Antrim Lough Shore Park and The Gateway

Situated on the shores of Lough Neagh, Antrim Lough Shore Park is an area steeped in natural beauty, with an outdoor play park, caravan park and The Gateway Exhibition Centre to explore.

The attractive surroundings make it the ideal spot to spend a few hours enjoying a picnic, feeding the swans or walking along the many pathways. The Six Mile Water River path leads to Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House, one of the most unique and historically intact gardens in the UK and Ireland.

The Gateway

The Gateway is a state-of-the-art visitor centre with an exciting exhibition space, a restaurant and is also home to Lough Neagh Rescue. 

Discover the story of Finn McCool and enjoy panoramic views across Lough Neagh. The exhibition space also tells the story of the Lough and its influence on our past, present, and future. Accessible amenities are available in the building from 8:00am – 8:00pm.

The Boathouse Restaurant and Café

The Boathouse is a modern restaurant located in The Gateway and run by Sean and Geraldine McLaughlin. The menu showcases the very best of seafood from our local waters, meats and produce from Northern Irish farms and drinks from local breweries and beyond. The restaurant offers a range of traditional and street food options for all the family.

Below the restaurant, The Boathouse Café serves freshly brewed coffee, tasty snacks, sweet treats, sundaes, and even pup cups for your four-legged walking companions.

The Joyce

Anchored at The Gateway, you will also find The Joyce - a refurbished World War II vessel. The Joyce operated on Lough Neagh from 1943 as a retrieval boat, used during test firing of torpedoes. The torpedoes were made at Massereene, the site of a former Army barracks that still stands today.  

The Protector of the Lough

At one of the viewpoints over the Lough, you’ll find the Protector of the Lough statue, towering over the shore at six metres high. The majestic statue was designed by the Spanish sculptor Casto Solano. Depicting the legendary Finn McCool, the sculpture is made of stainless steel ribbons which gently move with the wind, helping to create the illusion that the giant is in the act of throwing a rock towards his rival, Benandonner.

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Opening times

Gateway Exhibition Centre
1 October to 31 March: 12noon - 5pm
1 April to 30 September: 10am - 5pm

Facilities at the Gateway Building
8am to 8pm

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Getting to the start by car

Directions from Town:One mile from Antrim Town Centre. Follow signposting for Antrim Forum/Lough Shore Park. On the Dublin Road take the turn off for the Lough Road, passing Antrim Forum. The Lough Shore Park is situated at the end of the Lough Road.

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Price from £

Free