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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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Magheracross View Point

Bushmills

Address

Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT56 8NB

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

The purpose-built viewing platform offers panoramic views of the Causeway Coast's stunning natural environment and coastal headlands, including views of Dunluce Castle and Whiterocks Beach

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Float Away Portrush

Portrush

Address

Unit 1, 8 Causeway Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AJ

Telephone
02870 348795

info@floatawayportrush.co.uk

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

Floataway Portrush is a boutique, private day spa experience for the local and visitor market. It offers a totally exclusive experience in Portrush in the heart of the Causeway Coast and Glens, on the Causeway Coastal Route.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge)
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Specialist Features
- Disabled access rooms
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Carrickfergus Walking Tours

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7816 969350

johnomcilvenna@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Carrickfergus with over 1000 years of history under its belt, has lots of secrets to reveal. Enjoy a walking tour around the town with your guide John, and learn about castles, town walls, the palace, big houses, ghosts, salt mines, monarchs and so…

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Cushendun

Cushendun

Address

Cushendun Car Park, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PS

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Cushendun is a beautiful seaside village on the North Coast alive with small shops and pubs. A series of scenic paths wind through the village, beach front, harbour, and Glendun river.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Galgorm Castle Golf Club

Ballymena

Address

200 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT42 1HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 6161

golf@galgormcastle.com

Type

Type:

Golf Resort

Galgorm Castle Golf Club is an exciting mixture of the new and the old. This 18 hole, 6930 yards par 72 championship course is set in 220 acres of beautiful, mature parkland located in the heart of County Antrim.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
491 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

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
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)
Banana Block

Belfast

Address

Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 1HE

info@bananablock.org

Type

Type:

Event Venue

A space for celebrating eccentric histories and creating incredible futures. We have no Bananas but. we have a Record Store, A mushroom Farm, Cheese Makers, A pop up cafe space, a Banana Ring, Banana beer and an incredible line up of local artists…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Trout Tours NI

Larne

Address

23 Cumbrae Heights, Ballycraigy, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2HQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7974 854 219

info@trouttoursni.com

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

Trout Tours NI are based in the seaport and market town of Larne, County Antrim. We have a passion for trout fishing and aim to provide the best fishing tours available in Northern Ireland.

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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
Kartsport Karting & Activity Centre

Ballymoney

Address

Unit 11 Ballybrakes Business Park, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 6LW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2763 9533

racecontrol@kartsportleisure.com

Type

Type:

Motor Sports and Karting

Welcome to Kartsport Karting and Activity Centre, the North Coast’s indoor Karting and Activity Centre, just 20 minutes drive from the North Coast and a 15 minute walk from Ballymoney Train Station. Catering for kids young and old with Mini F1 Karts…

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2 Royal Avenue

Belfast

Address

2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1DA

2royalave@maywe.co.uk

Type

Type:

Public Hall

Belfast City Council’s community and cultural hub at 2 Royal Avenue provides a free creative space in the heart of the city centre.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3356 reviews
SS Nomadic

Belfast

Address

Hamilton Dock, Queen's Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9DT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9076 6386

enquiries@nomadicbelfast.com

Price
Price £5.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Built in 1911, Nomadic provides the story of Titanic's little sister, the only tangible surviving link with the world's most famous ship and the last White Star Line vessel in the world.

Price
Price £5.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
North & West Coast Links

Moycullen

Address

9 An Fuaran, Moycullen, County Galway, BT56 8JQ

Telephone
+353 91868642

Sales@northandwestcoastlinks.com

Type

Type:

Golf Tour Operators

North and West Coast Links represent 10 Championship Links Courses in the North and West of Ireland on a cooperative basis. We also offer a full booking service which includes tee times, accommodation & transport for all of Ireland.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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
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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Naughton Gallery at Queen's

Belfast

Address

Lanyon Building, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1NN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9097 3580

art@qub.ac.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

The Naughton Gallery, located in the historic Lanyon Building at Queen’s University, is an award winning registered museum displaying works from the University’s own collection, touring exhibitions and shows by local and international artists.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Lough Neagh and River Bann Boat Tour with Abhainn Cruises

Toome

Address

33 Loup Road, Toome, County Antrim, BT41 3TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7845 370231

abhainncruises@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Create life-long memories and discover hidden gems during your journey into the heart of Northern Ireland. Our private charter boat tours offer an escape into nature, an adventure off the beaten track, and unique photographic opportunities.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
131 reviews
SUB6 Surf & SUP School

Portrush

Address

Whiterocks Beach, Dunluce Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7748257717

carl@sub6life.com

Type

Type:

Surfing

SUB6 incorporates an Online Surf Store, ASI Accredited Surf & Sup school with RLSS lifeguard training all under one company.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking