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, a tranquil woodland walk, the Antrim McDonnell Heritage Centre, and a lively programme of seasonal events.
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 in the region.
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 throughout the year. 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 – Housed in the historic coach house, this museum features rotating displays of Lord Antrim’s vintage cars and artefacts that illustrate life on the estate from the 1600s onward.
- Family Activities – The Woodland Adventure Play Area features a rope bridge, climbing nets and a stainless-steel slide. The estate also offers a Dog Park with an agility course and e-bike hire for coastal rides.
- Events – The estate hosts a busy calendar of seasonal events. Recurring highlights include a spring Tulip Festival, the Highland Games in July, and a Christmas market with carol singing and light displays in winter. Check the official events page for the current year’s schedule.
- Food & Drink – The Tea Room is located in the historic Mushroom House. The estate also features a Milk Parlour for hand-crafted ice-cream, a Pizza Pavilion serving wood-fired sourdough, and the Potting Shed café.
- Accommodation – On-site lodging options include Ocean View Pods for luxury glamping, the Keeper’s Cottage, Mill House, and the 19th-century Barbican Gate lodge.
Practical Information
Opening Times & Ticketing
Opening hours vary significantly by season and facility. The Welcome Centre and Castle Shop typically operate daily from 10:00 to 17:00 during peak periods. Castle tours run on a limited schedule, usually from spring to autumn.
Ticket prices vary by attraction and season. Children under 12 typically enter the gardens and woodland walk for free. Concession rates are available for seniors and students. Advance online booking is strongly recommended, particularly for castle tours and during peak summer months. In the event of adverse weather, the estate may contact ticket holders to arrange rebooking.
Getting There & Transport
- By Car: From Belfast, follow the M2 to Larne, then take the A2 Causeway Coastal Route. The journey takes approximately one hour. On-site parking accommodates up to 100 cars, with dedicated spaces for coaches and EV charging points. Accessible parking is located near the Welcome Centre.
- Public Transport: Trains run from Belfast to Larne or Ballymena. From there, connect with Translink bus 162 (Coastal Route), which stops in Glenarm. Total journey time is roughly two to three hours with changes.
- Cycling: E-bike hire is available on the estate. Popular routes include a short ride to Carnlough Harbour and a coastal loop toward Ballygally.
Accessibility
- Disabled toilets are available throughout the visitor centre.
- Guide dogs are welcome across the grounds.
- Wheelchair hire can be arranged in advance by contacting the welcome centre.
- Some garden paths are gravel; visitors with limited mobility should check conditions on arrival or contact the team beforehand.
Booking & Contact
Castle tours and garden tickets can be booked online via the estate’s official website. Group visits require a minimum of 10 people for self-guided garden access and 15 for guided tours. For general enquiries, call 028 2884 1203 or email the welcome centre.
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.
- Ballycastle – A charming harbour town with shops, pubs and coastal walks, located just a short drive along the coast.
- Ballycastle Museum – Explore local history and heritage exhibits in the town’s dedicated museum.
- Glenariff Forest Park – Located approximately 30 minutes by car, this park offers extensive woodlands, lakes and family-friendly walking trails.
Advance booking is recommended for castle tours, which operate on a limited schedule throughout the year.