Visit one of Ireland’s most stunning gardens less than an hour from Belfast

Almost one year on from winning the prestigious Historic Houses Garden of the Year award, Glenarm Castle & Garden has been celebrating this special time, with international visitors coming to experience the beauty that one of Ireland's most idyllic settings has to offer.

Situated on the North Antrim Coast in the village of Glenarm, Glenarm Castle & Garden forms part of one of Northern Ireland’s oldest estates and is home to the McDonnell Family, Earls of Antrim.

The Glenarm Castle & Garden team has worked tirelessly to ensure their 200-year-old garden continue to flourish, cementing their position as the first garden in Northern Ireland to win this National Award.

In 2023, the Walled Garden was crowned the Historic Houses Garden of the Year. Dating from the early 19th century, the garden was originally created to provide the castle household with fresh produce.

Over the past twenty years, it has been carefully restored by Lord and Lady Antrim.

Today, the garden includes new ornamental plantings by Catherine Fitzgerald, along with exciting and unique new architectural, sculptural as well as water features. With its incomparable setting by the sea, the Walled Garden will enchant visitors with its charm and horticultural spectacle.

Since 2000 the garden, which had fallen into a state of disrepair, has been completely restored and replanted. Highlights include its vibrant herbaceous borders; rose and shrub borders, a decorative vegetable garden interspersed with cutting flowers and 6 ornamental garden rooms which echo the original productive purpose of the Walled Garden in Victorian times, containing decorative plantings.

These include a Pear Garden, Medlar Garden, Apple Orchard and Cherry Garden as well as a Mount from which one can see over the whole garden and the sea and glen beyond.

You can explore further into the tranquil Woodland Walk and take in panoramic views across the estate.

2024 has seen the garden and woodland walk welcome well-behaved dogs on leads, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.

Glenarm Castle & Garden offers something for everyone to enjoy. From its rich history told in the Heritage Centre and Coach House Museum to fabulous local retail and crafts. Indulge in delicious food such as wood-fired pizza, homemade gelato ice cream, and afternoon tea at our charming tearoom.

For children, The Mini Land Rover Experience provides an exciting off-road adventure, and our latest residents, Lemon and Lime the Valais Blacknose Sheep, capture everyone’s attention. Coming soon is a new dog park, a safe and enclosed space for dogs to stretch their legs with some fun obstacles.

Glenarm Castle offers exclusive tours on select dates throughout the year, providing a fascinating glimpse into its history and heritage. These guided tours allow you to immerse yourself in the rich stories and architectural beauty of Glenarm Castle, enhancing your visit with a deeper understanding of its historical significance.

Throughout the year, Glenarm Castle & Garden host a variety of popular events. The annual Tulip Festival over the first May Bank Holiday Weekend marks the beginning of the season, welcoming garden enthusiasts to admire beautiful and bright tulip displays. There are several smaller summer events, markets, themed days and a thrilling Halloween Experience.

However, most famous is the Glenarm Castle Christmas Experience, which has become a firm seasonal fixture and is loved by families across NI.

Speaking about the Estate, Lady Antrim said: “We are thrilled by all the support we’ve had from our visitors, especially those who voted and helped us to win the Garden of the Year Award.

“We’ll be celebrating with Historic Houses and Christie’s, who sponsor the award, when we unveil our winner’s plaque in September. After a challenging start to the season, with wet weather delaying our opening by 6 weeks, we’re delighted that so many people, both young and old, have been coming to see the garden in this very special corner of Northern Ireland.”

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