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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
46 reviews
Slemish Mountain

Broughshane

Address

Carnstroan Lane, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT43 4PF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2563 5010

tic.reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Outdoors

Slemish Mountain is about 1,500 feet above sea level and is located close to Broughshane in County Antrim. It is the legendary home of Saint Patrick and is actually the central core of an extinct volcano. Hike to the top and enjoy fantastic views!

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
Bentra Golf Course

Whitehead

Address

Slaughterford Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9TG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 8996

bentra@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

A well-matured 9 hole course, Bentra is designed with the experienced golfer and novice in mind. Wide fairways with some particularly long holes ensure a steady round at most times. Perfect for an attractive and inexpensive day's golf.

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2025to30 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Oct 2025to31 Mar 2026Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Larne's Jurassic Coastline - Waterloo Bay

Larne

Address

Waterloo Bay, The Promenade, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Explore Waterloo Bay in Larne, the most accessible locality for fossil hunting and geological interest anywhere on the island of Ireland.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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.

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
139 reviews
Gobbins Sea Safari with Abhainn Cruises

Carrickfergus

Address

Quayside, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7845 370231

abhainncruises@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Create life-long memories and discover hidden gems along the coast, cruising from Carrickfergus Castle all the way to the Gobbins. A bespoke private charter tour immersing you into stunning coastal scenery, history and nature, for a truly authentic…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bog Meadows

Belfast

Address

Bog Meadows Nature Reserve, 25 Milltown Row, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 6EP

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This route explores an area of floodplain, now managed as an award wining urban nature reserve which provides a fanatstic oasis for wildlife.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Albert Memorial Clock

Belfast

Address

17 Queens Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3FF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 6609

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Designed by the architect William J Barre, the figure of Prince Albert was sculpted by Samuel Ferris Lynn and the clock is by Francis Moore.

Price
Free

More Info
Flat Cap Adventurers

Bushmills

Address

5 Castlecat Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7450 220 146

adam@flatcapadventurers.com

Type

Type:

Rally & Off Road 4x4 schools

Flat Cap Adventurers provide 4x4 experiences for anyone to enjoy.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
Laganvale Farm

Lisburn

Address

55a Sandy Lane, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 5TL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9460 0116

laganvalefarmplay@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Open Farm

Laganvale Farm caters for all weather offering a super indoor soft play centre which can also be combined with our outdoor attractions down on the farm! Animals, pedal tractors and go-karts, sandpit fun and outdoor play for a great day out.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Breakwater Studio Rathlin

Rathlin Island

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 3986

ybraithwaite@btinternet.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Breakwater Studio on Rathlin Island is the Studio and Home of Yvonne Braithwaite. She is generally in residence at the Studio all year round and would be pleased to welcome you should you make a visit to Rathlin.

Price
Free

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
35 reviews
Lisburn Castle Gardens

Lisburn

Address

Castle Street, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 4XE

Telephone
028 9266 3377

ilc.reception@lisburn.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Castle Gardens is the most historically significant open space in Lisburn and was once the site of Lisburn Castle, a 17th century fortified manor house, built by the Conway family, the landlords of Lisburn.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside - must be on a lead
Newtownabbey Footgolf

Newtownabbey

Address

10 Cullyburn Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 5BN

play@newtownabbeyfootgolf.com

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

Newtownabbey Footgolf is Northern Ireland’s first 18-hole course, and it provides a good test of footgolf for all standards of player. Whatever you want to do – kick a ball around, test your skills, enjoy the banter with your mates, get outside…

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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.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Museum at The Mill

Newtownabbey

Address

Mossley Mill Civic Centre, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 5QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9034 0129

Type

Type:

Industrial Heritage

Museum at The Mill invites visitors of all ages to explore the history and heritage of Mossley Mill, a flax spinning mill in County Antrim which dates back to the early 1800s.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Kebble and Kinramer Nature Reserves

Rathlin Island

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7035 9963

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Rathlin is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off-shore island and is thought to come from the Irish word ‘Reachlan’ meaning ‘rocky reef’.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)

Belfast

Address

2 Titanic Boulevard, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9HQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9053 4800

proni@communities-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Ancestry / Tracing Your Routes

PRONI holds an extensive range of private archives and is the main venue for researching family and local history or for discovering the economic, social and political history of Northern Ireland.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
64 reviews
Clifton House - The Belfast Poor House

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

info@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House. From the moment you step through the door you will be transported back in time to the Belfast Poor House – opened in 1774 – which provided sanctuary to thousands of people, from the young and old, to…

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Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast Tour

Belfast

Address

c/o: Irish Tour Tickets shop, 10 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 0101

info@irishtourtickets.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Travel on one of our luxury coaches to discover the sights and attractions of County Antrim. Irish Tour Tickets are the only company travelling from Belfast that includes admission to the Giant's Causeway Visitors Centre.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Gracehill Guided Tours

Gracehill

Address

The Old School House, 19A Church Road, Gracehill, County Antrim, BT42 2NL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7903 739933

gracehilltours@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Discover Gracehill, a Moravian Church settlement and Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site, with local qualified guides. Delve deeper into Gracehill’s rich historical, cultural, social, educational, and religious heritage…

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking