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 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, 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.
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.
2025
Our season runs from 17th March to 2nd November 2025.
The Walled Garden & Woodland Walk is open every day between these dates from 10am – 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. Advance booking online is essential to guarantee your place on these exclusive 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
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 welcome@glenarmcastle.com 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 info@glenarmcastle.com 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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