Antrim · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Antrim: The Jewel of Northern Ireland

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim, located in Northern Ireland, is a charming town that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the banks of the Six Mile Water river, Antrim is known for its picturesque landscapes and welcoming atmosphere. The town is rich in heritage, with roots dating back to ancient times, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike. One of the highlights of Antrim is its stunning castle and gardens. Antrim Castle, a 17th-century architectural marvel, is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The adjacent Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House offer a serene escape with their manicured lawns, historical buildings, and seasonal events that showcase local culture and artistry. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Antrim. The town is a gateway to the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of water-based activities, such as boating, fishing, and bird-watching. The surrounding countryside also provides ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and experiencing the breathtaking landscapes that Northern Ireland is famed for. Antrim's town center is a delightful mix of traditional and modern. Quaint shops, cozy cafes, and lively pubs line the streets, offering visitors a taste of local flavors and hospitality. The town hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and arts to food and drink, ensuring there's always something exciting happening in Antrim.

Bushmills

Giant's Causeway

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Bushmills

Dunluce Castle

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Ballycastle

National Trust - Carrick-a-Rede

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Ballymoney

The Dark Hedges

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus Castle

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Ballymena

Antrim Coast and Glens National Landscape

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Antrim Castle Gardens

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Newtownabbey

Hazelbank Park

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Bushmills

Dunseverick Castle

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Larne

National Trust - Gleno

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Ballycastle

National Trust - White Park Bay

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Ballymena

Glenariff Forest

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Bushmills

Dunseverick Falls

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Shane's Castle

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

Game of Thrones Tours

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Top Of The Town

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Cranfield Church & Holy Well

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Clotworthy House

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Magherafelt

Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

St Mary's Church

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

Lagan Lookout

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Asian Mix

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

Titanic Distillers

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

Connswater Greenway

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

Colin Glen Mountain Entrance

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Ballymena

Cushendall Beach

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

SoundYard - Maritime Belfast

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Antrim Castle

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Deerpark Bridge

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Ballyclare

National Trust - Patterson's Spade Mill

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

EastSide Visitor Centre

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Antrim Motte

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Antrim Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Enchanted Winter Garden

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Site of Antrim Castle

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

Maritime Mile

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

Commercial Court

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

High St

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

The olde sweetie jar

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Crumlin

The Ballance House

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Hallmark Cards Ltd

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

The Belvoir Oak

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Belfast

Donegall Square W

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Viewing platform

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Alexander Irvine Park

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Antrim Sports Club

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

Antrim

Drop Inn Thrift Shop

Discover Antrim: A blend of history, nature, and culture in Northern Ireland. Explore castles, gardens, and the scenic beauty of Lough Neagh.

When is the best time to go to Antrim?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJun–Aug
Longest daylightJun–Jul
Driest periodFeb–Sep

Explore places in Antrim

    See all →

    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Antrim sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Giant's Causeway

    Explore the world-famous Giant's Causeway, a stunning UNESCO basalt column formation steeped in legend and geological wonder on Northern Ireland’s coast.

    Giant's Causeway

    The Dark Hedges

    Discover the mystical beech tree tunnel of The Dark Hedges, a breathtaking natural landmark and iconic Game of Thrones filming location in Northern Ireland.

    The Dark Hedges

    National Trust - Carrick-a-Rede

    Cross the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge for breathtaking coastal views and a historic Northern Ireland adventure.

    National Trust - Carrick-a-Rede

    Dunluce Castle

    Dramatic medieval ruins perched on a sea cliff, with sweeping Atlantic views and legends of banshees and collapsing kitchens.

    Dunluce Castle

    Carrickfergus Castle

    Explore over 800 years of history at Carrickfergus Castle, a majestic Norman fortress overlooking Belfast Lough with immersive medieval experiences and stunning coastal views.

    Carrickfergus Castle

    Antrim Castle Gardens

    Explore 400 years of history and stunning Anglo-Dutch gardens at Antrim Castle Gardens, a serene heritage site with water features, scenic walks, and a welcoming visitor centre.

    Antrim Castle Gardens

    Hazelbank Park

    A scenic waterfront park in Newtownabbey offering stunning views, accessible paths, vibrant gardens, and family-friendly outdoor activities.

    Hazelbank Park

    Top Of The Town

    Antrim’s award-winning bar and grill offering fresh local food, lively bars, and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of town.

    Top Of The Town

    Dunseverick Castle

    Explore the evocative ruins of Dunseverick Castle, a 5th-century fortress perched on Northern Ireland’s dramatic Atlantic cliffs.

    Dunseverick Castle

    National Trust - Gleno

    Discover Gleno Waterfall, a serene 30-foot cascade nestled in County Antrim’s lush glens, perfect for scenic walks and peaceful nature escapes.

    National Trust - Gleno

    National Trust - White Park Bay

    A stunning, tranquil three-mile sandy beach with rich wildlife, ancient dunes, and historic charm on Northern Ireland’s North Antrim coast.

    National Trust - White Park Bay

    Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich

    A vibrant cultural centre celebrating Irish language, arts, and heritage in the heart of Belfast’s Falls Road.

    Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich

    Dunseverick Falls

    Discover the tranquil charm of Dunseverick Falls, where cascading waters meet rugged cliffs along Northern Ireland’s iconic Causeway Coast.

    Dunseverick Falls

    Glenariff Forest

    Explore Glenariff Forest Park’s enchanting waterfalls, scenic trails, and rich wildlife in Northern Ireland’s stunning 'Queen of the Glens.'

    Glenariff Forest

    Shane's Castle

    Explore the dramatic ruins and scenic grounds of Shane's Castle, a historic O'Neill estate on the shores of Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland.

    Shane's Castle

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Top Of The Town

    A vibrant family-run bar and grill in Antrim offering fresh local food, diverse drinks, and lively spaces for every occasion.

    Top Of The Town

    McLarnons Ramble Inn

    A rustic and welcoming pub in Antrim offering hearty meals, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere with a quirky charm.

    McLarnons Ramble Inn

    Jakes Cocktail Bar And Grill

    Sophisticated cocktails and quality grill cuisine in a welcoming Antrim destination.

    Jakes Cocktail Bar And Grill

    Ellie Mays

    Rustic grill dining with hearty portions and a warm pub atmosphere in the heart of Dunadry, Antrim.

    Ellie Mays

    The Boathouse Antrim

    Scenic lakeside dining in Antrim offering fresh seafood, gluten-free options, and a modern Irish menu in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

    The Boathouse Antrim

    Furama Cantonese Restaurant

    Authentic Cantonese cuisine and exceptional value in the heart of Antrim

    Furama Cantonese Restaurant

    Nando's Antrim The Junction

    Savor the vibrant flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken at Nando's Antrim The Junction, a lively spot in a bustling retail and leisure hub.

    Nando's Antrim The Junction

    Ho Wah

    Authentic Chinese flavors and generous portions in the heart of Antrim with a warm, lively atmosphere.

    Ho Wah

    Baan Thai

    Experience authentic Thai and Chinese flavors in a warm, inviting setting at Baan Thai, Antrim’s beloved culinary gem.

    Baan Thai

    Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar

    Cozy Antrim eatery serving hearty carvery roasts, pub classics, and friendly vibes in a relaxed setting perfect for families and casual diners.

    Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar

    Mill Race Restaurant

    AA Rosette–awarded Modern Irish fine dining beside the River Six Mile Water, with seasonal menus, afternoon tea, and Sunday carvery in a historic Antrim hotel.

    Mill Race Restaurant

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    The Junction Shopping Complex

    A vibrant retail and leisure destination in Antrim offering diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.

    The Junction Shopping Complex

    Nike Factory Store

    Discover top-tier Nike sportswear and footwear at outlet prices in the vibrant retail hub of The Junction, Antrim.

    Nike Factory Store

    B&M Home Store

    Discover unbeatable bargains and a vast product range at B&M Home Store, Antrim’s premier discount shopping destination at Junction One.

    B&M Home Store

    Next Outlet

    Discover stylish fashion and home bargains at Next Outlet, Antrim’s versatile retail hub within The Junction.

    Next Outlet

    Mountain Warehouse Antrim

    Your go-to outlet for quality outdoor clothing and gear in Antrim’s Junction One shopping centre.

    Mountain Warehouse Antrim

    New Look

    Trendy fashion for all ages in the heart of Antrim’s Castle Mall shopping centre.

    New Look

    Poundstretcher

    Affordable household essentials and bargains await at Poundstretcher in Antrim’s Castle Shopping Centre.

    Poundstretcher

    The Vintage Wine Merchants

    Independent wine and spirits shop in Antrim offering a curated selection of quality wines, beers, and ales since 1975.

    The Vintage Wine Merchants

    Nanabelle's Gifts

    Discover unique gifts, stylish handbags, and elegant jewellery in Antrim’s welcoming boutique with a personal touch.

    Nanabelle's Gifts

    Antrim ECig

    Antrim ECig offers expert vaping products and advice in a friendly, accessible shop at the heart of Antrim’s arcade.

    Antrim ECig

    Baraka Boutique

    Discover stylish, unique ladies' fashion at Baraka Boutique, Antrim’s charming destination for exclusive clothing finds.

    Baraka Boutique

    Wallace's

    Discover modern menswear and footwear with great value and service at Wallace's, Antrim’s stylish boutique on Church Street.

    Wallace's

    DV8

    Discover cutting-edge designer fashion and accessories in the heart of Antrim’s Market Square at DV8.

    DV8

    Vivo The Paper Shop

    A vibrant newsstand and artisan shop in Antrim offering extended hours, local crafts, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

    Vivo The Paper Shop

    Simply Gifted

    Discover stylish ladies' clothing and accessories in the heart of Antrim’s charming Arcade, where quality meets personal service.

    Simply Gifted
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    Explore Antrim in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:Giant's Causeway (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons
    File:The rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Dunluce Castle Northern Ireland 1.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Dark Hedges near Armoy, Co Antrim (cropped).jpg - Wikipedia
    Sea cliff bridge 1080P, 2K, 4K, 5K HD wallpapers free download | Wallpaper  Flare
    File:Antrim Hills waterfall.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    Ballintoy 1080P, 2K, 4K, 5K HD wallpapers free download | Wallpaper Flare
    Belfast Castle and Garden image - Free stock photo - Public Domain photo -  CC0 Images
    Fria bild: grottan, keshcorran, grottor, carrowkeel, Irland
    File:Rathlin Island lighthouse in Northern Ireland 2011.jpg - Wikipedia

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