Glenarm Castle Gardens
The private family home of the Earl & Countess of Antrim with an historic Walled Garden.
Ballymena, County Antrim, BT44 0BQ
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Picnic area
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Shop
Where possible we make provisions to ensure the site is accessible for wheelchair, mobility scooter and buggy users. We have a number of wheelchair and buggy access points and dedicated parking areas for blue badge holders. Please note car parks and some paths within the grounds are gravel therefore wheelchairs and pushchairs may find it difficult. If you require additional assistance, please ask a member of staff. Disabled toilets are located in the Walled Garden and Tea Room.
There is level and step-free access to most outdoor areas and indoor venues. However should you need any further assistance, please ask a member of staff. Due to the historic nature of our site some areas within the Walled Garden and the Woodland Walk feature uneven terrain therefore suitable footwear should be worn.
At Glenarm Castle, we are committed to providing an accessible attraction for all and try to ensure everyone can enjoy their visit with us. If you have any questions, or to arrange any additional support for your visit, please email info@glenarmcastle.com or call us on 028 28841 203.
Enjoy your next day out at our award-winning estate! Our 18th century Walled Garden, crowned the 2023 Historic Houses Garden of the Year, is a must-see. Originally created to supply the castle with fresh produce, the garden has been lovingly restored over the last 20 years by Randal and Aurora McDonnell, the Earl and Countess of Antrim. Today it is a tranquil haven, bursting with vibrant colours that change with the seasons. Take a stroll into the calming green Woodland Walk above the garden, and bask in the panoramic views across the estate.
Explore the captivating tale of the Antrim McDonnell family in our Heritage Centre. With a lineage dating back over 2,000 years, the Antrim McDonnells are one of the oldest in these islands and have played a central role in shaping the famous North Antrim Coast we know today. Don’t miss the chance to admire a selection of Lord Antrim’s impressive vintage car collection in our Coach House Museum.
Round up your visit by savouring homemade delights from Ground at the Tea Room, mouthwatering gelato ice-cream in The Milk Parlour, delicious wood fired sourdough pizza from the Pizza Pavilion, or grab a fresh coffee and traybake to-go from the Potting Shed. For a touch of retail therapy, roam through The Castle Shop, The Byre, Shearer Ceramics, Causeway Aromatics and Past & Present. All shops are managed by welcoming and passionate locals, many of whom have personally handcrafted their products.
Embark on an exciting adventure with our Mini Land Rover Experience – a trailblazing off-road adventure that puts kids in the driver’s seat!
Elevate your adventure around these parts on one of our state of the art E-Bikes. Fully charged and powered, our E-Bikes are ideal for your next adventure discovering the local surroundings and hidden gems.
For those visitors that wish to stay a little longer, why not book one of our 4* Ocean View Pods. A quick dander from the estate, our pods boast breathtaking views across this beautiful seaside village.
We also host Castle Tours on selected dates throughout the season. Delve deep into the history of Glenarm Castle and listen to the tales of the estate brought to life by the family butler and house staff. Please check the Castle Tour page for specific opening times https://glenarmcastle.com/tours/.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
Our season runs from 17th March – 3rd November 2024.
The Walled Garden & Woodland Walk is open every day between these dates from 9am – 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm. Admission for our Walled Garden also grants you access to our Heritage Centre and Coach House Museum.
Castle Tours: The Castle is occasionally open for guided tours by the Castle Butler and House Staff throughout the season. Please check the Castle page for specific opening times https://glenarmcastle.com/tours/.
Our Welcome Centre/Castle Shop is open daily throughout the year 10am – 5pm.
The onsite Tearoom is open daily. Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm. During the season it usually opens 9am – 5pm everyday.
We have other onsite retailers and food outlets that open throughout the season however their hours can vary so for the most accurate up-to-date information it’s best to visit our website or contact us directly.
Walled Garden and Woodland Walk (Also includes admission to Heritage Centre and Coach House Museum):
Adult – £10.00
Youth (4-17) – £5.00
Children (0-3) – Free
Concession – £8.50
Glenarm Castle Member/Historic Houses Member/RHS Member – Free (Must show card/proof upon entry)
Castle Tours: The Castle is occasionally open for guided tours by the Castle Butler and House Staff throughout the season. Please check the Castle page for specific opening times.
Group Visits, with a minimum of 12 people, are welcome to the walled garden. We are also happy to arrange guided visits around the garden on request.
We also welcome groups, with a minimum of 20 people, to the Castle itself, subject to availability.
Please email welcome@glenarmcastle.com for prices and for further details.
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.
This exclusive tour begins by entering through the Barbican Gate. On arrival you will be warmly welcomed by the family Butler with a glass of champagne. The experience begins with a guided tour of the castle by the butler and visitors are given a rare chance to see the unique artefacts and hear about the castles intricate history.
Afterwards, indulge in a traditional afternoon tea in the elegance of Glenarm Castle’s dining room, expertly prepared for you by castle staff. Enjoy homemade scones, freshly prepared finger sandwiches and expertly crafted savoury and sweet delicacies, made using fresh, local produce such as our famous Glenarm Shorthorn Beef and Glenarm Organic Smoked Salmon. Savour this special dining experience, whilst listening to the wonderful stories and captivating tales from the family butler.
To finish the day, enjoy a stroll around the beautiful and historic Walled Garden. The price of this experience can vary so for more information please email info@glenarmcastle.com.
Where possible we make provisions to ensure the site is accessible for wheelchair, mobility scooter and buggy users. We have a number of wheelchair and buggy access points and dedicated parking areas for blue badge holders. Please note car parks and some paths within the grounds are gravel therefore wheelchairs and pushchairs may find it difficult. If you require additional assistance, please ask a member of staff. Disabled toilets are located in the Walled Garden and Tea Room.
There is level and step-free access to most outdoor areas and indoor venues. However should you need any further assistance, please ask a member of staff. Due to the historic nature of our site some areas within the Walled Garden and the Woodland Walk feature uneven terrain therefore suitable footwear should be worn.
At Glenarm Castle, we are committed to providing an accessible attraction for all and try to ensure everyone can enjoy their visit with us. If you have any questions, or to arrange any additional support for your visit, please email info@glenarmcastle.com or call us on 028 28841 203.
Getting here
Ballymena, County Antrim, BT44 0BQ
Driving
Please use the post code BT44 0BQ, when driving. If travelling from Belfast head north on the M2, then take the Antrim Coast Road from Larne to Glenarm. If travelling from Ballymena, head east towards Broughshane and follow the signs for Glenarm. The Castle is signposted from the village.
Enchanted walks around Glenarm Castle Gardens
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