Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House

Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House are hidden gems waiting to be explored. Filled with botanical beauty and heritage, you will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. The stunning features include the magnificent 17th Century Anglo Dutch style canals, ponds and avenues, a 12th Century motte; Victorian Pleasure Garden, Large Parterre Gardens and the Platinum Jubilee Clockwork Garden. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene family. It provides a fantastic opportunity to come and learn about garden history how the lives of the key family members intertwine with the development of Antrim town and the surrounding areas. The light filled Oriel Gallery plays host to a range of stunning exhibitions throughout the year.

For added entertainment, make use of the Time Travel Trails app which provides a GPS enabled map and impressive augmented reality portals to the past. Discover the myths, legends and rich history of these unique 400 year old gardens, unearthing hidden stories of the captivating characters who lived here through the centuries.

The Time Travel Trails app helps you explore this wonderful location via a circular route of approximately 1.7km.  

For an extended walk, cross the Deerpark Bridge and follow the banks of the Six Mile Water River along to the shores of Lough Neagh – the largest fresh water lake on the island of Ireland.  

A Sensory Garden is also available for children and adults with autism, dementia and other sensory needs.  It features 2m pathways for easy access, sensory shrubs planted on raised beds as well as play equipment including wind chimes, stepping logs, balance beams, musical instruments and mirrors to stimulate the senses. Perfectly positioned benches also help its visitors to relax and admire the views of the garden.

For full details of the accessibility features, see Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House | AccessAble

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Opening times

The gardens are always open except for the Large Parterre which will be closed on the dates and times below.
Closed 1 January, 12 July, 25 & 26 December.

Starting 01/01/2024
Finishing 31/12/2024
Monday: Open from 09:30 to 17:00
Tuesday: Open from 09:30 to 17:00
Wednesday: Open from 09:30 to 17:00
Thursday: Open from 09:30 to 17:00
Friday: Open from 09:30 to 17:00
Saturday: Open from 10:00 to 17:00
Sunday: Open from 10:00 to 17:00
BankHoliday: Open

Starting 01/01/2025
Finishing 31/12/2025
Monday: Open from 09:30 to 17:00
Tuesday: Open from 09:30 to 17:00
Wednesday: Open from 09:30 to 17:00
Thursday: Open from 09:30 to 17:00
Friday: Open from 09:30 to 17:00
Saturday: Open from 10:00 to 17:00
Sunday: Open from 10:00 to 17:00
BankHoliday: Open

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Location Description

Outside Antrim town centre, off A26 on A6.

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Directions from Town

There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue. The nearest train station is Antrim (0.8mile).

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Getting to the start by car

Antrim Castle Gardens is located on the Randalstown Road, Antrim, approximately a 30 minute drive from Belfast via the M2. The entrance is signposted for traffic approaching from both directions.