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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: 417

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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

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
12 reviews
Greenisland Golf Club

Carrickfergus

Address

156 Upper Road, Greenisland, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8RW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9086 2236

info@greenislandgolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Greenisland is a challenging 9 hole mature parkland golf course situated under the imposing Knockagh Monument, and offers panoramic views from Carrickfergus to Belfast and across Belfast Lough to County Down.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
McConnell's Distillery & Visitor Experience

Belfast

Address

Crumlin Road Gaol, 53-55 Crumlin Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT14 6ST

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9590 2929

tickets@belfastdistillery.com

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket to £45.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Distillery

McConnell’s Distillery, located in North Belfast in the historic A-wing of Crumlin Road Gaol, opens this Spring. This state of the art distillery will host guided tours sharing the unique story of the McConnell’s brand and the history of distilling…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket to £45.00 Activity

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Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

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- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Susan Francesca Hunter Design Studio

Bushmills

Address

Maker's House, The Designerie, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2766 7616

susan@susanfrancescahunter.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

A designer/maker working on the north coast in ceramics, glass and paper. Current work is mainly thrown and hand built ceramics and fused glass artworks. Commissions undertaken. Workshops and classes.

Dates

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
155 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

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

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Phils Family Amusements & Bingo Hall

Portrush

Address

64-72 Main Street, Portrush, Portrush, Co Antrim, BT56 8BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 2201

info@telcotrading.co.uk

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

For lovers of video games, slot machines and bingo, no trip to Portrush is complete without visiting Phil’s Amusements. Discover how the whole family can ‘save tickets for big prizes’.

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Game of Thrones® Film Locations Tour

Belfast

Address

10 Great Victoria Street, Somerdale Park, Belfast, County Antrim, BT14 7HD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1321

info@citysightseeingbelfast.com

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

Book your group on-board our coach to the 'Kings Road' and join us for a day visiting the main filming locations featured in this phenomenal series.

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Forest Fitness NI

Carrickfergus

Address

Marshallstown Road, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 9DE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7799 533 248

lvaughan1978@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

Join us at Forest Fitness for an unforgettable adventure, with a range of activities from airsoft battles and bush camps to axe throwing and beyond. Discover something for everyone at our 30-acre Outdoor Activity Centre nestled in County Antrim.…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
St Patrick's Church Belfast

Belfast

Address

199 Donegall Street, Belfast, CountyAntrim, BT1 2FL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 4597

stpatricks@downandconnor.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

The Gothic Revival St Patrick's was designed by Timonthy Hevey and Mortimer Thomspon and consecrated in 1877. The first Church was built on this site in 1815 and was the second Catholic Church built since the Reformation in the city of Belfast.

Price
Free

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Glenariff Nature Reserve Waterfalls Walk

Glenariff

Address

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

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Forest walk with spectacular waterfalls

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
82 reviews
Whiterocks Beach

Portrush

Address

Whiterocks Car Park, Dunluce Road A2, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 4723

coleraine.vic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

A regular recipient of the prestigious Blue Flag Award, Whiterocks Beach has become a favourite with locals and a must see destination for international visitors.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Sallagh Braes Walk

Ballygally

Address

Linford Car Park, Feystown Road, Ballygally, County Antrim, BT40 2LZ

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A stunning short walk across exposed hillside, leading to and along the edge of the dramatic Sallagh Braes basalt cliffs. The Sallagh Braes is a prominent basalt scarp with a spectacular ballast amphitheatre located 3 miles west of Ballygally, close…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2746 reviews
Dunluce Castle

Bushmills

Address

87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8UY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 1938

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Price £6.00 to £18.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Historic Site

Dunluce Castle is located dramatically close to a headland that plunges straight into the sea, along the North County Antrim coast.

Price
Price £6.00 to £18.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Causeway Coast Kayaking

Ballycastle

Address

Ballintoy Harbour, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7895 444 237

hello@causewaycoastkayaking.com

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Fully guided tours and experiences of the Causeway Coast by kayak, including twilight/moonlight paddles and a Game of Thrones ® location tour. All beginner friendly.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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)
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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Divis Heath Trail

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Circular walk that circumnavigates Divis Mountain

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Greenacres Golf Centre

Ballyclare

Address

155 Ballyrobert Road, Ballyclare, County Antrim, BT39 9RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 4111

info@greenacresgolfcentre.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

A challenging 18 hole par 70 parkland course designed to fit in with the natural rolling countryside of County Antrim. Its proximity to Belfast also makes it an ideal stop for a round of golf. Also a par 3 course,driving range and 18 hole mini golf.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
The Theatrical History Tour of Belfast

Belfast

Address

The Big Fish, Donegall Quay, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3NG

Price
Price £20.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

‘The Theatrical History Tour of Belfast,’ is a new, innovative walking tour that sees two actors, a male and a female, lead a one-hour walking tour from The Big Fish to The Soundyard. During this one-hour tour, the actors will perform five…

Price
Price £20.00 Activity

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