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Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House

Explore 400 years of heritage, water gardens, and unique revolving trees in the tranquil beauty of Antrim Castle Gardens.

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Antrim Castle Gardens, located in Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a beautifully restored 400-year-old historical garden featuring Anglo-Dutch water gardens, Victorian Pleasure Garden, and unique attractions like the Clockwork Garden with revolving trees. The site includes Clotworthy House, a visitor centre with exhibitions and a café. Open year-round with free admission, the gardens offer scenic walks, heritage landmarks, and tranquil natural beauty along the Sixmilewater River.

A brief summary to Site of Antrim Castle

  • 21B Market Square, Antrim, BT41 4AW, GB
  • +443001234568
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit Clotworthy House for exhibitions and enjoy refreshments at the café open daily.
  • Explore the Clockwork Garden to see the unique revolving trees that twirl to music.
  • Take a walk across the historic Deerpark Bridge and along the Sixmilewater River for scenic views.
  • Parking is free onsite, but limited; nearby parking options are also available.
  • The gardens are fully wheelchair accessible with free admission year-round.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Belfast to Antrim Castle Gardens takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes via the M2 motorway. Free parking is available onsite but limited, so arriving early is recommended. No tolls apply.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Belfast to Antrim town with a journey time of about 50 to 70 minutes. From the town centre, the gardens are a 15-minute walk. Bus fares typically range from £3 to £6 one way.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Belfast city centre to Antrim Castle Gardens takes around 30 minutes, costing approximately £30 to £40. This option offers direct and flexible travel but is more expensive than public transport.

  • Walking

    Within Antrim town, walking to the gardens is easy on paved paths, suitable for wheelchair users, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes from central locations.

Site of Antrim Castle location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Heritage and Historical Legacy

Antrim Castle Gardens trace their origins back over 400 years, originally laid out around Antrim Castle, which was constructed between 1613 and 1622. Although the castle itself was destroyed by fire in 1922 and demolished in the 1970s, the gardens remain a rare surviving example of late 17th-century Anglo-Dutch water gardens, one of only two genuine examples in Ireland. The site also features remnants such as a 19th-century Italianate stair tower and the Barbican Gate Lodge, preserving the historical character of the estate.

Garden Design and Features

The gardens are designed around geometric lines and water features, including long canals, an oval pond, and a yew tree pond set within a wilderness of trees and avenues. The Large Parterre, originally a 17th-century herb garden, was restored in 1991. Visitors can also explore the Victorian Pleasure Garden and the Clockwork Garden, famous for its revolving trees that twirl to music, creating a whimsical experience. The Deerpark Bridge, built from basalt rubble over 300 years ago, connects the gardens to the surrounding parkland and is a picturesque highlight.

Clotworthy House and Visitor Facilities

Clotworthy House, a Dutch-style coach yard and stable block built in the 1840s, now serves as the visitor centre. It houses exhibitions detailing the gardens’ history and offers amenities such as a coffee shop serving refreshments daily. The house also provides spaces for workshops, conferences, and events, enhancing the cultural and community role of the gardens.

Natural Setting and Wildlife

Set along the banks of the Sixmilewater River, the gardens provide a tranquil natural environment with scenic views towards local landmarks like Shane’s Castle and nearby churches. The site incorporates a 12th-century Norman motte and offers extensive walking paths, including routes along the river to Lough Neagh, Ireland’s largest freshwater lake. The gardens also feature sensory areas designed for visitors with autism, dementia, and other sensory needs.

Community and Events

Antrim Castle Gardens are a vibrant community hub hosting seasonal events such as the Enchanted Winter Garden with festive lights and Santa’s Grotto. The gardens are fully wheelchair accessible and welcome visitors year-round, with free admission and parking available. Guided tours and educational programmes are offered, making it a valuable cultural and recreational resource.

Visitor Experience and Atmosphere

Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls through historic landscapes, relax in the café, or engage with the gardens’ unique features like the clockwork trees. The blend of heritage, horticulture, and natural beauty creates a memorable experience that appeals to families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

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