Glenarm Castle & Walled Garden


Since 1750, Glenarm has been the family seat of the McDonnell family, earls of Antrim; it's currently the home of Lord and Lady Dunluce. The castle itself is closed to the public – except during the Tulip Festival on the May bank-holiday weekend, and during the Dalriada Festival in July – but you can visit the lovely walled garden and take a walk around the estate along the castle trail. Admission is free for children under 12.

The estate's organic farm is renowned for its Glenarm shorthorn beef; the smokehouse produces organic smoked salmon. Both are sold at the Glenarm Castle Tea Room & Shop.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Glenariff Forest Park

8.02 MILES

At the head of the Glenariff Valley is Glenariff Forest Park, where the main attraction is Ess-na-Larach Waterfall, an 800m walk from the visitor centre…

2. Slemish Mountain

8.29 MILES

The skyline to the east of Ballymena is dominated by the distinctive craggy peak of Slemish (438m). The hill is one of many sites in the North associated…

3. Curfew Tower

8.88 MILES

The unusual red sandstone Curfew Tower at the central crossroads was built in 1817 and based on a building the landowner had seen in China. It was…

4. Layd Old Church

9.34 MILES

From the car park beside the beach (follow the golf-club signs), a coastal path leads 1km north to the picturesque ruins of Layd Old Church, with views…

5. Ecos Nature Park

13.9 MILES

Built as an interpretative centre designed to increase awareness of environmental issues and alternative energy sources, the impressive Ecos Centre…

6. Braid

14.58 MILES

Ballymena's museum is housed in a dramatic modern building that is also home to the town hall, tourist office and arts centre. Interesting exhibitions…

7. Whitehead Railway Museum

17.57 MILES

There is plenty to see at this interesting museum run by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, an organisation set up to preserve and repair steam…

8. Andrew Jackson Centre

18.32 MILES

The seventh US president's parents left Carrickfergus in the 18th century. His ancestral home was demolished in 1860, but a replica thatched cottage now…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "northern-ireland/glenarm/attractions/glenarm-castle-walled-garden/a/poi-sig/1179214/1300381",
      "position": "superzone"
    }