Name: Glenarm Castle
Rating: 5.0

Glenarm Castle

2 Castle Ln, Glenarm, Ballymena BT44 0BQ, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Glenarm Castle has been the ancestral seat of the McDonnell family, Earls of Antrim since it was first built by Randal, 1st Earl of Antrim in the 17th century. In July 2021, the 14th Earl of Antrim, Alexander, sadly passed away. Lord Antrim had an illustrious career as Keeper of Conservation for the Tate Gallery in London. For many years he was the proud custodian of Glenarm Castle.

You can explore with Castle Tours, Walled Garden, Woodland Walk, The Antrim McDonnell Heritage Centre, The Coach House Museum, Mini Land Rover Experience, Glenarm Castle Dog Park, Afternoon Tea at the Castle, Walking Tours and much more.

If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Castle Tours: Join us during the 2025 season at Glenarm Castle, the ancestral home of the McDonnell family, Earls of Antrim. The castle is first and foremost the private family home of the Earl and Countess of Antrim and their family but they are delighted to welcome visitors to Glenarm Castle for guided tours on selected dates throughout the year.
Walled Garden: Explore our Walled Garden, you’ll discover something new. From the vibrant bulbs and blossoms in the springtime to the extensive array of peonies and exquisitely fragrant roses in May and June. As late summer transitions into early autumn, the herbaceous borders will look their brightest and boldest, filled with striking and diverse displays of exciting flowers and other specimen plants.
Woodland Walk: Woodland Walk provides the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs on the Glenarm Estate. Enter through the top of the Walled Garden and enjoy this peaceful haven for red squirrels, robins, rabbits, and a whole host of other birds and wildlife.
The Antrim McDonnell Heritage Centre: In our Heritage Centre, you can discover the rollercoaster story of the Earls of Antrim full of adventure and intrigue, from the time when John Mor MacDonnell (Eoin Mor Mac Domnhaill) first arrived in Glenarm from Scotland in the 14th century, to the tumultuous wars of the 16th and 17th centuries when the family was based at Dunluce Castle, to the present day.
The Coach House Museum: Until the early 20th century, Glenarm Castle’s horses and ponies were used for the family and the estate’s every transport need. The 5th Earl of Antrim also kept a string of racehorses at Glenarm, training them on purpose-built gallops.
Mini Land Rover Experience: Let the kids take control of the driving seat and book a slot in one of the first off-road Mini Land Rover adventure courses in Northern Ireland. The driving course is specifically designed for the Mini Land Rovers, creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Dog Park: Thrilled to announce the opening of our new Dog Park here at Glenarm Castle, following a fantastic first dog-friendly season where we welcomed dogs on leads in our Walled Garden and Woodland Walk.
Afternoon Tea: Experience an afternoon tea like no other in the ancestral home of the McDonnell family and one of Northern Ireland’s most historic family houses, Glenarm Castle.
Walking Tours: Discover the historical links of the McDonnell Family, Earls of Antrim and the local Glenarm Village. The Walking Tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Finish off at Glenarm Castle Welcome Centre and grab some lunch at the Tea Room or an ice-cream at the Milk Parlour. Continue on with a guided tour of the Castle or a leisurely walk around the Walled Garden.

Facilities

What to see

Events:

Halloween at Glenarm Castle: Saturday 25th – Monday 27th October, 4pm – 10pm. Step into the shadows of the castle’s past – where its workers never truly left. This Halloween, the grounds of Glenarm Castle transform into a world of spine-chilling fun for all ages. Wander through the estate and uncover the castle’s darkest secrets – every corner hides a story, and every shadow hides someone waiting to meet you.
Christmas At Glenarm Castle: 1st - 15th December. After 𝟐𝟎 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 of the Glenarm Castle Christmas Experience we are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter – 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞. For over two decades, Glenarm Castle has been at the heart of creating high-quality, much-loved family events, and this year we are 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://glenarmcastle.com/upcoming-events/

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Membership:

Standard Membership: £35.00 covers 1 adult and up to 2 children (aged 12 and under).
Family Membership: £60.00 covers 2 adults and up to 4 children (aged 12 and under).

For more information please visit: https://glenarmcastle.com/become-a-member/

Pricing URL: https://glenarmcastle.com/book-tickets/