Antrim: Gardens, History and Lough Neagh

If you’re looking for a hotel in Antrim, you can plan your stay around the themes that interest you most: garden culture, local history, nature or Lough Neagh. The attractions and activities offer different ways to explore these interests, from the 400-year-old Antrim Castle Gardens to the lakeshore and wet woodland themes around the lough.

Garden Culture and Family History

Antrim Castle Gardens are 400 years old. The gardens also contain the Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden. This means that a long-established garden area and a specially named garden feature are among the specific themes you can consider when planning a stay in Antrim.

The Garden Heritage Exhibition at Clotworthy House covers the history of the gardens and the Massereene family, and their connection with the development of Antrim and the surrounding area. The exhibition therefore focuses both on the gardens themselves and on the family’s connection with local and regional history. Access conditions may vary; check them before planning a visit.

Round Tower and Historical Connections

Antrim Round Tower was built around the 10th century as a bell tower. It commemorates Antrim’s ancient monastic settlement. These two connections are distinct: the approximate date refers to the tower’s construction as a bell tower, while its commemorative significance is linked to the older monastic settlement.

Those interested in history will find several different themes in Antrim that tell different stories. The exhibition at Clotworthy House is devoted to the gardens, the Massereene family and their connection with the development of the area; the round tower commemorates the monastic settlement. These different focuses can help you choose your visits based on what you’d like to explore further.

Lough Neagh and Rea’s Wood

Antrim Lough Shore Park is on the shores of Lough Neagh and includes an outdoor playground. Its lakeside setting and this facility are two specific features of the park. As facilities may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

Rea’s Wood is within the Lough Neagh Special Protection Area and is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The woodland is considered a priority wet woodland habitat because of its high biodiversity. On the lakeshore, the trees and shrub layer provide suitable nesting sites for breeding waterbirds; breeding activity is seasonal. Rea’s Wood is part of the Lough Neagh Special Protection Area, is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and is considered a priority wet woodland habitat with high biodiversity.

Exhibitions, Food and Water Activities

The Gateway offers another way to explore the Lough Neagh theme. The exhibition centre explains the lough’s influence on the past, present and future. In contrast, the Garden Heritage Exhibition at Clotworthy House focuses on the history of the gardens, the Massereene family and their connection with Antrim and the surrounding area. The two exhibitions therefore cover different historical and regional themes.

Manns Garden Kitchen in Antrim Castle Gardens focuses on homemade, locally sourced and fresh food. As menus and opening arrangements may change, it’s a good idea to check the current offering before your visit.

There is a clear rule for boats and canoes: they may only be launched into the Sixmilewater River via Slipway 1, the larger slipway near the Gateway Centre. Registration and safety requirements apply. If you’re planning a launch, take these requirements into account.

Gardens, history, nature and waterside activities offer different experiences in Antrim. When planning your stay, consider which of these themes matter to you; for the exhibition, Garden Kitchen and use of the slipway, be sure to check the relevant conditions.

Discover more destinations: Aldergrove, Newtownabbey, Carnlough, Dunadry, Cushendall, Ballymoney, Crumlin, Larne.

For the main travel overview: Antrim.