Overview
Clotworthy House sits at the heart of Antrim Castle Gardens, a 400‑year‑old landscape of canals, ponds, a 12th‑century motte and a Victorian pleasure garden. The house itself is a fine example of Jacobean‑revival architecture, constructed of coursed basalt and Tardree granite around 1843 for the 10th Viscount Massereene. Today it functions as the visitor hub for the gardens, housing the Garden Heritage Exhibition, a family‑run café called Mann’s Garden Kitchen, and a range of interpretive displays.
History
The stable block and coach house were commissioned by the 10th Viscount Massereene as part of “Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Gardens”. Architectural historians attribute the design to Charles Lanyon, later famed for Belfast’s Queen’s University and the Palm House in the Botanic Gardens. After the 1922 fire that destroyed Antrim Castle, the 12th Viscount considered rebuilding the castle but never proceeded. Instead, the family moved into a wing of the coach house, which became known as Clotworthy House. The Massereene line left Antrim in 1956, and the property passed to Antrim Borough Council. In 1982 the house opened as Northern Ireland’s first local‑government arts centre, hosting exhibitions, theatre, music and workshops until its 2009 closure for restoration. The refurbished building reopened in December 2011 as the focal point for visitor services and interpretation of the newly restored gardens.
What to See & Do
- Garden Heritage Exhibition – Explores the 400‑year evolution of the gardens and the fortunes of the Massereene family through artefacts, historic photographs and interactive panels.
- Mann’s Garden Kitchen – Family‑run café offering homemade, locally sourced dishes. Open daily from 09:00 to 16:30.
- Time Travel Trails App – A GPS‑enabled app that overlays augmented‑reality portals onto the landscape, visualising historic events and characters along the 1.7 km circular route.
- Sensory Garden – Designed for visitors with autism, dementia and other sensory needs, featuring fragrant shrubs, wind chimes, stepping logs, balance beams, musical instruments and mirrors.
- Extended Walks – Cross the Deerpark Bridge and follow the Six Mile Water River to the shores of Lough Neagh for a longer riverside stroll.
- Art Installations & Events – Temporary art installations, ranger‑led tours and seasonal celebrations such as the March 2026 guided walk and St Patrick’s Day events.
Accessibility Summary
Clotworthy House is fully wheelchair‑friendly; exhibition spaces, the café and the Sensory Garden have level access and tactile signage. Accessible toilets are located near the café and throughout the gardens. A detailed guide is available via AccessAble: AccessAble guide.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
- Monday – Friday: 09:30 – 17:00
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
Admission
- General public: Free
- Special exhibitions (when applicable): Variable – check the website
Parking & Transport
- Free parking in three designated lots off the Randalstown Road, including disabled bays and EV charging points.
- Local bus services stop nearby; see the Discover Northern Ireland “Getting Here” page for details.
Facilities
- Toilets (including accessible facilities) near the café and throughout the gardens.
- Picnic areas for self‑catered meals.
- On‑site shop offering gifts, books and locally made crafts.
Nearby Attractions The gardens are within walking distance of the Massereene Golf Club, The Old Courthouse, Mill Race Trail and Antrim Lough Shore Park. A short drive leads to the historic town of Antrim and the city of Belfast.
Visitor Experience
Arriving at Clotworthy House, you are greeted by a grand basalt façade that hints at the building’s 19th‑century origins. Inside, the exhibition space blends modern display technology with period furnishings, creating an immersive narrative. After exploring, relax in the café where seasonal menus showcase produce from local farms. Families will appreciate the Sensory Garden’s gentle stimuli, while history enthusiasts can delve deeper via the Time Travel Trails app.
Seasonal Notes
The Large Parterre Garden is closed on 1 January, 12 July and 25‑26 December, but the rest of the grounds remain open year‑round. The Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden, a recent addition, offers a kinetic display that delights visitors of all ages.
Plan your visit to Clotworthy House as the perfect gateway to Antrim Castle Gardens – a blend of natural beauty, historic intrigue and contemporary hospitality.