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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: 408

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
287 reviews
Linen Hall Library

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
1027 reviews
Belfast Zoo

Belfast

Address

Antrim Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT36 7PN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9077 6277

info@belfastzoo.co.uk

Price
Price Free to £14.50 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Zoo / Aquarium

Belfast Zoo is set on the beautiful slopes of Cave Hill and is home to over 100 amazing animal species, many of which are endangered in the wild.

Dates

From:

3 Apr 2025to1 Oct 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00

From:

2 Oct 2025to2 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
Price
Price Free to £14.50 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises - Percy’s Safari Grill
McComb's Giant's Causeway Tour

Belfast

Address

22-32 Donegal Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 5JN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 5333

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

Type:

Sightseeing

McComb's Travel offers day tours with local experienced guides to the Giant's Causeway. We include stops like Carrick-a-rede Ropebridge, Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle & Carrickfergus Castle - all on-board our brand new luxury coaches.
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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1249 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.
Special Offers
- Family Day Out
  From £8 per ticket
  Enjoy an unforgettable family day out at W5 for just £8 per ticket for adults, children, and concessions.
  Explore eight action-packed zones and get hands-on with over 250 interactive exhibits. Put your surgical skills to the test on a giant operating table, unleash your creativity at the Graffiti Wall, reach new heights on Climbit, launch a rocket, and so much more!
  Plus, weekends get even more exciting this month! Step into a prehistoric world where dinosaurs roam once again in Dinosaurs Survive and discover the magic of Puffin Rock Summer with story time sessions at Story Corner, meet-and-greets with Oona the puffin, learning to draw the characters at Sketch Club, and more.
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Experiences & Attractions
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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Facilities

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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Victoria Park

Address

Co Down

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Oasis for wildlife in Belfast

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Bakery Demonstrations with The Pantry @ Bramble Hill

Glarryford

Address

Bramble Hill Cottage, 90a Duneoin Road, Glarryford, County Antrim, BT44 9HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7792 374484

thepantry.bramblehill@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Food and Drink Experience

Gail at The Pantry @ Bramble Hill offers homely and traditional baking demonstrations either in in her farmhouse kitchen or at your venue. Sharing traditional Irish recipes, excellent tips and providing interesting information about fresh bakes...…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Belfast Music Bus Tour

Belfast

Address

Oh Yeah Music Centre, 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 0845

hannah@ohyeahbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Arts and Culture tours

Experience Belfast's vibrant music scene with the Belfast Music Bus Tour, celebrating its UNESCO City of Music status.

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Layd Church

Cushendall

Address

Shore Road, Cushendall, County Antrim, BT44 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Monument and coastal scenery

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Rathlin Kebble Cliff Walk

Rathlin Island

Address

Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A waymarked route around Kebble South, taking in the south of the island with stunning views of dramatic sea cliffs and of Ballycastle beyond.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4 reviews
The Great Light & Titanic Walkway

Belfast

Address

Queens Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9FH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9073 0490

info@greatlighttq.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Maritime Heritage

The Great Light is one of the largest optics of its kind ever built in the world, and is around 130 years old. It is located on the Titanic Walkway, a new 500 metre maritime walkway on Victoria Wharf, connecting the Titanic Slipways to HMS Caroline.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Roddy McCorley Republican Heritage Centre

Belfast

Address

Moyard House, 203 Glen Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT11 8BU

Telephone
02890 300480

info@roddymccorley.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Discover the story of 200 years of Irish Republicanism told through the prism of a unique collection of locally gathered and curated historical artefacts from The Society of United Irishmen of 1798 through to the present day.

More Info
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Swifts Forge

Islandmagee

Address

171 Low Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3RF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7485 605612

info@swiftsforge.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Swifts Forge in Islandmagee offers a range of blacksmithing classes to create something special, with different courses running throughout the year. Christmas vouchers given priority in Feb-May

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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
Carr Golf Travel

Castleknock

Address

Elmgreen Golf Centre, Castleknock, Dublin, BT1 1NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 0353 18226662

enquiries@carrgolf.com

Type

Type:

Golf Tour Operators

Carr Golf Travel offer tailor made golf trips to Northern Ireland and Ireland. With 25 years’ experience in the golf industry, we understand what turns a great trip into an unforgettable vacation.

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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.

More Info