Glenarm Castle Gardens
The private family home of the Earl & Countess of Antrim with an historic Walled Garden.
Ballymena, County Antrim, BT44 0BQ
Facilities
- Accessible loos
- Accessible parking
- Bike storage facilities
- Cafe / restaurant
- Facilities for children
- Free parking
- Garden only
- Mostly wheelchair accessible
- Parkland / open spaces
- Picnic area
- Shop
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
The Walled Garden is set in the grounds of Glenarm Castle, the family home of Randal and Aurora McDonnell, the Earl and Countess of Antrim.
Originally created to supply the Castle with all of its fresh fruit and vegetables, it is now filled with exciting flowers and specimen plants to interest the keenest garden enthusiast.
There is lots for visitors to do while they are here. Plenty of beautiful scenery and enchanted walks to enjoy in both the garden and our new Woodland Walk. You can also visit our new Coach House Museum as well as The Antrim McDonnells Heritage Centre which tells the colourful history of the McDonnell family over the past 500 years.
There is excellent, locally sourced, food in our charming Tea Room as well as freshly made pizza in The `Pavilion, freshly made ice cream in The Milk Parlour, while The Potting Shed serves hot drinks and simple snacks.
We have e-bikes for hire for visitors wanting to explore the local area and for children we have Ireland’s first Mini Land Rover course (booking is advised).
Extensive retail and crafts include: The Castle Shop (plants, souvenirs & gifts), The Byre Shop (clothing and accessories), Past & Present (antiques), Shearer Ceramics and Causeway Aromatics. You can also book into a stonemasonry course at The Rock Stone Masonry School.
For visitors wanting to stay a bit longer, why not book one of our Ocean View Pods voted by the Irish Independent as one of Ireland’s 50 Best Places to Stay.
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.
Garden and tearoom: 17 March to 31 October, daily, 9am to 5pm, last admission 4.30pm.
Castle: Occasionally open for tours (not free): See their website for details.
Historic Houses members visit for free.
Walled Garden Admission:
Adult: £10.00 Concession: £8.50
Children (4-17): £5.00 Children under 4: Free
Walled garden admission includes admission to our new Woodland Walk, The Antrim McDonnell Heritage Centre and Coach House Museum. The Castle is occasionally open for guided tours by the Castle Butler and House Staff. 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.
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
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. The Castle is signposted from the town.
Enchanted walks around Glenarm Castle Gardens
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