Glenarm Castle

Overview

Glenarm Castle sits at the heart of the village of Glenarm on the north‑Antrim coast, overlooking the Causeway Coastal Route. The estate remains a private family home – the 15th Earl and Countess of Antrim live on site – but large parts of the grounds are open to the public. Highlights include the 18th‑century walled garden (winner of the 2023 Historic Houses Garden of the Year award), a tranquil woodland walk, the Antrim McDonnell Heritage Centre, and a lively programme of events ranging from Highland games in July to a magical Christmas experience in December.

History

The first fortification on the site dates to the 13th century when John Bisset made Glenarm his capital. The Bisset family held the lands until the early 16th century, when the MacDonnells – later the Earls of Antrim – seized the property. John Mor MacDonnell married the Bisset heiress Marjory in the 14th century, cementing the clan’s presence.

The present stone‑faced castle was erected by Sir Randal MacDonnell, 1st Earl of Antrim, in 1636. A fire set by Scottish forces shortly afterwards left the house a ruin for about 90 years. Rebuilding began after the family’s Ballymagarry house burned in 1750, reshaping the building from a grand country house into a gothic‑style castle. Another serious fire in 1929 damaged the main block; reconstruction continued through the 1930s, giving the interior its current blend of Georgian elegance and gothic touches. The old kitchen is the only room that has survived unchanged since the 18th century.

The walled garden was laid out in the 1820s to supply the household with fresh produce. Over the past two decades Lord and Lady Antrim have restored it to an award‑winning horticultural showcase, complete with heritage fruit trees, water features and seasonal borders.

What to See & Do

• Guided Castle Tours – Available on selected dates from 17 March to 1 November. A family‑run butler leads visitors through the drawing‑room, dining‑room, atmospheric Blue Room and great hall, sharing anecdotes about the McDonnell lineage.
• Walled Garden & Woodland Walk – A four‑acre garden with camellias, rhododendrons, wild garlic and heritage fruit trees, plus a gentle woodland trail offering views of the demesne and chances to spot red squirrels and hedgehogs.
• Antrim McDonnell Heritage Centre – Interactive displays trace the clan’s story from the 14th century migration to the present day.
• Coach House Museum (opening 2026) – A new museum housed in the historic coach house, featuring rotating displays of Lord Antrim’s vintage cars and artefacts that illustrate life on the estate from the 1600s onward.
• Family Activities – Woodland Adventure Play Area (rope bridge, climbing nets, stainless‑steel slide), Dog Park with agility course, Mini‑Land Rover Experience (seasonal, currently closed), and e‑bike hire for coastal rides.
• Events –
  • Tulip Festival 2026: 2–4 May, with live music and children’s activities.
  • Tedberry Market 2026: 27–28 June, a craft and food market.
  • Classic Car Charity Drive 2026: 26 April, showcasing vintage Vauxhall and Opel models.
  • National Garden Scheme Open Day 2026: 28 April.
  • Highland games (July), Dalriada Festival (July), Halloween night‑time garden experience (October) and Christmas market (November–December).
• Food & Drink – Tea Room in the historic Mushroom House, Milk Parlour (hand‑crafted ice‑cream), Pizza Pavilion (wood‑fired sourdough) and Potting Shed café.
• Accommodation – Ocean View Pods (luxury glamping with sea views), Keeper’s Cottage, Mill House and the 19th‑century Barbican Gate lodge.

Practical Information

Opening Times & Ticketing

Garden Ticket Prices (valid for the walled garden, woodland walk, heritage centre and museum):

All tickets are non‑refundable; in adverse weather the estate will contact you to re‑book.

Getting There & Transport

• By Car: From Belfast follow the M2 to Larne, then the A2 Causeway Coastal Route (≈60 km, 1‑hour). On‑site parking for up to 100 cars, coach parking for three large coaches and one EV charging point. Accessible spaces are near the Welcome Centre.
• Public Transport: Trains run from Belfast to Larne or Ballymena; connect with Translink bus 162 (Coastal Route) which stops in Glenarm. Journey time is roughly 2‑3 hours with changes. Check current timetables before travel.
• Cycling: E‑bike hire is available on the estate; popular routes include a 10‑minute ride to Carnlough Harbour and a coastal loop to Ballygally.

Accessibility

• Disabled toilets throughout the visitor centre.
• Guide dogs welcome.
• Wheelchair hire can be arranged in advance via the welcome centre (email: welcome@glenarmcastle.com).
• Some garden paths are gravel; check conditions on arrival.

Booking & Contact

• Castle tours and garden tickets can be booked online via the estate’s ticketing page (link to be confirmed). Advance booking is essential, especially during peak season.
• Group visits: minimum 10 for self‑guided garden groups, 15 for guided tours. Details on the Group Visits page (link to be confirmed).
• General enquiries: +44 28 2884 1203 or email welcome@glenarmcastle.com.

Seasonal Highlights

• May – Tulip Festival (2–4 May 2026) with live music, children’s activities and garden talks.
• June – Tedberry Market (27–28 June) and Classic Car Charity Drive (26 April).\n- July – Highland games and Dalriada Festival featuring Ulster‑Scots music and outdoor concerts.
• October – Halloween night‑time garden experience with lanterns and storytelling.
• December – Christmas market, carol singing and a glittering light display.

Nearby Attractions

• Antrim Coast and Glens – The spectacular coastal drive that passes Glenarm, linking the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick‑a‑Rède and the Nine Glens of Antrim. [/antrim-coast-and-glens/]
• Glenariff Forest Park (≈30 min drive) – Woodlands, lakes and family‑friendly walking trails.
• The Giant’s Causeway – World‑famous basalt columns a short drive north.
• Carrick‑a‑Rède Rope Bridge – Iconic suspension bridge over the Atlantic.
• Ballycastle – Charming harbour town with shops, pubs and the Ballycastle Museum.

Enjoy a day exploring the castle, its gardens and the dramatic Antrim coastline.