edge, the town is full of charm and plenty to keep you entertained. This picturesque seaside town has grown from a small fishing village into a very popular holiday destination for Northern Ireland locals and those from all over the world. The town is filled with friendly people and tonnes of activities for people of all ages including a world-renowned golf course and the largest amusement park in Ireland.

Last, but not least, the Giant’s Causeway

According to legend, Finn McCool, a giant of Irish mythology, built a bridge to challenge his arch enemy in Scotland. Though we’re famous for our engineering prowess, that one is a bit of a stretch. In fact, the Giant's Causeway was engineered by mother nature and came about as a result of a volcanic eruption that left behind this strange but magical patchwork of basalt. The geographical wonder is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The legend and the truth of their formation are all explained in fine detail at the state-of-the-art visitor centre, from where you can stroll down to the stones (or take the shuttle bus) and hopscotch across the smooth stone platforms.

If that little lot hasn’t left you yearning for an epic adventure on this county steeped in epic legends, awesome natural architecture and jaw-dropping views, then there’s a whole lot more epic-ness just waiting to be discovered.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 416

, currently showing 221 to 240.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

East Strand Beach

Portrush

Address

Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AF

Telephone
+44 (0) 282076 2024

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Beach

East Strand Beach in Portrush is a famously golden sandy beach, with views of The Skerries and Causeway headlands. This is a popular destination for groups of families and friends, with lots of great seaside facilities to enjoy.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
427 reviews
World of Owls

Randalstown

Address

32 Mount Shalgus Lane, Randalstown, County Antrim, BT41 3LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9447 2307

admin@worldofowls.co.uk

Price
Price £5.50 to £18.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Nature Sanctuary

World of Owls hopes to bring people, young and old, from all sections of the community to a beautiful location where they can be shown the need for conservation by one of nature’s most wonderful creatures.

Price
Price £5.50 to £18.00 Activity

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
72 reviews
Gortin Quarry Walk

Carnlough

Address

Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A gentle walk uphill

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Bushfoot Golf Club

Bushmills

Address

50 Bushfoot Road, Portballintrae, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8RR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 1317

bushfootgolfclub@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Nine hole course with double tees adjoining a tranquil seaside village and offering prime sea views. This very tight course, mixing links and parkland elements, demands the peak of accuracy.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Jeanette Kidd Beauty and Day Spa

Lisburn

Address

26 Railway Street, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT28 1XG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9266 3102

jeanette.kidd@jeanettekidd.com

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

Adv waxing, threading, tinting, electrolysis, eyelash perming/extensions, tanning, make-up application.
Skin-tag, red vein, milia treatments. Massage, facials, Hot Stone, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Manicures, Pedicures,…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ballycastle Marina

Ballycastle

Address

14 Bayview Road, Portnagree House Harbour & Marina Visitor Centre, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 8525

ballycastle.marina@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

The superb 74 berth Blue Flag marina is situated within the inner basin of Ballycastle Harbour and provides visiting vessels with sheltered pontoon berthing for vessels up to 20 metres. Blue Flag Award Winner.

More Info
The Salthouse Spa

Ballycastle

Address

39 Dunamallaght Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6PF

Telephone
02820510000

info@thesalthousehotel.com

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

Escape from everyday life with treatments that reduce stress and promote well-being at The Salthouse Hotel Spa

More Info
Kinbane Castle

Ballycastle

Address

Ballycastle, off Whitepark Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Kinbane Castle is a Historic Monument sited in the townland of Cregganboy, located along the Causeway Coastal Route. The area surrounding it offers spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Dunagregor Iron Age fort.

Price
Free

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviews
Sentry Hill Historic House & Visitor Centre

Newtownabbey

Address

40 Ballycraigy Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4SX

Telephone
0300 123 7788

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Sentry Hill is a 19th century farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The house and its contents provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

More Info
Glenariff Forest Park, Rainbow Trail

Glenariff

Address

Glenariff Forest Park, 98 Glenariffe Road, Glenariff, County Antrim, BT44 0QX

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This is an optional detour along the very popular Waterfall Walk through Glenariff Forest Park.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4 reviews
Carrickfergus Urban Farm & Garden Centre

Carrickfergus

Address

Elizabeth Avenue, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7UY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 4294

angela@kilcreggan.org.uk

Type

Type:

Open Farm

Carrickfergus Urban Farm and Garden Centre at Kilcreggan is a free popular attraction for local families and visitors. Visitors can handle and feed a variety of animals, enjoy our picnic areas, explore the bug hut and play area plus relax in our…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Belfast’s Window on Wildlife (WOW)

Belfast

Address

100 Airport Road West, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9046 1458

belfast.lough@rspb.org.uk

Price
Price £3.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Visit RSPB NI’s nature reserve right in the heart of the bustling Belfast Harbour Estate and prepare to be WoW-ed!
Enjoy panoramic views of the Lough, the birds and wildlife which call the reserve home. Within this modern visitor centre, there is…

Dates

From:

1 Nov 2025to31 Mar 2026Various Opening Times

Price
Price £3.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Wallace Park

Lisburn

Address

Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 4AN

Telephone
028 9244 7300

ParksAndAmenitiesAdmin@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

The park provides a green oasis in an otherwise urban landscape and is often busy with visiting dog walkers, families, cyclists and workers on a lunchtime stroll.

Price
Free

More Info
Coiste Irish Political Tours

Belfast

Address

Coiste Mural at Divis Tower, Divis Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 4QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90 200 770

tours@coiste.com

Price
Price £12.00 to £17.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Coiste Irish Political Tours operates political tours, educational talks and programmes, and provides associated services to visitors, which advances education for the public regarding the historical and political context of the conflict in Ireland.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £12.00 to £17.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Ballyclare Golf Club

Ballyclare

Address

25 Springvale Road, Ballyclare, County Antrim, BT39 9JW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9332 2696

info@ballyclaregolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Founded in 1923 and set in the rolling green countryside of Ballyclare, this mature 18 hole parkland course makes good use of the natural features of its landscape, particularly the local river and tree-lined fairways. Only 20 minutes from Belfast.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
Portmuck Walk

Address

Portmuck Harbour, 68 Portmuck Road, County Antrim, BT40 3TP

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Tranquil harbour and dramatic coastal walk

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Divis Heath Trail

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Circular walk that circumnavigates Divis Mountain

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Bog Meadows

Belfast

Address

Bog Meadows Nature Reserve, 25 Milltown Row, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 6EP

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This route explores an area of floodplain, now managed as an award wining urban nature reserve which provides a fanatstic oasis for wildlife.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Divis Lough Trail (all ability)

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Gentle circular route that leads you across the open hills on a wide, flat and gently sloping path. Lough Neagh, the Sperrins and further afield can be viewed on a clear day.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Clifftop Experience (Away A Wee Walk)

Bushmills

Address

Away A Wee Walk, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 1855

eimear@awayaweewalk.com

Price
Price £39.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

The best way to avoid the crowds and get under the skin of a place is to explore it with a local friend, which is what walking the Causeway Coast with Eimear Flanagan feels like. These are ‘her’ cliffs, and she is delighted to share it with visitors.

Price
Price £39.00 Activity

More Info