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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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CabtoursNI.com

Belfast

Address

Fisherwick Place, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT1 6DY

bobby@cabtoursni.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

On a tour you will visit the Falls Road and Shankill Road where you will learn of the history of conflict between the two communities and witness the Peaceline wall which divides the two. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
21 reviews
Portmore Lough Nature Reserve

Aghalee

Address

George's Island Road, Aghalee, County Antrim, BT67 0DW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9265 1936

Laura.Smith@rspb.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

For those who enjoy the outdoors, a visit to the RSPB’s reserve at Portmore Lough is a great way to spend a few hours any time of year. Visitors can enjoy impressive panoramic views of the reserve from the viewing platform and lough-side hide.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
City Sightseeing Derry - Giant's Causeway Tour

Derry/Londonderry

Address

8c Ballougry Road, Derry/Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 9XJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7151 1690

info@citysightseeingderry.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Tours suspended. City sightseeing tours Derry are an award winning company. We are world host approved ambassadors of Derry city and are a World Host approved business. This year our team were awarded the Trip Advisors Certificate of excellence.

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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)
Ballykenver Farm Shop and Kitchen

Armoy

Address

77 Ballykenver Road, Armoy, County Antrim, BT53 8RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7880 593 492

amandahanna@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Cookery School

Join Amanda at her farmhouse kitchen table for a feel-good food experience. Indulge in a delicious selection of homemade treats including some local specialities as Amanda demonstrates how to make one of her delicious preserves.

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Gobbins Studio Économusée - Audrey Kyle Art

Islandmagee

Address

Gobbins Studio Économusée, 147 Gobbins Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3TX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7712 464 966

audreykyleart@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Artist Audrey Kyle works from a converted barn called Gobbins Studio Économusée, nestled on top of the Gobbins Cliffs on a working family farm. She displays her original unique watercolour paintings, cards and prints in her studio/gallery and runs…

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Portaneevy Viewing Point

Ballintoy

Address

Portaneevy Viewing Point and Car Park, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6LR

Telephone
+44 (0) 282076 2024

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

This vantage point looks out over several islands, namely Rathlin, Carrick-a-rede and Sheep Island.

Price
Free

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3 reviews
Straidkilly Nature Reserve

Carnlough

Address

Straidkilly Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 4094

info@ulsterwildlife.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Small and secluded Ulster Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve, located on an inland route between Glenarm and Carnlough, on the hill slope above the Coast Road with interesting flora and fauna alongside panoramic views across the Irish Sea to Scotland.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Exclusive NI Tours

Broughshane

Address

91 Knowehead Road, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT43 7JD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2586 1128

exclusivenitours@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

We provide luxury XJ Jaguars and Range Rovers for bespoke tours throughout Northern Ireland or transfer to Dublin and beyond.

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Ballymoney Heritage Trail

Ballymoney

Address

Townhead Street Car Park, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 6BE

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Ballymoney Heritage Guide Trail features a self-guided walking tour of the finest built heritage within Ballymoney Market Town where you can discover more about the people and places from the past.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Slievenacloy - Priest's Hill

Belfast

Address

Belfast, County Antrim, BT28 3TE

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Short hill walk, amazing views

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
132 reviews
Prison Island

Belfast

Address

Unit 3, 17 Balmoral Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 6QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9038 0862

admin@prisonislandbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

4 Activities in 1 Venue. Open late 7 days a week, located 10 minutes from the city centre. Prison Island Belfast is a must for the bucket list.

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Divis Ridge Trail

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Circular walk with stunning views over Belfast City

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
WaveRides Paddleboarding

Carrickfergus

Address

3 Quayside, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7428 771 991

robert.richardson1212@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Water Sports

Learn stand up paddle boarding in the picturesque old harbour at Carrickfergus Castle, on the main Causeway Coastal route with the castle as your impressive backdrop.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Airtastic Entertainment Centre Belfast

Newtownabbey

Address

38 Mill Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 7BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 174 2933

belfast@air-tastic.com

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Bounce down to Airtastic Belfast for some fantastic fun! Check out our Inflata Park, Bowling Alley, Soft Play Centre and Amusement Arcade! Feeling Hungry? We also have delicious food at our American Style NY Kitchen!

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2 reviews
Skernaghan Point Walk

Islandmagee

Address

Brown's Bay Beach, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3RU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 7787

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This is a path that goes over a variety of uneven terrain including a grassy field and a rocky coastline which is steep in places. Dogs should be kept on a lead.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Niche Coastal

Ballycastle

Address

Ballycastle Beach, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6QP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7713 841 478

hello@nichecoastal.com

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

Niche Coastal invites you to experience the true benefits of sea sauna-ing. Whether you're seeking relaxation, recovery, or enhanced wellbeing, this unique coastal sauna experience offers an unparalleled way to unwind and rejuvenate by the sea.

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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
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.

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