Antrim Coast & Castles

This family-friendly route connects County Antrim's most impressive castles, from Norman strongholds to romantic ruins perched on dramatic clifftops. Perfect for history lovers and families with children.

Why This Route?

Antrim's castles tell 800 years of Irish history:

• Norman conquest - Early fortifications from the 12th century
• Clan warfare - MacDonnell strongholds along the coast
• Plantation era - Fortified manor houses
• Romantic ruins - Victorian-era appreciation of picturesque decay

Where to Stay

This compact 65-kilometre castle trail runs the length of the Antrim coast from Carrickfergus to Portrush, making it an easy day trip. Ballycastle is a well-placed base near the northern end of the route, sitting between the clifftop ruins of Kinbane and the romantic silhouette of Dunluce, with Portrush just a short hop further west.

Ballycastle

This pleasant seaside town gives you a head start on the coast road castles. Kinbane's dramatic headland ruin is fifteen minutes away, Dunserverick and Dunluce are both within a half-hour drive, and you can work Carrickfergus into the morning or afternoon leg. Ballycastle also serves as a gateway to Rathlin Island if you want to extend your trip, and has good pubs and fish-and-chip shops for the evening.

The Castles

Carrickfergus Castle

Start with Northern Ireland's best-preserved Norman castle. Built in 1177, this imposing fortress guards Belfast Lough and has witnessed sieges, royalty, and centuries of history. Allow 1-2 hours for the excellent visitor experience.

Glenarm Castle

While the castle itself is private (home to the Earl of Antrim), the stunning Walled Garden is open to visitors from May to September. The estate village is charming.

Kinbane Castle

A dramatic clifftop ruin on a narrow headland. Built by the MacDonnells in 1547, it's now a striking silhouette against the sea. Steep steps lead down - not suitable for mobility-impaired visitors.

Dunluce Castle

The star of the route - romantic ruins perched impossibly on basalt cliffs. Once the seat of the MacDonnell clan, part of the kitchen famously fell into the sea during a storm in 1639. A must-see, and Game of Thrones filming location.

Dunserverick Castle

Minimal but atmospheric ruins at the eastern end of the Causeway Coast. Legend says St Patrick visited the fort that once stood here.

The Route

From Belfast

Head north on the A2 to Carrickfergus (30 minutes). After exploring the castle, continue north through Larne.

Coast Road Section

The A2 coast road is scenic throughout. Stop at viewpoints overlooking Scotland on clear days.

Inland Option

For variety, return via the A26 through Ballymena, passing near Slemish Mountain where St Patrick herded sheep as a slave.

Family Tips

• Carrickfergus has the best facilities for children with interactive displays
• Dunluce has unprotected cliff edges - supervise children carefully
• Kinbane involves 100+ steep steps - not suitable for pushchairs
• Glenarm Walled Garden is excellent for picnics
• Portrush (near Dunluce) has arcades and ice cream for rewards

Practical Information

Opening Hours

• Carrickfergus Castle - Daily, year-round (check seasonal hours)
• Glenarm Walled Garden - May-September
• Dunluce Castle - Daily, year-round
• Kinbane & Dunserverick - Open access (free)

Costs

• Carrickfergus and Dunluce charge admission
• Glenarm Garden has an entrance fee
• Kinbane and Dunserverick are free

Combining Routes

This route combines perfectly with the Causeway Coastal Route - Dunluce is just 3 miles from the Giant's Causeway.

Before You Drive This Route

The Antrim Coast & Castles is 119km and about 2.5 hours of driving, though 1 day is the honest figure once you factor in the stops. Visitors who have never driven on the left should start with driving on the left in Ireland; the Irish roundabout rules guide covers the other thing that catches people out. This one is entirely in Northern Ireland, so there are no tolls and distances are signed in miles rather than kilometres; the Irish toll roads guide covers the border crossing if you are driving up from the Republic. Travelling with children, our family road trip guide has the stops and timings that keep a day like this civil. Automatic or manual is the decision that catches most visitors out — manual versus automatic has the honest answer for Irish roads. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Antrim page, and the Causeway Coastal Route pairs naturally with this one.