Things to do in Carnlough

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo by Jason Mark
Photo by Jason Mark

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Top places to visit

1. The Dark Hedges

The Stuart family, who wished to impress visitors to their home in the nearby Gracehill House, planted the beech trees here some 200 years ago. It is quite apparent from a visit here just how successful they were, as the Dark Hedges still astound visitors today.
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As if the undulating Irish countryside wasn’t magical enough, close to the town of Ballymoney you can treat yourself to a magical and mysterious moment with a visit to the Dark Hedges. This breathtaking avenue of gnarled beech trees lines the Bregagh Road close to the village of Armoy in County Antrim.

2. Glenarm Castle

Unquestionably one of the finest castles in Ireland, it was built in 1636 and forms part of a working estate that includes forests, an organic farm and the Glenarm River, well-stocked with fish. Breathtaking views of the estate and the sea can be enjoyed from the Mount in the gardens.
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The Earls of Antrim have called it home for 400 years and its spectacular walled garden is one of Ireland’s oldest, and at one time it was almost burned to the ground, it is said on account of a fire being kept permanently burning to warm up a featherless parrot. Glenarm Castle is truly one of a kind.

3. Glenariff Forest Park

Set in the valley of Glenariff, one of nine County Antrim glens and popularly known as the “Queen of the Glens”, the park is under half an hour’s drive from Ballymena and around an hour from Belfast. Some car parking is available for a small fee.
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If you love getting back to nature, then a visit to Glenariff Forest Park, which was formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, will not disappoint. This majestic park, covering over 1,000 hectares of mature woodland, conservation areas and shimmering lake, is immensely popular with walkers, horse-riders, caravanners and campers.

4. Carrickfergus Castle

The first castle at Carrickfergus was built in 1177 by John de Courcy, a Norman knight who became a mercenary for the King of Leinster and conquered large swathes of Ireland. De Courcy set up Carrickfergus as his headquarters and ruled until the English King John sent an army against him and laid siege to Carrickfergus.
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Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved castles in Northern Ireland and has withstood sieges and defended against invaders for more than 800 years. The imposing landmark dominates the shoreline in Lough Belfast, the inlet surrounding the city, making it impossible to ignore for anyone trying to attack Belfast.

5. Torr Head

Protruding from the northern coast of Ireland is the rugged headland of Torr Head. Follow the road around this headland to see rural Ireland and its dramatic coastline.
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Torr Head showing rocky coastline, tranquil scenes and landscape views

Popular places to visit

Image for Glenarm Castle

Glenarm Castle

5/5(2 reviews)

The Earls of Antrim have called it home for 400 years and its spectacular walled garden is one of Ireland’s oldest, and at one time it was almost burned to the ground, it is said on account of a fire being kept permanently burning to warm up a featherless parrot. Glenarm Castle is truly one of a kind.

Glenarm Castle
Image for Glenariff Forest Park

Glenariff Forest Park

4.5/5(15 reviews)

If you love getting back to nature, then a visit to Glenariff Forest Park, which was formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, will not disappoint. This majestic park, covering over 1,000 hectares of mature woodland, conservation areas and shimmering lake, is immensely popular with walkers, horse-riders, caravanners and campers.

Glenariff Forest Park
Image for Cushendun Beach

Cushendun Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Cushendun Beach during your travels in Cushendun? Discover the countryside while you're in the area.

Cushendun Beach
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Slemish Mountain

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Slemish Mountain during your travels in Ballymena. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Slemish Mountain
Image for Curfew Tower

Curfew Tower

Learn about the local history of Cushendall when you spend time at Curfew Tower. Wander the seaside in this quaint area.

Curfew Tower
Image for Cranny Falls

Cranny Falls

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Cranny Falls during your travels in Ballymena. While in this quaint area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Cranny Falls
Image for Red Bay Castle

Red Bay Castle

Learn about the local history of Cushendall when you take a trip to Red Bay Castle. Wander the seaside in this quaint area.

Red Bay Castle
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Millennium Riverside Walk

You can take time to visit Millennium Riverside Walk during your travels to Ballymena. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Millennium Riverside Walk
Image for Ossian's Grave

Ossian's Grave

Learn about the local history of Glenaan when you spend time at Ossian's Grave. While in this quaint area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Ossian's Grave
Ballymena

Ballymena

Glenarm

Glenarm