Antrim Castle Gardens to Lough Neagh Walk

The Antrim Castle Gardens to Lough Neagh Walk is a pretty laid back adventure that will expose you to some beautiful views and interesting historical sites; however, entrance to the site is free, making it a popular choice for a wide variety of walkers. If you want to secure a parking space and enjoy the beauty of the area in some form of solitude, you will want to arrive early. Additionally, dogs are welcome on site, but you will need to ensure that they are on a lead at all times.

Even though it is a busy destination for tourists and locals alike, the Antrim Castle Gardens to Lough Neagh is a fantastic walk if you are looking to spend a few hours outdoors. Fascinating historical ruins, well-maintained gardens, and charming lakeside views await this quick adventure that will be fun for the entire family.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will head to the southwest and cross over the Six Mile Water River, keeping right along the path to follow along the winding banks of the river for 0.7mi. Head to the left here to pass by the playground and meet up with the road, following it to the right in order to arrive at the shores of Lough Neagh. Take some time to appreciate the natural beauty of this large inland lake, as you make your way to the southeast along the water’s edge for the next 1.2mi.

After passing through a serene stretch of woodland terrain, you will meet up with a lane and follow it to the left in order to arrive at Dublin Road. Turning left, you will follow the road to the north, crossing back over Six Mile Water River to once again arrive back at the Antrim Castle Gardens.

Turn left here to make your way through the grounds, first passing by the spiral Antrim Motte, before making your way north through the trees. After walking along the edge of a lengthy pond, you will head west and cross over a small bridge, following the path to the southwest in order to further explore the grounds. After passing by the remaining buildings of the estate and Clotworthy House, you will make your way south along the edge of the gardens to return to the trailhead having completed the Antrim Castle Gardens to Lough Neagh Walk.

Trail Highlights

Antrim Castle

Also known as Masserene Castle, Antrim Castle was an estate that began construction in the early 1600s and was built in stages throughout that century. It was the original home of English settler Sir Hugh Clotworthyu, whose son carried out the later improvements of the estate. Antrim Castle was destroyed in a fire in 1922 and was demolished during the 1970s, with the gatehouses and an Italian stair tower serving as the only remaining buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Antrim Castle?

Antrim Castle was destroyed in a fire in 1922 and the remaining structures were demolished in the 1970s. Only the gatehouse, Italian stair tower, and a grass platform remain.

Are dogs allowed in the Antrim Castle Gardens?

Dogs are permitted in the Antrim Castle Gardens, provided that they remain on a lead at all times.