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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.

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Antrim Castle Gardens, located in Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a beautifully restored historic garden complex featuring 17th-century Anglo-Dutch water gardens, Victorian Pleasure Gardens, and a unique Clockwork Garden with revolving trees. The site includes notable features such as the Deerpark Bridge, ancient Norman Motte, and Clotworthy House visitor centre with a café. Open year-round with free admission, it offers scenic walks, heritage, and tranquil water features along the Sixmilewater River.

A brief summary to Antrim Castle Gardens

  • Randalstown Rd, Antrim, BT41 4LH, GB
  • +442894481338
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit on Tuesday or Thursday evenings to enjoy extended opening hours until 9:30 pm.
  • Stop by Clotworthy House café for refreshments and learn about the gardens’ history in the visitor centre.
  • Explore the sensory garden designed for visitors with sensory needs for a unique experience.
  • Bring your dog to enjoy one of the two dedicated dog parks, but keep pets on leads from January 2026.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Belfast, take the M2 motorway for approximately 30 minutes (19 miles) to reach Antrim Castle Gardens. Limited on-site parking is available, with additional parking nearby. Parking is free of charge.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Belfast to Antrim town, with a journey time of around 40 to 50 minutes. From Antrim town centre, a taxi or a 20-minute walk along Randalstown Road leads to the gardens. Bus fares typically range from £3 to £5.

  • Walking

    For visitors staying in Antrim town, walking to the gardens takes about 20 minutes on mostly flat terrain along Randalstown Road. The paths within the gardens are wheelchair accessible and well maintained.

Antrim Castle Gardens location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Antrim Castle Gardens

Historic Origins and Architectural Heritage

Antrim Castle Gardens trace their roots back over 400 years, originally laid out around Antrim Castle between 1613 and 1622. Although the castle itself was destroyed by fire in 1922 and demolished in the 1970s, several remnants remain, including a 19th-century Italianate stair tower and a gatehouse. The gardens were designed in the late 17th and early 18th centuries as an Anglo-Dutch water garden, one of only two genuine examples surviving in Ireland, with original features such as canals, ponds, and geometric avenues still intact.

Garden Layout and Natural Features

The gardens are structured around four parallel lines running north through a wilderness of trees, with the Lime Avenue being a prominent feature. Water plays a central role, with the Long Canal, Oval Pond, and Yew Tree Pond creating serene reflections and focal points. The Deerpark Bridge, constructed from basalt rubble over 300 years ago, connects the gardens to the surrounding landscaped park and is named for the deer that once supplied venison to the castle household. The site also incorporates a Norman Motte, a raised earthwork from the 12th century, adding to the layered history of the landscape.

Modern Restoration and Visitor Facilities

A major restoration project completed in 2010 revitalized the gardens, restoring the Large Parterre herb garden and enhancing visitor amenities. Clotworthy House, a Dutch-style coach yard and stable block from the 1840s, now functions as a visitor centre housing exhibitions, workshops, and a café serving refreshments daily. The gardens also feature a sensory garden designed for visitors with autism, dementia, and other sensory needs, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity.

Seasonal Events and Community Engagement

Antrim Castle Gardens host a variety of events throughout the year, including the popular Enchanted Winter Garden during the holiday season, featuring festive lights, a Santa’s Grotto, and family-friendly attractions. The gardens provide outdoor event spaces suitable for weddings and performances, accommodating up to 10,000 people. Educational programmes linked to biodiversity and local history are offered through park rangers, engaging visitors of all ages.

Scenic Surroundings and Wildlife

Nestled on the banks of the Sixmilewater River, the gardens offer picturesque views of nearby landmarks such as Shane’s Castle and local church spires. The river and surrounding parkland provide habitat for diverse wildlife, while walking paths extend beyond the gardens along the riverbank towards Lough Neagh, Ireland’s largest freshwater lake. Two dedicated dog parks within the gardens cater to small and large dogs, emphasizing the gardens’ family-friendly and pet-friendly atmosphere.

Accessibility and Practical Information

Open year-round with free admission, Antrim Castle Gardens welcome visitors daily with extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The site is fully wheelchair accessible, with parking available onsite and nearby. Guided tours and group bookings are available by arrangement, and the café at Clotworthy House offers a comfortable spot to relax after exploring. The gardens’ blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and modern amenities make it an enriching destination for visitors seeking culture, tranquility, and scenic walks.

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