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Discover Glenarm Castle and Garden
Welcome to Glenarm Castle and Garden in County Antrim, one of the finest estates in all of Northern Ireland. Even in a land with such epic attractions as Titanic Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway, Glenarm more than holds its own.
Glenarm Castle was built by the 1st Earl of Antrim in 1636. Today, the current and 15th Earl of Antrim still lives here with his family! This ancestral seat of the McDonnell clan has gone through various changes down through the centuries, all of which can be uncovered on your visit, from the award-winning Walled Garden to the striking Barbican Gate. Let’s explore...
Glernarm Castle and Garden, County Antrim
Glenarm highlights
Glenarm Castle is the jewel in the crown of this glittering estate on the County Antrim coast. But the house has had a turbulent past, with various rooms and wings burned down in fires throughout the centuries. A fire in the 1920s was believed to have been caused by a bedroom fireside that kept the 11th Earl’s featherless parrot warm! As it is a private family home, castle tours are only available on select days each year so be sure to book ahead. The grand hall, sumptuous dining room and several more elegant interiors await.
Don’t miss the picturesque walled garden, which dates from the 1820s. Originally created to produce fresh food for the castle household, the garden has been carefully restored as a horticultural haven! As well as an abundance of brightly coloured flowers and plants, this unique garden is also home to a mount, yew circle, herb patch, glasshouse and SEVEN hedgehogs! See if you can spot them as you wander.
Ocean View Pods, Glenarm Castle and Garden, County Antrim
Beyond the castle
You might not expect to see ultra-modern e-bikes on an historic estate such as Glenarm, but they’re available to hire on site, along with a safety helmet and high visibility jacket. Full charged and ready to go, these e-bikes are the perfect way to explore the surrounding landscapes, from the famous Glens of Antrim to nearby Carnlough village.
If cars are more your thing, check out The Coach House Museum for a fantastic display of vintage and rare vehicles from Glenarm’s collection. It’s a must for petrol heads and history buffs, and the brightly coloured old motors make for great photographs for everyone else.
Fancy staying overnight on the estate? Well, Glenarm has three utterly unique accommodation options to choose from. The four-star Ocean View Pods offer WOW views of the Antrim coastline and if you love glamping, this is the spot to rest your head. If you’d prefer something with a bit more old-world charm, the Barbican Gate is calling. Built in 1825, this gate-lodge is akin to a miniature castle and comes complete with a wood-burning stove and a rooftop terrace from where you can survey your kingdom. Last but not least, the Mill House is a traditional cottage set on a working farm. Want to stay in all three? Us too!
Coach House Museum, Glenarm Castle and Garden, County Antrim
Need to know: Glenarm Castle and Garden
Glenarm is open daily from 9am-5pm.
You can pre-book tickets to the walled garden and woodland walk, as well as guided castle tours.
Glenarm is generally accessible but the car parks and some paths are gravel and may be difficult for wheelchair users.
There are several places to eat and drink on site, including the Tea Room, the Milk Parlour ice cream shop and the Pizza Pavilion.
The Castle Shop sells souvenirs such as notebooks, candles and mugs – the ideal way to remember your day out.
