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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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Divis Lough Trail (all ability)

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Gentle circular route that leads you across the open hills on a wide, flat and gently sloping path. Lough Neagh, the Sperrins and further afield can be viewed on a clear day.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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
9 reviews
Charter Boats NI

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus Marina, (in front of 5 Rogers Quay), Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7754 173019

info@charterboatsni.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Explore the Beauty of the Sea with Charter Boats NI! Join us at Carrickfergus Marina for private charters, guided tours, and trips to the Gobbins plus Carrickfergus to Bangor. Book online for unforgettable sea adventures!

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free) - On-site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4 reviews
Ballymena Golf Club

Broughshane

Address

128 Raceview Road, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT42 4HY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2586 1487

donna@ballymenagolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Ballymena Golf Club, founded in 1903 near Broughshane, offers a scenic 18-hole course with views of Slemish Mountain, year-round play, a restaurant, bar, pro shop, and facilities for events and competitions.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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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Belfast City Hall

Belfast

Address

Donegall Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 0202

visitcityhall@belfastcity.gov.uk

Price
Price £4.00 to £6.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Completed in 1906, Belfast City Hall is a magnificent Baroque Revival 'wedding cake' built to reflect Belfast's city status, granted by Queen Victoria in 1888. The grounds are also used for many events from continental markets to open air concerts.

Price
Price £4.00 to £6.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
270 reviews
Portrush Surf School

Portrush

Address

Portrush Yacht Club, Portrush Harbour, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7894 854 791

info@portrushsurfschool.com

Type

Type:

Surfing

Join a group lesson on your own or with your friends, for a full 2 hours of water time in waist depth water. Fun at the beach guaranteed.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
489 reviews
Cave Hill Country Park

Belfast

Address

Antrim Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 5GR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 9629

parksinfo@belfastcity.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Country / Royal Park

Cave Hill Country Park gets its name from five caves, which could be early iron mines, located on the side of the main Belfast cliffs. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Belfast from vantage points on the hillside.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Patricia Millar Ceramic Studio

Bushmills

Address

20 Isle Road, Lisnagunogue, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8XR

patriciamillarceramics@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

A clay studio minutes from the Giant’s Causeway, Patricia’s work uses local clays and materials to capture the unique colour signature and forms of the Causeway Coast's landscape.

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City of Belfast Golf Club

Newtownabbey

Address

610 Antrim Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4RF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9083 2111

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

The course has seen various improvements over the years. Opened by champion golfer, Fred Daly who won the first ever Open championship staged in Northern Ireland.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Carnmoney Hill

Newtownabbey

Address

Carmoney Hill Local Nature Reserve, Knockenagh Avenue, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 6AQ

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A beautiful woodland walk, with wonderful views.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Hillwalk Ireland

Ballycastle

Address

Glenariff, Ballycastle, Giant's Causeway, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, BT54 6BP

Telephone
+44 +35391763994

info@hillwalktours.com

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Self-guided walking tours along the famous North Antrim coastline with spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean.

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Presbyterian Historical Society

Belfast

Address

26 College Green, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1LN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9072 7330

phsilibrarian@pcinet.org

Type

Type:

Ancestry / Tracing Your Routes

History of Presbyterianism in Ireland and its congregations, including congregational, synod and presbytery records, and private papers of ministers and missionaries.

More Info
Dog Friendly Food Tours Belfast

Belfast

Address

Dirty Onion, 3 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LA

Telephone
+44 (0)7400 094 252

woof@dogfriendlytours.co.uk

Type

Type:

Food Tour

Dog Friendly Food Tours are a great day out for dog owners. Tour guests will visit 5 Dog Friendly venues tasting super locally sourced food and drink at each stop. All dogs receive a Dog Friendly Tours bandana, treats and water on tour.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Whitehead Centre

Whitehead

Address

19 Kings Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9PT

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9337 8077

wca@whitehead-ni.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Whitehead Centre provides a tourism hub for information about what is going on locally and how to make the most of your time in our vibrant and beautiful town. E-bike hire and guided tours available to book.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
156 reviews
Gleno Waterfall Walk

Gleno

Address

Waterfall Road, Gleno, County Antrim, BT40 3LE

Telephone
+44(0)28 9064 7787

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This walk has many steps. The steps meander up and down the sides of this moist valley to enable the walker to get good views of the waterfall. Dogs should be kept under the control of the owner.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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

More Info
Ulster Historical Foundation

Newtownards

Address

Ulster Historical Foundation, Bradley Thallon House, Unit 44D, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4TJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 2073

enquiry@uhf.org.uk

Type

Type:

Ancestry / Tracing Your Routes

The Ulster Historical Foundation, est. 1956, is a not-for-profit educational charity. Learn about the history of Ulster and your ancestors' lives and migration experiences first-hand through talks and tours to some of Ulster's most historic sites.

More Info
The Heritage Hub at Carnlough Town Hall

Carnlough

Address

Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 288 86188

watson-mary@sky.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Learn all about the development of Carnlough through the centuries, including its unique industrial heritage, by visiting the Heritage Hub in Carnlough Town Hall before going on an energetic walk to Cranny Falls via Carnlough Harbour.

Price
Free

More Info