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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Easily accessible without car
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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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Pet friendly
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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 [email protected] 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 families in these islands and have played a central role in shaping the famous North Antrim Coast as 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, The Dribbly Yak, 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! Don’t forget to visit our Valais Blacknose Sheep, the fluffiest new residents of Glenarm can be found just beside the Mini Land Rover Experience.
We’re also delighted to have opened the Glenarm Castle Dog park, a 4-acre secure area for your four-legged friends to run free, practice essential skills, and train on our agility equipment.
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.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times and Visitor Information for Glenarm Castle and Estate
Glenarm Castle and its estate offer a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times, conditions, and offerings:
Main Attractions and Their Opening Times
- Walled Garden, Woodland Walk, and Heritage Centre: Open from 17th March to 1st November annually, 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4:15pm). Closed from November to February inclusive.
- Welcome Centre & Castle Shop: Open daily from 10am to 5pm.
- Tea Room: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- The Milk Parlour: Open Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 5pm. Closed Monday to Friday.
- The Potting Shed: Open daily from 10am to 4pm.
- Pizza Pavilion: Open Friday 5pm to 9pm, Saturday 12pm to 9pm, and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Closed Monday to Thursday.
- The Dribbly Yak Company: Open Monday 10am to 5pm, and Thursday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Shearer Ceramics: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Past & Present: Open Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm. Closed Monday to Friday.
- The Byre: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
- Cherie Craig Art: Open by appointment only from November 2025 to March 2026.
- Ivy & Gold: Scheduled to open in Spring 2026.
Special Experiences and Group Visits
- Guided Tours of Glenarm Castle: Available on select dates from 17th March to 1st November. February tours are available on specific dates (e.g., 14th, 21st, and 22nd February). Advance booking is essential.
- Farm to Fork Tasting Experience: Available year-round for groups of 20 or more. Includes a tasting of Glenarm Estate produce and an optional guided tour of the castle.
- Afternoon Tea & Tales: Available year-round for groups of 6 to 18. Includes a guided tour of the castle and afternoon tea in the dining room.
- Private Dining in the Coach House: Available year-round for groups of 30 or more.
- School Visits: Available year-round, offering educational tours of the Walled Garden and Woodland Walk.
Ticket Information
- Adult: £10.00
- Concession (60+ and students): £8.50
- Junior (12-17): £5.00
- Child (0-11): Free
- Glenarm Castle Members, Historic Houses Members, and RHS Members: Free
Tickets include access to the Walled Garden, Woodland Walk, and Heritage Centre. Additional attractions such as the Tea Room and retail outlets do not require a ticket.
Additional Notes
Parking is available for 100 cars, with designated spaces for coaches and accessible parking. An EV charging point is also available.
For further details or to book group visits, contact the Welcome Centre at 028 2884 1203 or email [email protected].
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
Family entrance (1 adult + 3 children)- £17.50
Family Entrance (2 adults + 2 children)- £25.00
Glenarm Castle Member/Historic Houses Member/RHS Member – Free (Must show card/proof upon entry)
Castle Tours: Please check the Castle page on our website for the most up to date information on pricing and available dates.
We are happy to accommodate large, small, and private groups and can tailor the experience to suit your needs. Whether it’s for a quick refreshment stop, or want to combine the castle & garden tours for a full day experience we can provide you with a comprehensive booking pack & prices.
Please email [email protected] for prices and for further details.
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 [email protected] or call us on 028 28841 203.
Getting here
Ballymena, County Antrim, BT44 0BQ
If travelling from Belfast head north on the M2, then take the Causeway Coastal Route 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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