Overview
Antrim Castle Gardens sit on the historic demesne of the former Antrim Castle, a fortified mansion that once dominated the banks of the Six Mile Water River. Today the gardens are a free‑entry, four‑star quality‑assured attraction that draws locals and tourists alike for a leisurely stroll through 400 years of horticultural design. The site is easily reached via the tree‑lined entrance on Randalstown Road, where three free car parks (including disabled bays and EV charging) await visitors.
The gardens are a living showcase of formal and romantic landscaping: 17th‑century Anglo‑Dutch canals, a 12th‑century Norman motte, a Victorian Pleasure Garden, a meticulously maintained Large Parterre, and the newly‑added Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden. Within the heart of the grounds, the restored Clotworthy House now houses a visitor‑centre, exhibition space and Mann’s Garden Kitchen – a family‑run café serving locally sourced fare.
History
The story of Antrim Castle begins in 1613 when English settler Sir Hugh Clotworthy erected a modest fortified house. Over the next half‑century his son John enlarged the building, and the estate passed through marriage to the Skeffington family, who became the Viscounts Massereene. The castle was repeatedly rebuilt – most notably in 1813 as a three‑storey Georgian‑Gothic mansion – before a tragic fire in October 1922 reduced it to ruins. The remains were demolished in the 1970s, leaving only a raised grass platform, an Italian stair tower (1887) and a neo‑Tudor gatehouse.
In the 1990s the Antrim Borough Council acquired the derelict stable block, converting it into the arts‑focused Clotworthy House. A £6 million Heritage Lottery Fund‑backed restoration (completed in the early 2010s) revived the historic formal gardens, earning the Ulster in Bloom Special Award in 2012. Recent additions include a statue of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip (unveiled September 2024) and the Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden, celebrating the royal milestone.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Anglo‑Dutch Canals | Two intersecting canals form a T‑shape, flanked by yew‑tree ponds and historic stone bridges. |
| 12th‑Century Motte | A well‑preserved earthwork mound, likely built by John de Courcy’s followers, offers panoramic views of the demesne. |
| Large Parterre | A formal, geometrically‑planted garden (closed on 1 Jan, 12 Jul, 25‑26 Dec) showcases seasonal colour. |
| Victorian Pleasure Garden | Romantic flower beds, winding paths and a historic basalt bridge (Deerpark Bridge) create a quintessential Victorian stroll. |
| Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden | A kinetic garden featuring moving sculptures that mark the 2022‑2023 jubilee. |
| Sensory Garden | Designed for neuro‑diverse visitors, it includes raised beds, wind chimes, stepping logs, musical instruments and mirrors, all on 2 m‑wide accessible paths. |
| Clotworthy House & Garden Heritage Exhibition | The former stable block now houses an exhibition on the Massereene family, the castle’s history, and rotating art displays. |
| Mann’s Garden Kitchen | A café inside Clotworthy House serving homemade soups, sandwiches, cakes and locally sourced drinks (open 09:00‑16:30 daily). |
| Time Travel Trails App | A GPS‑enabled augmented‑reality experience that guides visitors along a 1.7 km circular route, revealing myths, legends and historic anecdotes. |
| Extended Walk to Lough Neagh | Cross Deerpark Bridge and follow the Six Mile Water to the shores of Lough Neagh, the island’s largest freshwater lake. |
The gardens also host seasonal events such as ranger‑led tours (early March), St Patrick’s Day celebrations, and occasional art workshops. A statue unveiled in 2024 commemorates the late Queen and Prince Philip, adding a contemporary cultural layer to the historic setting.
Practical Information
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 09:30 – 17:00 |
| Saturday – Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Admission – Free for all visitors. No ticket is required, though donations are welcomed at the visitor centre.
Parking & Transport – Three free car parks sit off the Randalstown Road; each includes disabled bays and electric‑vehicle charging points. The site is a short 30‑minute drive (≈19 mi) from Belfast via the M2. Public‑transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is a few minutes’ walk from the entrance.
Facilities – Toilets (including accessible facilities) are located near the garden entrance and within Mann’s Garden Kitchen. Picnic areas are provided for self‑catering visitors. The Sensory Garden benches are positioned to enjoy river views.
Accessibility – Most main pathways are level and wide enough for wheelchairs. The Sensory Garden’s 2 m paths are specifically designed for easy access. Detailed accessibility guidance can be found on the AccessAble page linked above.
Food & Drink – Mann’s Garden Kitchen operates daily from 09:00 to 16:30, offering soups, sandwiches, cakes, teas, coffees and a selection of locally sourced snacks. A picnic area allows you to enjoy your own provisions amidst the scenery.
Nearby attractions – Within a 0.5‑mile radius you’ll find the Mill Race Trail, Eagle Divers NI, Massereene Golf Club, the Old Courthouse, and the Antrim Lough Shore Park. A short drive takes you to the iconic Giant’s Causeway and the Causeway Coastal Route.
Visitor tips embedded in the narrative – Arrive early in the week to enjoy the quieter canals, use the Time Travel Trails app for an enriched historical experience, and consider the extended walk to Lough Neagh for a change of scenery.
Contact – For the latest event listings and any temporary closures, visit the official website or the council’s social media channels.
Enjoy a day of history, horticulture and tranquil riverside walks at Antrim Castle Gardens – a free, family‑friendly oasis that captures the layered story of County Antrim.