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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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Portballintrae Causeway Loop

Portballintrae

Address

Car Park at Beach Road, Portballintrae, County Antrim, BT57 8RT

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A moderate walk running from Portballintrae to the Giant's Causeway, taking in beach, cliff and rock formations.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Belfast Print Workshop

Belfast

Address

Cotton Court, 30 – 42 Waring Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 1323

office@bpw.org.uk

Type

Type:

Art & Photography

The longest established resource in Northern Ireland for artists wanting to work in the various printmaking media to create original art work.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Antrim Old Courthouse

Antrim

Address

Market Square, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9442 8331

info@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The Old Courthouse is most certainly one of the jewels in Antrim’s crown. Its opening has created a fantastic opportunity to host a range of performing arts events on a year round basis in the new multi-purpose auditorium.

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Curry's Fun Park Portrush

Portrush

Address

16 Eglinton Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8DX

Type

Type:

Adventure Park / Playground

Curry’s Fun Park Portrush is Northern Ireland’s largest indoor funpark. Famous for its family friendly attractions. From the thrills n' spills of The Cyclone and The Beast, to the traditional ghost train and carousel, no trip to the North Coast is…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
349 reviews
Ballycastle Beach

Ballycastle

Address

Carrickmore Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6QS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2024

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Ballycastle Beach offers stunning views of Rathlin Island and Fairhead and is approximately 1.2 kilometres in length.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ballycastle Golf Club

Ballycastle

Address

2 Cushendall Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6QP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2536

info@ballycastlegolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Links Golf Course

Situated in an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' on the North Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland and only 20 minutes from the famous Royal Portrush Championship Links this is a course that should be included in every golfers trip. Bring your camera.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Rathlin Walking Tours

Coleraine

Address

33 Wheatfield Gardens, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3RH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7745 566 924

paul.quinn33@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Planning a visit to Rathlin Island? Interested in walking or birdwatching? Why not join Paul Quinn, an experienced walking guide, who can guide you round the beautiful sights and sounds of Rathlin. You can walk for an hour plus or up to a day.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
156 reviews
Knockagh Monument

Greenisland

Address

Monument Road, Greenisland, County Antrim, BT38 8QG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

County Antrim War Memorial erected and dedicated to the fallen from the County of Antrim who fell during the Great World War (1914-1918) and the Second World War (1939-1945), dramatically overlooking Belfast Lough and surrounding countryside.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Sinclair Seamen's Presbyterian Church

Belfast

Address

5-7 Corporation Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3AJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 9931

sinclairschurch@gmail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Built in 1856 at a cost of £4,500 in memory of Mr John Sinclair.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
44 reviews
Portglenone Forest

Portglenone

Address

Ballymena Road, Portglenone, County Antrim, BT44 8BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 0870

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Portglenone Forest continues a history of tree cover on this site established since records began. As such, the 26 hectare main area contains extensive colonies of ancient woodland flower species.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Glenarm Marina

Glenarm

Address

Glenarm Marina, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0EA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2884 1285

marina.reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

Glenarm Marina offers 40 fully serviced pontoon berths within the village's historical limestone harbour, which is ideally situated within a day's sail of the Western Isles and Clyde. Visiting vessels welcome.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Conway Mill

Belfast

Address

5-7 Conway Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT13 2DE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 9646

info@conwaymill.org

Type

Type:

Industrial Heritage

The Mill was originally built around 1842, and was one of the first linen spinning mills to be established on the Lower Falls Road.

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
156 reviews
Gleno Waterfall

Gleno

Address

Waterfall Road, Gleno, County Antrim, BT40 3LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 7787

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

The National Trust

One of our lesser known ‘hidden treasures’, Gleno is a magnificent 30 foot waterfall nestling in The Glens of Antrim and owned by the National Trust.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Glenariff Forest Park, Scenic Trail

Glenariff

Address

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

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The Trail allows the more able person to enjoy walking through mature woodland, along the edges of steep sided river gorges with waterfalls and open moorland.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
79 reviews
Ormeau Park

Belfast

Address

Ormeau Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 3GG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9049 1813

parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Ormeau Park is the oldest municipal park in Belfast, officially opening to the public in 1871. It is still one of the largest parks in Belfast and offers a great mix of horticulture, woodland, flower displays and wildlife.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
129 reviews
Antrim Lough Shore Park

Antrim

Address

Lough Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4DG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9442 8331

info@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Situated on the shores of Lough Neagh, the Lough Shore Park in Antrim is a popular destination for visitors and residents at all times of the year. It is an area steeped in history and natural beauty with many attractions and activities to enjoy.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Ballynure

Address

Aerosports Paragliding, 103 Lower Ballyboley Road, Ballynure, County Antrim, BT39 9UJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9334 1414

ken@aerosports.co.uk

Type

Type:

Hang-Gliding & Paragliding

BHPA paragliding training E.P, C.P. and tandem flights around County Antrim hills and throughout Northern Ireland. Mainly at weekends and also Friday afternoons and summer evenings weather permitting.

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Rathlin Ballyconaghan Trail

Rathlin Island

Address

Rathlin Island Harbour, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6SB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A waymarked route on National Trust Land taking in the north of the island, stunning views out to the Atlantic and Scotland

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
486 reviews
Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island

Address

Ballycastle Ferry Terminal, 18 Bayview Road, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6BT

Telephone
+44 0 282076 9299

info@rathlin-ferry.com

Type

Type:

Causeway Coastal Route

Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement