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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: 411

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
287 reviews
The Linen Hall

Belfast

Address

17 Donegall Square North, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1707

info@linenhall.com

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Founded in 1788, Linen Hall Library is a truly unique institution. As the oldest library in Belfast and the last subscribing library in Ireland, it has an impressive Irish and Local Studies Collection and houses a significant genealogy section.
Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
228 reviews
Glenarm Castle & Garden

Glenarm

Address

Castle Demesne, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0BD

Telephone
+44 (0)28 2884 1203

info@glenarmcastle.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Crowned "Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year", Glenarm Castle and its walled gardens are a true national treasure. One of Ireland's oldest estates, and home to the Earls of Antrim, Glenarm Castle offers incredible garden walks, with stunning…
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
566 reviews
Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House

Antrim

Address

Randalstown Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4LH

Telephone
0300 123 7788

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Garden

Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House are hidden gems waiting to be explored. Filled with botanical beauty and heritage, you will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
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Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Free parking is available at 3 different car parks at the main site off the Randalstown Road with dedicated disabled parking bays and EV charging.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1251 reviews
W5

Belfast

Address

The Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9QQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9046 7700
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Science Centre

W5 is an award-winning science and discovery centre, firing the spirit of discovery with limitless fun for everyone including eight new zones packed full of interactive exhibits that will excite and inspire.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
Arthur Cottage and Interpretative Centre

Cullybackey

Address

21A Dreen Road, Cullybackey, County Antrim, BT42 1FX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2563 5010

tic.reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Gradings
- Awaiting Grading Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Arthur Cottage, Cullybackey, is the Ancestral Home of the 21st President of the USA Chester Alan Arthur.
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Island Arts Centre

Lisburn

Address

The Island, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 4RL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9244 7744

arts.information@ilisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

ISLAND Arts Centre offers a wide range of cultural events. Enjoy an eclectic mix of live theatre, special events and a range of hands–on arts activities, led by professional artists designed to recharge your batteries in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
River Bann Tours

Portglenone

Address

Portglenone Marina, Bannview Terrace, Portglenone, County Antrim, BT44 8HT

Telephone
+44 (0) 845 564 4764

contact@riverbanntours.co.uk
Gradings
- Awaiting Grading Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Boat Tours

River Bann Tours offer boat trips on the Lower Bann based at Portglenone Marina. Tickets can be purchased online for scheduled tours to Lough Beg and back to Portglenone or for our trip from Toome to Lough Neagh return. Private bookings welcome.
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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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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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
5 reviews
Larne Golf Club

Islandmagee

Address

54 Ferris Bay Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9338 2228

info@larnegolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Located between the towns of Whitehead and Larne on the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, Islandmagee is home to Larne Golf Club - a challenging 9-hole/18-tee course with stunning sea views, iconic holes like ‘The Bell,’ a welcoming clubhouse, and…

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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Catering
- Restaurant on site
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
Executive Car Hire

Newtownabbey

Address

17 Church Park, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 6ER

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9059 1384

info@executivecarhireni.com

Type

Type:

Golf Tour Operators

Executive Car Hire can provide complete transport solutions including airport/boat transfers, scenic tours and all your travel needs during your stay in Northern Ireland.

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Slievenacloy - Stoneyford River

Belfast

Address

Belfast, County Antrim, BT28 3TE

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Hill walk in wildflower meadow

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Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Glassmaking and Nature - Colours of the Causeway Coastline with Benefield Spencer Glass

Ballintoy, Ballycastle

Address

35 Lagavara Road, 35 Lagavara Road, Ballintoy, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6NG

Telephone
07751224855

andreaspencerglass@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Glassmaking and Nature - Colours Created by the Causeway Coast - is a hands on glassmaking experience at Benefield Spencer Glass on the Causeway Coast.

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North Belfast Heritage Trail including Clifton House

Belfast

Address

2 North Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 1ES

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

archive@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

North Belfast’s unique built heritage is a hidden gem stretching back to the 18th Century. In just over one mile, 14 such buildings and sites sit, sometimes side by side, and collectively tell a fascinating story of our city’s past. This walking…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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

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Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
90 reviews
Carnlough Bay Boat Tours

Carnlough

Address

58 Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7720 464 044

curiositytours@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Memorable, invigorating boat trip in this area of outstanding natural beauty. Passengers have the chance to spot an array of marine life including dolphins, seals, porpoises and various seabirds.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
22 reviews
Chaffeur Car Services

Carrickfergus

Address

100 Woodburn Road, West Division, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 7899

info@chauffeurcarservices.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Belfast City tours of the Titanic centre Peace wall, Queens, Albert clock, Stormont and Carrickfergus Castle. Also indulge yourself in a full 8hr day of the North coast of Antrim and see Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.

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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
Castlewood Treetop Adventure

Antrim

Address

10 Castle Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9458 0585

reception@castlewoodtreetopadventure.com

Type

Type:

High ropes & Zip Lines

At CastleWood Tree Top Adventure you can swing, climb, balance, and zip your way through CastleWood’s canopy on our fun challenges and zip lines at CastleWood Tree Top Adventure.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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