Location: Larne
Top Things to do in Larne
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Top 10 Things to do in Larne, United Kingdom (UK)
Larne (from Irish: Latharna, the name of a Gaelic territory) is a seaport and industrial market town, as well as a civil parish, on the east coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, with a population of 18,323 people in the 2008 Estimate. The Larne Local Government District had a population of 32,180 in 2011. It has been used as a seaport for over 1,000 years, and is today a major passenger and freight roll-on roll-off port. Larne is twinned with Clover, South Carolina which has named one of its schools, Larne Elementary School, after Larne. Larne is administered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Together with the neighbouring district of Carrickfergus and part of Newtownabbey, it forms the East Antrim constituency for elections to the Westminster Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly. The civil parish is situated in the historic barony of Glenarm Upper.
Restaurants in Larne
1. Coast Road
Overall Ratings
5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By Hector7777 - Ballymena, United Kingdom
The Antrim coast road runs all the way from Belfast to Portrush on the North coast. That said the section from Belfast to Larne is not particularly interesting. The North Coast is stunning too, but that’s for another review.
Start your journey at Larne, it’s a ferry port with little of interest though there’s a few nice shops, and end it in Ballycastle, two days are needed to see the sights properly. Scenery is stunning and for most of the route the road hugs the coastline, sea on one side, glens on the other. At Waterfoot it’s well worth deviating up Glenarriff for the views. The more adventurous should come off the main road outside the National Trust village of Cushendun, well worth a stop off, then take the narrow but adequate road by Torr Head.
There are lots of stopping places and the Scottish coast is clearly visible. There’s plenty of eateries and watering holes en route, too many to mention here but the best include Ballygally Castle hotel for excellent accommodation and food, Glenarm village and the Castle, The Londonderry Arms in Carnlough, further on in the quaint little town of Cushendall (nice 9 hole golf club with meals and views) there’s Harry’s and Upstairs at Joe’s not to be missed. In Ballycastle the Marine Hotel serves up decent fayre, there’s great fish & chips and of course not to be missed Mauds ice cream (do try poor bears delight, an award winner and this reviewers favourite).
2. Carnfunnock Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Carnfunnock Country Park, near Larne, covers 191 hectares of mixed woodland, colourful Gardens, walking trails and spectacular coastline, with panoramic views of the Antrim Coast and North Channel.The walled garden with its unique sundials and wooden sculptures is open all year round along with a maritime themed outdoor adventure playground, golf driving range and academy, way-marked walks, orienteering course, geocaching, wildlife garden, public toilets and picnic sites. From March / April to October there are attractions to suit all ages: a maze in the shape of Northern Ireland, a family fun zone with miniature railway, bouncy castle, bungee run, remote control boats / trucks, bungee trampolines, WOW balls and 18 hole mini golf course; a children's activity centre with snack stop, face painting, outdoor games including putting,table tennis and draughts; a touring caravan park and camp site; 9 hole golf course; barbecue areas and a modern visitor centre with gift shop and coffee shop.
Reviewed By Ted K - Portland, Oregon
As Americans, we were not prepared for this all-in park experience--especially as a municipal attraction. While we as older walkers enjoyed the trails, Gardens, maze, sundials, wildlife, interpretive panels, and scenery, there was lots more for families. From the campground to the playground, the mini-carnival attractions, the food, and the gift shop, the expansive grounds had something for all ages. We especially enjoyed the mini-golf. The park is on a broad sloping hill overlooking the ocean, on the main highway between Larne and Ballygally. If the grown-ups are chasing Game of Thrones sites, they can give the kids a break here.
3. Gleno Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By Philip H - Larne, United Kingdom
Pick a time anytime and its a place for a walk with a climb giving arresting views. Hidden away which brings the joy of a scenic drive. Not an all day event. Popular with photographers. Not a place for flip flops!
4. P&O Ferries - Larne To Cairnryan
Overall Ratings
4 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By tomfitz46
Boarding and disembarkation were easy. Friendly and helpful staff. Clean ship. Facilities (food, drink, bathrooms) were very nice. Would use this ferry again.Good Evening and thank you for taking the time to submit this review. We are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed travelling with us and are looking forward to welcoming you on board again soon. Best regards, Nat P&O Ferries
5. Chaine Memorial Tower
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
We were at Chaine Tower, always an impressive sight, when the lady with me voted to see where the shoreline path to the north went to. We went around a few bends where the sea was lashing to one side, and tall impressive winter trees were silhouetted against the sky on the tall bank on the left. Signs were telling us about fossils in the rocks here and there. Eventually we found different paths and steps up to a park. it was Chaine Park, and there's a burial mound, surrounded by railings, and James Chaine himself is interred there, standing up in his yachting outfit. He has a view of the tower from up there, and the ships going out from the harbour he created. Excellent.
6. Larne Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
In the back gallery room was a show of aerial photography by a man called Steele. I was able to pick up a map for the Islandmagee Art Trail, which was very useful on that day. This place is well located, and the staff are friendly, which is vital. I always call in when I visit Larne.
7. Larne Museum & Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Built in 1905, this historic building opened its doors to the public in 1906 as the Carnegie Free Library following financial assistance from the American millionaire and philanthropist Mr Andrew Carnegie. The building is now home to Larne Museum & Arts Centre. The main gallery hosts permanent displays reflecting the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area. The temporary gallery plays host to a variety of temporary Exhibitions throughout the year. These can include in-house or touring Exhibitions and Exhibitions by local groups and individuals. The building is also home to Larne Drama Circle and Larne Art Club. A number of events are held throughout the year which can include family fun days, education programmes, musical evenings, storytelling, murder mysteries, art workshops and more.
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
Free entry. I enjoyed the two shows on in here today. The downstairs gallery had all sorts of documents, artifacts and paintings to do with local churches. Some of the illustrated calligraphy was astonishing, but a personal favourite were the affectionate cartoons of nuns by Sam McLarnon.
Do look at the woodwork and tiling of the staircase; this is a great old building. In the upstairs exhibition space was the final year art show from Larne Grammar School. Very impressive. I particularly liked Toshko Bletsov's acrylic painting "The Industry of Educating Me", and the mosaic / painting "The Garden Industry" by Katy Aston.
8. Tommy Workman Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Hanni_LR43 - Whitehead, United Kingdom
This shop sells pictures, but Tommy Workman is not only an artist himself, but also has all sorts of nick-nacks that he has invented himself. While we were there he was demonstrating his newest invention, which looked like forks and spoons balancing in the air on top of a feather, on top of a stick. A little boy passed by with his granny and sister, and it caught his attention. We were all delighted as Tommy demonstrated it moving around, while blowing it with a fan. The comedy Titanic relic and host of curiosities he has gathered from his travels around the world are a marvel. He's definitely a star attraction in Larne! He is also a picture framer, and is very good at it. The gallery has so many wonderful paintings from local artists. Certain days at the start of the week the gallery is closed, we were with him until 5pm on a Friday night.
9. Chaine Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
Found this place after walking north along a seashore path from the Chaine Tower. Around a few bends you find a very steep path that could take you up into the park. We passed that by, and took some shallower steps that were further around another bend in the cliffs. The sea walk is very scenic, with great tall trees on the hillside above you. Signs explained about fossils found in the rocks.
The park itself is extensive. The burial mound of James Chaine is in it, the park bears his name. He is buried, a sign claims, standing upright in his yachting clothes. He did a lot for the town of Larne, and the site overlooks both Chaine Tower, a monument to him, and the mouth of the harbour he helped create. The views of the tower, the sea, and Islandmagee are striking.
In January some stream-fed ponds were empty. There are park benches, trees, a big playground, and two four-sided bandstand-shaped roofed benches for rainy or windy days. There's an outdoor basketball court. Street lamps line the steep path back down to the coastal path, or you can exit the park onto the Glenarm Road. The park never closes, the exits are not fenced.
10. The Town Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Lovely park close to the town centre. A great place to take the children. The park has a fantastic winding path that leads down to the sea which the locals call the snake The views are amazing looking out to Scotland. There is also public tennis courts and a fantastic playpark.
Reviewed By OssianLtd - Bonnie Scotland
Missing the collies, and wanting some exercise, so I wandered up to the park and had an enjoyable 1.2 hour around the circular path and then along the sea front. Quiet and peaceful
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