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Glenarm Castle and Gardens

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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.

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Number of results: 407

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
Bentra Golf Course

Whitehead

Address

Slaughterford Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9TG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 8996

bentra@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

A well-matured 9 hole course, Bentra is designed with the experienced golfer and novice in mind. Wide fairways with some particularly long holes ensure a steady round at most times. Perfect for an attractive and inexpensive day's golf.

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2025to30 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Oct 2025to31 Mar 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Dunseverick Castle

Ballycastle

Address

Causeway Coast and Glens, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT57 8SY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

downhilldemesne@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Dunseverick Castle is situated in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the small village of Dunseverick and the Giant's Causeway.

More Info
Breakwater Studio Rathlin

Rathlin Island

Address

3 Churchquarter, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 3986

ybraithwaite@btinternet.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Breakwater Studio on Rathlin Island is the Studio and Home of Yvonne Braithwaite. She is generally in residence at the Studio all year round and would be pleased to welcome you should you make a visit to Rathlin.

Price
Free

More Info
Mill Race Trail

Antrim

Address

Riverside, Antrim, County Antrim, BT43 5AF

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Short linear riverside walk

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
64 reviews
Clifton House - The Belfast Poor House

Belfast

Address

2 North Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 1ES

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

info@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House. From the moment you step through the door you will be transported back in time to the Belfast Poor House – opened in 1774 – which provided sanctuary to thousands of people, from the young and old, to…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3352 reviews
SS Nomadic

Belfast

Address

Hamilton Dock, Queen's Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9DT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9076 6386

enquiries@nomadicbelfast.com

Price
Price £5.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Built in 1911, Nomadic provides the story of Titanic's little sister, the only tangible surviving link with the world's most famous ship and the last White Star Line vessel in the world.

Price
Price £5.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Friar's Bush Tours

Belfast

Address

Friar's Bush Graveyard, 6 Stranmillis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AA

Telephone
07535943254

mail@cairdenacille.org

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Be transported through Victorian and Ancient Ireland with two unmissable tours of Friar's Bush Graveyard and the linked Botanic Gardens.

More Info
Belfast Hills

Belfast

Address

9 Social Economy Village, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0XS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9060 3466

info@belfasthills.org

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Experience the Belfast Hills, renowned for providing a unique backdrop to a thriving urban area. Being so close to the city, fantastic views over Belfast and beyond can be easily enjoyed at Cave Hill and Belfast Castle or Black Mountain.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
Broughgammon Farm - Économusée Artisans

Ballycastle

Address

50 Straid Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6NP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7976 270 465

info@broughgammon.com

Type

Type:

Cookery School

Broughgammon is an award-winning, forward-thinking family farm, artisan butchery, shop and cafe. Practicing Regenerative Farming, specialising in Cabrito (kid-goat meat), Free Range Rose Veal and Seasonal Wild Game and homegrown veg.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ormeau Golf Club

Belfast

Address

50 Park Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 2FX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 0700

ormeau.golfclub@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Located within a mile of the bustling centre of Belfast, historic Ormeau Golf Club can truly be labeled “The Course in the heart of the City”. Formed in 1893, the club is one of the oldest in Ireland and is situated on mature tree covered parkland.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
28 reviews
Active Adventures NI

Address

Various Locations, County Antrim, BT54 6NA

info@activeadventuresni.com

Type

Type:

Water Sports

Active Adventures NI offer multiple activity options including Kayak sessions/lessons/courses/tours, SUP sessions/lessons/courses/tours, Surfing experiences/camps/lessons and of course our renowned Coasteering Experiences. We can create a bespoke…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
9 reviews
Portglenone Marina

Portglenone

Address

12 Gortgole Road, Portglenone, County Antrim, BT44 8HT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 6666

marina.reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

Portglenone Marina, 9 miles from Ballymena, offers 35 serviced berths, riverside views, top-class amenities, and accessible facilities—ideal for boaters, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a tranquil escape.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Riverbush Salmon Station

Bushmills

Address

21 Church Street, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 30 0200 7860

Bush@deara-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

When conditions are right, high quality salmon angling is available on three stretches of the river - the New, Town, and Leap sections.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Portrush to Bushmills

Portrush

Address

Portrush Harbour, 63 Kerr Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BP

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A linear walk on the North Antrim Coast

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Rathlin Island Cycle Hire

Rathlin Island

Address

Soerneog View, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 3954

john_jennifer@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Cycle Hire & Holidays

Cycle Hire to enjoy the freedom of the Island.

More Info
Whitehead Heritage & Wellbeing Trail

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre, Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7BG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

Whitehead is a Victorian seaside town five miles north of Carrickfergus with commanding views across the mouth of Belfast Lough and the Irish Sea.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Golden Thread Gallery

Belfast

Address

Golden Thread Gallery, 23-29 Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 0920

info@gtgallery.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Welcome to Golden Thread Gallery, Northern Ireland's leading contemporary visual arts gallery,

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviews
Larne Town Parks

Larne

Address

Glenarm Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8232

parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Town Park and Chaine Park are delightful parks located on the Causeway Coastal route in Larne offering dramatic coastal views out to Scotland, pleasurable walks, unique heritage features and entertainment for all the family.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Line of Duty Walking Tour

Belfast

Address

Irish Tour Tickets, 10 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0)844 2471 007

info@britmovietours.com

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

A 2 hour fully guided Line of Duty themed tour in central Belfast full of loads of on & off-screen anecdotes. A must for any fan of the show.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info