The North Antrim Coast is a beautiful part of Northern Ireland that’s perfect for a holiday. With stunning landscapes like the Giant’s Causeway and the Glens of Antrim, there’s so much to see and do. You can explore ancient castles, visit charming villages, and experience the local arts and crafts scene.
Right in the middle of this lovely area is the Barbican Gatelodge in Glenarm, Co. Antrim. It’s a hidden gem that’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The Barbican Gatelodge is a unique and picturesque place to stay, conserved and restored by Irish Landmark Trust. It’s a great base for exploring all the amazing things the North Antrim Coast has to offer. Whether you want to go hiking, learn about the area’s history, or just relax in the peaceful surroundings of Glenarm, this charming property is the ideal spot for a memorable 7-night break in one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful destinations.
Brief History
The Barbican Gatelodge, built in the early 19th century, has a fascinating history tied to the McDonnell family, the Earls of Antrim. After the sixth Earl’s death in 1791, the estate was divided between his three daughters, with the eldest, Anne Catherine, becoming the Countess of Antrim.
In 1817, Anne Catherine married Edmund Phelps, who took the surname McDonnell and encouraged her to focus on the Glenarm estate. In 1823, Edmund commissioned architect William Morrison to transform the entrance gate into the “Barbican,” a mediaeval-style fortification with towers, walkways, and a coat of arms.
Using local basalt and red sandstone, Morrison created a striking and romantic structure that stands as a testament to the era’s architectural prowess. Although Anne Catherine and Edmund had no children, the estate passed to her sister Charlotte’s descendants, leaving the Barbican Gatelodge as a remarkable glimpse into the property’s fascinating past.
Day 1: Glenarm Castle
On day one of your stay at the Barbican Gatelodge, take the opportunity to explore the beautiful Glenarm Estate, right at your doorstep. The estate offers a variety of activities and attractions for all ages.
Start by strolling through the walled garden, admiring the colourful flowers and plants. Then, take a tour of the historic Glenarm Castle and visit the Coach House museum to see the impressive collection of vintage vehicles and memorabilia.
For lunch, enjoy a delicious meal at the estate’s charming tea room, which serves locally sourced ingredients and traditional Irish dishes. Don’t forget to save room for a treat from the Milk Parlour, where you can sample freshly made gelato in various flavours.
If you’re travelling with children, they’ll love the mini Land Rover experience, where they can drive a scaled-down version of the iconic vehicle around a purpose-built course.
Day 2: E-bike Tour
The Glens of Antrim and North Antrim Coast are amongst the most beautiful on the island of Ireland. You could explore this stunning area on an E-bike, which is an ideal and sustainable mode of transport. Whether you prefer coastal routes or countryside trails, an E-bike allows you to cover more ground while still enjoying the breathtaking scenery at a relaxed pace.
Glenarm Castle (onsite) offers E-bike hire, making it easy for you to embark on your adventure. You can book your E-bike rental directly through the Glenarm Castle website.
Some popular routes to consider include:
- The Antrim Coast Road offers stunning views of the seaside and the famous Glens of Antrim.
- The Glenarm to Carnlough route takes you through picturesque villages and along the coast.
- The Glenariff Forest Park trail allows you to explore the beautiful waterfalls and woodland areas of the park.
Remember to pack some snacks, water, and suncream, and wear comfortable clothing and a helmet for your safety. Enjoy your eco-friendly exploration of the Antrim Coast and Glens!
Day 3: Walking Tour & Boat Tour
Start your day with a fascinating guided walking tour that delves into the history of Glenarm Castle and the surrounding area. The tour, which lasts approximately 2 hours, is led by Dalriada Legends, a local tour company. After the walk, head to the Glenarm Castle Welcome Centre for a delicious lunch at the Tea Room or treat yourself to a refreshing ice cream at the Milk Parlour. For more information about the walking tour, contact Dalriada Legends directly through their Facebook page.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat tour at Carnlough Bay, just a 5-minute drive from the Barbican Gatelodge. Carnlough Bay Boat Tours offer a unique perspective of the stunning coastline and the opportunity to spot local wildlife. For more information and to book your tour visit the website.
While in Carnlough, take a short walk to the picturesque Carnlough Waterfalls, also known as Cranny Falls. This beautiful spot is perfect for a peaceful stroll and some memorable photos.
Alternatively, you could visit the hidden village of Galboly, a 15-minute drive from Glenarm. This fascinating historical site offers a glimpse into rural life in Ireland’s past.
For those feeling energetic, consider climbing Slemish Mountain, located a 20-minute drive from Glenarm. This mountain is known as the legendary first home of St. Patrick in Ireland. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Day 4: Giants Causeway Day Trip
Get ready for an exciting day trip to the Giants Causeway, just a 1-hour drive from Glenarm. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its stunning rock formations and breathtaking coastal views.
Start your visit at the Giants Causeway Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the history and geology of this unique place. Guided tours leave from the Visitor Centre throughout the day, giving you the chance to discover more about the site’s fascinating past and the formation of the iconic basalt columns. During your visit, make sure to check out the Giant’s Boot and the Wishing Chair, two of the Causeway’s most popular features.
If you want to save money and help the environment, consider arriving at the Giants Causeway by public transport, bicycle, or on foot. By doing so, you’ll save £2 on adult admission, £1.25 on child admission, and £4 on family admission. Just show your proof of green travel at the Admissions Point, and remember to pre-book to ensure availability.
For a more in-depth experience, join the guided 5-mile Clifftop Experience Walk. This walk starts daily at 12:15 pm with a Rambler bus ride from the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre to Dunseverick Castle. From there, you’ll walk along the clifftops back to the Giants Causeway, enjoying amazing views of the coastline along the way. The Clifftop Experience takes around 3½ hours to complete.
No matter how you choose to explore the Giants Causeway, this incredible destination will leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip to Northern Ireland.
Day 5: Glenariff Forest Park
Prepare for a day of natural wonder and breathtaking scenery as you visit Glenariff Forest Park, just a 30-minute drive from Glenarm. Known as the “Queen of the Glens,” Glenariff is considered the most beautiful of the nine Antrim Glens, and it’s easy to see why.
The park offers an array of stunning landscapes, from lush forests and rolling hills to tranquil riverside walks and three magnificent waterfalls. The waterfalls are a must-see attraction, cascading down the rugged cliffs and creating a mesmerising display of natural beauty.
One of the best ways to explore Glenariff Forest Park is by taking one of the many hiking trails that wind through the forest. These trails range from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes, catering to visitors of all fitness levels. As you walk, keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna that call the park home, including rare species of plants and animals.
For those interested in the park’s history, the Glenariff Forest Park Visitor Centre offers insights into the area’s natural and cultural heritage. You can also enjoy a picnic in the designated areas or simply take in the views from one of the many scenic viewpoints scattered throughout the park.
To learn more about Glenariff Forest Park and plan your visit, check out the official website.
Day 6: Stone Carving Course at Glenarm Castle
If you’re looking for a unique and hands-on experience, consider signing up for a stone carving course at Glenarm Castle. This full-day workshop runs from 9 am to 3 pm and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn a new skill while immersing yourself in the beautiful surroundings of the castle grounds.
The stone carving courses are open to everyone, regardless of previous experience. However, it’s important to note that the classes involve manual labour and require participants to traverse uneven, hilly terrain to reach the workshop location. Make sure you’re prepared for a physically engaging day and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
During the workshop, you’ll learn the basics of stone carving techniques from experienced instructors. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own unique piece of stone art, which you can take home as a memorable souvenir of your time at Glenarm Castle.
For more information about the stone carving courses, including dates, prices, and what to expect, please visit the official website. It’s recommended to book your spot in advance to ensure availability.
Day 7: Causeway Coast Foodie Tour
A must-do is the Causeway Coast Foodie Tour, the perfect way to discover the delicious flavours and local specialities of the region. These exceptional tours are designed to showcase the best of what the area has to offer, from fresh seafood and artisanal cheeses to craft beverages and traditional dishes.
Causeway Coast Foodie Tours offers a variety of tour options, each focusing on different aspects of the local food scene. Whether you’re interested in visiting small-scale producers, sampling the catch of the day, or exploring the vibrant food culture of the Causeway Coast, there’s a tour to suit your tastes.
Some of the available tours include:
- Catch and Sea: A unique experience that combines a fishing trip with a seafood feast.
- Tasting Trails: A walking tour that takes you through charming coastal towns, stopping at local eateries and food producers along the way.
- Meet the Makers: An opportunity to visit and learn from artisanal food and drink producers in the area.
To learn more about the specific tours, their duration, and pricing, as well as to book your spot, visit the Causeway Coast Foodie Tours website. It’s recommended to book in advance to ensure availability, as these popular tours can fill up quickly.
Where to Eat in the Area
Locally there are limited options for dining in Glenarm, but there are excellent options in the surrounding area.
- Enjoy a delightful meal or afternoon tea at the charming Tearooms located within Glenarm Castle. Be sure to check their opening hours before visiting. They also have a pizza truck and the Milk parlour.
- Dine In at the Barbican with Hara at Home. If you’re staying at The Barbican Gatelodge, you can take advantage of the premium meal delivery service offered by Irish Landmark Trust in partnership with Hara at Home, a Co. Down-based food company. Simply visit the Shop Hara website to browse the menu and place your order for the desired date. Please note that deliveries only take place on Fridays.
- The Barbican is also fully equipped for self catering so you can choose to buy some nice local produce and cook for yourself.
- Nearby Restaurants and Eateries: The Causeway Coastal Route is home to a wide variety of fantastic restaurants, cafes, and pubs. From fresh seafood and traditional Irish fare to international cuisines and cosy coffee shops, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. For a comprehensive list of places to eat near Glenarm head here.
Some notable restaurants and eateries in the area include:
- The Londonderry Arms Hotel Restaurant (Carnlough)
- Harry’s Shack (Portstewart)
- The French Rooms (Bushmills)
- Tartine at The Distillers Arms (Bushmills)
- The Red Door Tea Room (Ballintoy)
When to Visit
The Barbican Gatelodge in Glenarm is a wonderful destination all year round. While the Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival in May is a particularly lovely time to visit, you’ll be charmed by the property and the area no matter when you go.
When booking your stay at the Barbican Gatelodge or any other Irish Landmark Trust property, keep in mind that the longer you stay, the more affordable the nightly rate becomes. With so much to see and do in the area, it’s well worth considering extending your visit by an extra night or two to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the Causeway Coast. To book your stay visit at Barbican Gatelodge.
Please note that these suggestions are meant to help you plan your trip and are based on information available as of Spring 2024. Always check individual websites for the most up-to-date opening times and booking details before finalising your itinerary.
