Overview
Most people who come to Antrim are really just passing through on the way to Belfast International Airport, 5 miles south. That’s a fair instinct about the town centre, which is ordinary enough – but it skips the two things worth stopping for: a 10th-century round tower that’s among the best preserved in Ireland, and 400 years of formal gardens at Antrim Castle, both free to walk into.
Antrim is the historic county town of County Antrim, population 25,606 at the 2021 census, 14 miles north-west of Belfast on the banks of the Six Mile Water – the river that drains Lough Neagh. It makes a practical, unhurried base for the Causeway Coast and the Glens of Antrim.
History & Heritage
The town’s origins stretch back to AD 495, when tradition holds that a monastery was established to continue the work of Saint Patrick. The settlement grew around this early religious community, originally named Aontreibh (Irish for “lone house”), which later evolved into Aontroim (“lone ridge”). The most striking survivor of this era is the 10th-century round tower, locally known as the Steeple. Rising 93 feet, it once served as a belfry and watchtower for the monastic settlement.
The landscape shifted dramatically in the late 12th century when Anglo-Norman forces led by John de Courcy conquered the area. They constructed a motte-and-bailey castle, and the earthwork motte still stands today within Antrim Castle Gardens. Following the Nine Years’ War, the area came under English control and was settled during the Plantation of Ulster. Hugh Clotworthy, later created Viscount Massereene, built a fortified mansion beside the Norman motte in the early 17th century. Though the main house burned in 1922, an octagonal tower and the elegant Clotworthy House remain.
Antrim’s streets also bear witness to pivotal moments in Irish history. In June 1798, approximately 4,000 United Irishmen led by Henry Joy McCracken attacked the town, only to be repelled by British reinforcements in what became known as the Battle of Antrim. More recently, the town has focused on community renewal, including the 2024 transfer of the historic Brown Church (built in 1904) to the Antrim Historical Society for restoration as a cultural and events venue.
What to See & Do
The Steeple (Round Tower)
Located in the grounds of the former Steeple estate, the round tower is one of the best-preserved examples in Ireland. The entrance doorway sits 2.5 metres above ground and features a carved Celtic cross. Inside, a metal grille prevents entry, but the exterior stonework and conical cap are clearly visible. Nearby, you’ll find the “Witches’ Stone” (a prehistoric monument) and two bullaun stones, which feature hollows that historically collected rainwater and were believed to have healing properties.
Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House
A short walk from the town centre, these 40-acre grounds offer a peaceful escape. The gardens feature the Italian Tower, the whimsical Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden, and the reflective Yew Tree Pond. Clotworthy House, a beautifully restored visitor centre, hosts exhibitions on the Massereene family and the gardens’ horticultural history. Entry is free, and the paths are largely level, making them suitable for families and wheelchairs. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
The Market House & Town Centre
Built in 1726, the two-storey Market House on High Street has served as a courthouse, market venue, and now houses the local tourist information desk. A small café and theatre space are located within the building. The surrounding high street and Castle Mall provide straightforward shopping, while the Nutts Corner Sunday Market (just south of the A26/A52 junction) draws crowds for local produce, vintage goods, and street food.
Walking the Six Mile Water
The river that gives the town its name is lined with a well-maintained, fully paved walking and cycling path. The route links the town centre to the Lough Neagh shoreline and is ideal for a leisurely stroll, dog walk, or quiet morning run. Look out for herons, kingfishers, and the occasional boat heading out from Antrim Marina.
Local Life & Practicalities
Antrim is compact enough to explore on foot. For longer distances, the SML taxi firm (+44 7999 083131) is widely regarded as the most reliable local option. Several pubs in the town centre, including the Steeple Inn, Anchor Bar, and Massereene House, serve as community hubs and occasionally host traditional music sessions.
Dining options cater to a range of tastes and budgets. Baan Thai (Church Street) and Munal Tandoori (Church Street) are long-standing favourites, while Maddens (High Street) offers a relaxed pub-grill atmosphere. For groceries, major supermarkets including Asda, Tesco Extra, Lidl, and Iceland are located in the town centre and at the Junction retail park.
Getting Here
- By Air: Belfast International Airport is 5 miles south. Bus 109A runs hourly between the airport and Antrim town centre.
- By Train: Antrim railway station sits a quarter-mile north-east of the high street. Northern Ireland Railways operates hourly services to Belfast (approximately 40 minutes) and continues north to Derry.
- By Road: From Belfast, follow the M2 west for 18 miles. The town is easily accessible via the A26 and B518. Free on-street parking is available in the town centre, with additional pay-and-display bays near the retail parks.
Day Trips from Antrim
Antrim’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider county:
- Shane’s Castle (2 miles west): The atmospheric ruins of the O’Neill chiefs’ seat, surrounded by lakeside walks and a dedicated Game of Thrones® visitor centre.
- Fair Head Cliffs (15 km north): Dramatic sea cliffs rising 196 metres above the Atlantic, offering rugged coastal trails and exceptional birdwatching.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (20 km north): A suspension bridge connecting the mainland to a tiny rock island, built by salmon fishermen in the 18th century.
- Glenariff Forest Park (30 km west): The “Queen of the Glens,” featuring the Seven Waterfalls walk, pine-planted valleys, and scenic lakes.
- Ram’s Island (12 km south-west): Lough Neagh’s largest island, home to the ruins of an early monastery and a 19th-century summer house, accessible by seasonal ferry from Antrim Marina.
Time a visit for the summer boat trips that run from Antrim Marina out onto Lough Neagh, or keep it simple: the Castle Gardens and the round tower sit a short walk apart, and the Six Mile Water path links them down to the lough shore. An afternoon covers all three.