Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Glenarm Castle and Gardens

You are here: Home > Destinations > County Antrim > Activities & Attractions in County Antrim

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.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 416

, currently showing 401 to 416.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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.

More Info
Facilities

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
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…

More Info
Coiste Irish Political Tours

Belfast

Address

Coiste Mural at Divis Tower, Divis Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 4QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90 200 770

tours@coiste.com

Price
Price £12.00 to £17.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Coiste Irish Political Tours operates political tours, educational talks and programmes, and provides associated services to visitors, which advances education for the public regarding the historical and political context of the conflict in Ireland.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £12.00 to £17.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Belfast’s Window on Wildlife (WOW)

Belfast

Address

100 Airport Road West, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9046 1458

belfast.lough@rspb.org.uk

Price
Price £3.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Visit RSPB NI’s nature reserve right in the heart of the bustling Belfast Harbour Estate and prepare to be WoW-ed!
Enjoy panoramic views of the Lough, the birds and wildlife which call the reserve home. Within this modern visitor centre, there is…

Dates

From:

1 Nov 2025to31 Mar 2026Various Opening Times

Price
Price £3.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Fairhead An Bealach Runda Walk

Ballycastle

Address

Fairhead Car Park, Fairhead Road, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, BT54 6RD

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Enjoy breath-taking views from the cliff edge of Fairhead

More Info
Templepatrick Golf Club at Kingfisher Country Estate

Templepatrick

Address

Castle Upton Estate, Templepatrick, County Antrim, BT39 0DD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9443 5542

eamonn.logue@hilton.com

Type

Type:

Golf Resort

The four star luxury Kingfisher Country Estate is situated on 220 acres of beautiful park and woodland on the Castle Upton Estate.
Special Offers
- Stay & Play at Kingfisher Country Estate
  From £239 per room (Sun-Thurs) and £299 per room (Fri-Sat) for 2 persons sharing
  Includes 1 night B&B and 18 holes
  Enjoy the challenge of this Premium Championship, Par 72, Parkland Course, designed by former European Tour players, David Jones & David Feherty. The 7000+ yard layout is USGA specific, allowing year round play. Indulge in the luxury of the newly renovated DoubleTree by Hilton hotel and newly established Halcyon Health Club.
  Limited availability. Please reference ‘Discover NI, Stay & Play @ Kingfisher Country Estate’
  For reservations please contact templepatrick.reservations@hilton.com
  Alternatively, visit www.kingfishercountryestate.com or
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Golf Stay & Play
More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Whitehead Golf Club

Whitehead

Address

Mccraes Brae, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 0820

angela@whiteheadgolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

The club boasts a challenging but fair 18 hole course coupled with excellent clubhouse facilities. The club professional Colin Farr offers an excellent fully stocked shop and a full range of repair and teaching services.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Victoriana Flower School

Larne

Address

51 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 3JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2519

kim@victorianafloral.co.uk

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Learn the art of flower arranging with exquisite florist Kim Davies at Victoriana Flower School, located just outside Whitehead, on the Causeway Coastal route. A wide range of courses are available for all levels of participants and interests.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Hilden Brewery

Lisburn

Address

90-192 Grand Street, Hilden, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 4TY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9266 0800

info@hildenbrewery.co.uk

Type

Type:

Brewery

Hilden Brewery is Ireland's Oldest Independent Brewery. We have been running for over 40 years and in the last seven have added a second brew house, a bottling line and a canning line. *CURRENTLY CLOSED TO VISITORS*

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Glenarm Tourism Guided Walks

Ballymena

Address

17 New Road, Glenarm, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT44 0AA

Telephone
+44028 2884 1087

info@glenarmtourism.org

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Glenarm Walkers offer guided walks on the 3rd Sunday of each month (registration at 2.00pm Glenarm Visitor Centre or 2.30pm at walk location), with exception of Easter Monday when the walk begins at 11.00am Glenarm Forest.

More Info
Divis Ridge Trail

Belfast

Address

Divis Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Circular walk with stunning views over Belfast City

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Walking Tour Of Antrim Town

Antrim

Address

The Old Courthouse, Market Square, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9442 8331

info@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

Learn about the origins of the historic town of Antrim and its important buildings by independently walking the heritage trail.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
374 reviews
Glenariff Forest Park

Cargan

Address

Glenariffe Road, Cargan, County Antrim, BT44 0QX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 0870

customer.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland. Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,000 hectares with planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ballintoy to Bushmills

Ballintoy

Address

Ballintoy Harbour Car Park, 49 Harbour Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6NB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A moderate linear walk linking Ballintoy and Bushmills

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
76 reviews
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum

Belfast

Address

21 Talbot Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 0392

info@niwarmemorial.org

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Discover the story of Northern Ireland during the Second World War. The Northern Ireland War Memorial (NIWM) is an engaging and welcoming accredited museum that provides a window on Northern Ireland's key role in the Second World War and the impact…

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available