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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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The Arcadia

Portrush

Address

East Strand, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8JE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7525 496 968

moira.harvey@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

The Arcardia includes children's feature paddling pools, play frame and sand area. Fantastic views of East Strand and Whiterocks.

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Cab Tours Belfast

Belfast

Address

Donegall Square East, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5HB

Telephone
+44 (0)7713 640 647

info@cabtoursbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Taxi Tours

Choose from a range of our award-winning tours. Our black taxi cabs provide comfort while showing you the sights and our local guides will answer any questions you might have. We can pick you up from any location in Belfast, seven days a week, for…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
131 reviews
Blackhead Coastal Path Walk

Whitehead

Address

Blackhead Car Park, Old Castle Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

A short and delightful circular walk from the picturesque seaside town of Whitehead, around the coastal path to Blackhead with its iconic lighthouse, the most easterly point of County Antrim, then back to Whitehead for refreshments and shopping.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Belfast Exposed

Belfast

Address

23 Donegall Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2FF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 0965

info@belfastexposed.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Born from engagement with the community, Belfast Exposed houses contemporary photography galleries, bookshop, and archive with some of the most iconic images taken during the Troubles.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
52 reviews
Browns Bay Beach & Ferris Bay

Islandmagee

Address

Browns Bay Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3RX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8232

parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Beach

Browns Bay is a charming rural beach nestled in a scenic sandy cove at the northern tip of Islandmagee, just off the Causeway Coastal Route. It's an ideal spot for picnicking, walking, swimming, windsurfing, or simply soaking up the natural beauty…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Float Away Portrush

Portrush

Address

Unit 1, 8 Causeway Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AJ

Telephone
02870 348795

info@floatawayportrush.co.uk

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

Floataway Portrush is a boutique, private day spa experience for the local and visitor market. It offers a totally exclusive experience in Portrush in the heart of the Causeway Coast and Glens, on the Causeway Coastal Route.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge)
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Specialist Features
- Disabled access rooms
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
41 reviews
Ballintoy Boat Tours

Ballintoy

Address

Ballintoy Harbour, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6LX

Telephone
+44 (0)7886 232 718

ballintoyboattours@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Experience North Coast by Sea

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
1 reviews
Layde Walk

Glenarm

Address

Glenarm Car Park, The Cloney, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0AB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A short walk through the streets of Glenarm village.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Game of Thrones® Tour

Coleraine

Address

3 Glenara Woods, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 3TR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7035 1186

frances@glenara-elite-travel.co.uk

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

The Glenara Elite Travel Game of Thrones® Tour gives you the chance to see many of these showcased sites from each series of the show, as well as other diamonds of Northern Ireland's North Coast.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Slievenacloy - Boundary

Belfast

Address

Belfast, County Antrim, BT28 3TE

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Hill walk in wildflower meadow

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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

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Templepatrick Golf Club at Kingfisher Country Estate

Templepatrick

Address

Castle Upton Estate, Templepatrick, County Antrim, BT39 0DD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9443 5542

eamonn.logue@hilton.com

Type

Type:

Golf Resort

The four star luxury Kingfisher Country Estate is situated on 220 acres of beautiful park and woodland on the Castle Upton Estate.
Special Offers
- Stay & Play at Kingfisher Country Estate
  From £239 per room (Sun-Thurs) and £299 per room (Fri-Sat) for 2 persons sharing
  Includes 1 night B&B and 18 holes
  Enjoy the challenge of this Premium Championship, Par 72, Parkland Course, designed by former European Tour players, David Jones & David Feherty. The 7000+ yard layout is USGA specific, allowing year round play. Indulge in the luxury of the newly renovated DoubleTree by Hilton hotel and newly established Halcyon Health Club.
  Limited availability. Please reference ‘Discover NI, Stay & Play @ Kingfisher Country Estate’
  For reservations please contact templepatrick.reservations@hilton.com
  Alternatively, visit www.kingfishercountryestate.com or
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Golf Stay & Play
More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Cushendun Short Walk

Cushendun

Address

Cushendun Car Park, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PS

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Cushendun is a beautiful seaside village on the North Coast alive with small shops and pubs. A series of scenic paths wind through the village, beach front, harbour, and Glendun river.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviews
Cairndhu Golf Club

Larne

Address

192 Coast Road, Ballygally, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2QG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 3324

office@cairndhugolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Superb parkland course designed by J.F.S. Morrison, partner in the firm of Colt, Allison and Morrison, and chosen for its unique site in over 200 acres of mature woodlands and rolling hills.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Belfast Beer Bike

Belfast

Address

Rosemary Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1QE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7858 362 385

info@belfastbeerbike.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Come tour the streets of Belfast on one of our pedal powered Belfast Beer Bikes. Head straight to the best spots in Belfast and raise your glasses to the breath-taking sceneries.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 10:00

More Info
Polished Jewels & Cultural Guinness

Belfast

Address

34 Strathmore Park North, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5HR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 6961

contact@diamondchauffersireland.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Our knowledgeable and friendly chauffeurs will be thrilled to introduce you to the Emerald Isle, through our Private Tours in Northern Ireland.

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Discover Ulster-Scots Centre

Belfast

Address

The Corn Exchange, 1-9 Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3GA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 1113

jpurse@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

Get a whole different story at the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre, located in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge) - There are several parking options located close to the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre. They include: • St Anne’s Square Car Park • Exchange Street Car Park • Hill Street Car Park • Handy Park Corporation Street Car Park • Handy Park Tomb Street Car Park.
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Xplore Outdoors

Coleraine

Address

1 The Salmon Leap, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3TX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7734 365 321

info@xploreoutdoors.co.uk

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Xplore Outdoors offers visitors the opportunity to sample the delights of the Causeway Coast and Glens coastline and rivers by sit on top kayak.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking