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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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Willow and Lore Heritage Farm Experiences

Newtowncrommelin

Address

15A Craigdunloof Road, Newtowncrommelin, County Antrim, BT43 6RQ

Telephone
+44 (0)7857579710

willowandlore@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

We capture the old Irish way of life with hands on experiences of traditional farming activities, learning traditional skills working with natural materials, sharing stories of local heritage & folklore all in an authentic farm setting surrounded by…

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to30 Nov 2026Open 09:30 - 16:30

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
90 reviews
Carnlough Bay Boat Tours

Carnlough

Address

58 Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7720 464 044

curiositytours@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Memorable, invigorating boat trip in this area of outstanding natural beauty. Passengers have the chance to spot an array of marine life including dolphins, seals, porpoises and various seabirds.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Giant of Drums experience with Bellahill Culture & Cuisine

Ballycarry

Address

2 Bellahill Road, Ballycarry, County Antrim, BT38 9LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2303

w.b.thompson61@outlook.com

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Let your heart beat to the sound of the Lambeg Drum as you become immersed in its large role within Northern Irish culture.
An interactive history and music lesson all in one, you’ll be treated to a live performance from one of Northern Ireland's…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to1 Jan 2026

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

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

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Ballyreagh Golf Club

Portrush

Address

2 Glen Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8LX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 2028

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Situated on the much-admired Causeway Coast. Basking in the lovely setting of Portrush seaside, an enchanting course in an excellent setting.

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Cushendall Golf Club

Cushendall

Address

21 Shore Road, Cushendall, County Antrim, BT44 0NG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2177 1318

info@cushendallgolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Founded in 1937, the club nestles at the foot of stunning Glenballyeamon in the celebrated Glens of Antrim. This picturesque nine hole course is bounded by the quaint village of Cushendall and the waves of Red Bay.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Jenny Bristow Cookery School Experience

Cullybackey

Address

Dromona Lodge, 11 Dromona Road, Cullybackey, County Antrim, BT43 5QL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7867 631 877

jane@jennybristow.com

Type

Type:

Cookery School

Join Jenny for a unique cookery event at her home, nestled in the rolling green countryside outside the village of Cullybackey in County Antrim.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
94 reviews
Milliken Tours Ireland

Larne

Address

Rose Cottage, 58a Mulloughsandal Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2LY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 3355

seamusmilliken@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

We are a private, family run business, offering tours along the Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens. All our tours are tailored to suit your needs, and provide good value for money. Our Tour Guides are all so they can guide you to places of interest.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
53 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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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Ballycastle

Address

The Diamond, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6AW

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A 26 mile walk mostly off road through the glens of Antrim.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
City Sightseeing Belfast

Belfast

Address

c/o CitySightseeing Belfast, 10 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 2890 321 321

george@citysightseeingbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

The Belfast City Sightseeing Hop-on / Hop-off Open-top bus tour provides you with a comprehensive look at Belfast city and allows you to explore every area and district of this unique place. Our tour operates seven days per week.

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Margey & Bjourson Art Studio & Gallery

Portrush

Address

99 Mark Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7841 593 762

adrianmargey@googlemail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Visitors to the area can explore this unique studio & gallery space featuring the work of artists Adrian Margey and Evana Bjourson. Open to the public each Saturday throughout the year. Extended opening hours operate during the summer season.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Castlecat Studio Gallery

Bushmills

Address

76 Castlecat Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2074 1682

jamesmcnulty48@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Castlecat Studio Gallery is based in a small, tastefully converted stable of a former farmhouse in the hamlet of Castlecat, near Bushmills.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
104 reviews
Whitehead Railway Museum

Whitehead

Address

Excursion Station, Castleview Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9358 6200

info@steamtrainsireland.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Whitehead Railway Museum will take visitors on a journey through time - see the large stock fully restored heritage Irish railway steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages coupled with state of the art interactive touch displays.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Glenarm Tourism Guided Walks

Ballymena

Address

17 New Road, Glenarm, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT44 0AA

Telephone
+44028 2884 1087

info@glenarmtourism.org

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Glenarm Walkers offer guided walks on the 3rd Sunday of each month (registration at 2.00pm Glenarm Visitor Centre or 2.30pm at walk location), with exception of Easter Monday when the walk begins at 11.00am Glenarm Forest.

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Stones and Thrones Game of Thrones® Location Tour

Belfast

Address

Donegall Square North, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1912

info@citytoursbelfast.com

Price
Price £25.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

The Stones & Thrones tour is a unique day tour of discovery where you can explore the scenic splendor of the seven kingdoms and see where so many of the pivotal Game Of Thrones scenes were shot!

Price
Price £25.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

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Balmoral Golf Club

Belfast

Address

518 Lisburn Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6GX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9038 1514

admin@balmoralgolf.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

One of Northern Ireland's finest parkland course. Situated in the leafy suburbs of South Belfast close to the city centre.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Gracehill Golf Club

Ballymoney

Address

141 Ballinlea Road, Stranocum, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 8PX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2075 1209

william@gracehillgolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Gracehill Golf Course is a pristine 18 hole golf course within the Dark Hedges Estate. Surrounded by ancient woodland and dotted with a variety of lakes and ponds, this American-style course was designed by Frank Ainsworth.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Royal Ulster Rifles Museum

Belfast

Address

2nd Floor, 28 Bedford Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 2FE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2086

rurmuseum@yahoo.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The museum tells the story of the Royal Ulster Rifles from 1793 to 1968. From the raising of the 83rd & 86th Regiment of Foot in preparation for War with France through the Indian Mutiny, Boer War, WW1, WW2, Korea, Borneo, Cyprus.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
836 reviews
Alive Adventures

Portrush

Address

West Strand, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8FQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7935 952 532

lessons@aliveadventures.co.uk

Type

Type:

Surfing

Welcome to Alive Adventures in Portrush, N. Ireland, 6 * time winner of Tripadvisor’s “Cert. of Excellence” & “Hall Of Fame” award! We offer a range of activities & rentals, from surfing & SUP, to kayaking & eBikes You’ll be spoiled for choice!

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Whitepark Bay

Dunseverick

Address

Whitepark Road, Dunseverick, County Antrim, BT54 6NS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

northcoast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Beach

The spectacular beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast. In this secluded location, even on a busy day there is a refuge for quiet relaxation.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking