Antrim Castle Gardens: A Must-See for Garden Lovers
I’ve always been a sucker for a good garden, so when I heard about Antrim Castle Gardens, I knew I had to check it out. Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Antrim Castle Gardens is a 400-year-old garden full of history and beauty.
The gardens feature various areas, each with its unique charm. The Large Parterre is a formal garden with geometric patterns of flowers and shrubs. Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden is a more informal garden with winding paths, flowers, and trees. And the Yew Tree Pond is a tranquil spot where you can relax and enjoy the peace.
I spent a few hours exploring the gardens and was impressed. The gardens are well-maintained, and the flowers bloom all year round. I also loved the fact that the greens are so peaceful and relaxing.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and historic garden to visit, I highly recommend Antrim Castle Gardens. It’s a great place to walk, relax, and enjoy the peace. It is also VERY close (a 10-minute drive) to Belfast International Airport, making it the perfect place to stop before your flight!
Car Parking
The address is Antrim Castle Gardens And Clotworthy House, Randalstown Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4LH.
You can follow the Google Maps directions to the car park here.
Here are some tips for parking at Antrim Castle Gardens:
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
- Park in the free car park at Castle Mall, just a 2-minute walk from the gardens.
- If the car park at Castle Mall is entire, park in any of the other free Town centre car parks.
- Be respectful of the residents and refrain from parking in residential areas.
History
Antrim Castle Gardens have a long and fascinating history. They were built in the 17th century by Sir Hugh Clotworthy, the first Viscount Massereene, a wealthy English merchant and politician. Sir Hugh was a keen gardener, and he designed the gardens in the style of an English Baroque garden, with formal parterres, fountains, and statues.
Sir John Clotworthy, the second Viscount Massereene, later expanded the gardens. Sir John was also a keen gardener, and he added several new features to the parks, including a Chinese Chippendale summerhouse, a Gothic folly, and a maze.
The gardens were severely damaged during the Irish Civil War in the 1920s, but they have since been restored to their former glory. Today, Antrim Castle Gardens is a popular tourist destination, and they are a beautiful example of a 17th-century English Baroque garden.
Areas to explore
The gardens feature various areas, each with its unique charm.
The Large Parterre is a formal garden with geometric patterns of flowers and shrubs. It is the oldest part of the gardens and one of the most popular attractions. I loved walking through the Large Parterre and admiring the beautiful flowers and shrubs. It was so peaceful and relaxing to be surrounded by nature.
Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden is a more informal garden with winding paths, flowers, and trees. Lady Clotworthy, the wife of Sir John Clotworthy, created it. I enjoyed exploring Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Yew Tree Pond is a tranquil spot where you can relax and enjoy the peace. Yew trees surround it, some of the gardens’ oldest trees. I sat by Yew Tree Pond for a while and enjoyed the quiet. It was a great way to end my day in the gardens.
The gardens also feature some other attractions, including:
Clotworthy House: A restored 18th-century house now houses a museum and art gallery. I enjoyed visiting Clotworthy House and learning about the history of the gardens.
The Oriel Gallery: A gallery that hosts temporary exhibitions of art and photography. I saw a fascinating collection of photography at The Oriel Gallery. It was a great way to see some of the local talent.
The Garden Coffee Shop: A cafe that serves food and drinks. I had a delicious lunch at The Garden Coffee Shop. It was the perfect way to refuel after a long day exploring the gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Antrim Castle Gardens?
Antrim Castle Gardens are open from 10 am to 5 pm weekly.
How much does it cost to enter Antrim Castle Gardens?
It is free to enter Antrim Castle Gardens.
What are some things to do near Antrim Castle Gardens?
There are many things to do near Antrim Castle Gardens, including:
Visit Lough Neagh: you can walk from the gardens and then enjoy a meal at the Boathouse or a coffee at the cafe. There’s plenty of parking here too.
Visit the Glens of Antrim: A scenic region of Northern Ireland home to waterfalls, forests, and mountains.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: A rope bridge that hangs 100 feet above the sea.
Visit the Giant’s Causeway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.
What are the transportation options to Antrim Castle Gardens?
Antrim Castle Gardens is located in the town of Antrim, Northern Ireland. The gardens are easily accessible by car, bus, or train.
What are some of the things to avoid when visiting Antrim Castle Gardens?
Avoid visiting the gardens during the peak season (June-August) when it can be very crowded.
Be respectful of the plants and flowers in the gardens.
What are some things to look out for when visiting Antrim Castle Gardens?
Look for the hidden benches and sculptures in the gardens.
Take a walk to the Italian Stair Tower and enjoy the views of the gardens.
Overall Thoughts
Antrim Castle Gardens is a beautiful and historic garden that is well worth a visit. The gardens feature various areas, each with its unique charm. Several other attractions, including Clotworthy House, The Oriel Gallery, and The Garden Coffee Shop, are also on-site.
I had a wonderful time exploring the gardens, and I highly recommend visiting if you are ever in Northern Ireland.
