Top Things to do in County Antrim
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What to do and see in County Antrim, Northern Ireland: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in County Antrim, United Kingdom including Sentry Hill Historic House, Blackhead Path, Broughshane Environment Waterfowl & Wildlife Trust, Ulster Aviation Society, Andrew Jackson Centre, Dunluce Castle, Flame! The Gasworks Museum of Ireland, Murlough Bay and Fair Head, White Park Bay, Rathlin Island.
Restaurants in County Antrim
1. Sentry Hill Historic House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Sentry Hill is a 19th century Victorian farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The contents of this historic house in Northern Ireland provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sentry Hill was the home of the McKinney family, who came to Ireland from Scotland in the early 1700s. Remarkably the contents of the house have survived almost intact. Family furniture, books, paintings, personal diaries, letters, photographs and souvenirs from trips abroad all help to tell the story of the McKinney's, recording life at Sentry Hill and its surrounding areas. Over the years many guests have been warmly received at Sentry Hill by the McKinney family. The last of the family may now be gone but their welcome remains and the door is now open for you. The venue is a popular place to see in Co Antrim, especially during European Heritage Open Days. You can dander down the path through the sheltering trees and step inside the snug old farmhouse. As you cross this threshold you will stand where the past shakes hands with the present. Sentry Hill offers an entertaining day out to visitors of all ages with facilities including guided tours, attractive gardens, a cafe, gift shop and picnic area.
Reviewed By L5303WFjimd
A hidden history gem and a great wet weather plan this venue is a time capsule of artefacts well worth A small detour of the beaten track to visit very impressed
2. Blackhead Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
The Black Head Path has reopened again after a couple of years being shut for repairs. Its free. You drive down Old Castle Road to use the car park on the sea front in Whitehead (another road, McRae’s Brae, turns into a private road and is not suitable at all). I was surprised to see something new from the path. It happened very quickly; some big, silvery fish, very close to shore, leaping straight up out of the water. Happened twice, in different places. People tell me it may have been sea trout. The weather was rainy, and I did not care. This is a great coastal walk whatever the weather or month of the year. The new wooden railings on the upper path look great. I went back on a sunnier day, and saw lizards. With the path being closed I’d not seen any for years. Out to sea three Archer Class Royal Navy ships were powering into Belfast Lough. You never know what you’re going to see. Returning here is such a good experience. Blackhead Path Preservation Society were the group of private citizens who got together to successfully lobby to get the path restored. The money came from Mid & East Antrim Council, while the work was done by contractors F.P. McCann and ProNet the cliff netting specialists. Good job, many thanks.
3. Broughshane Environment Waterfowl & Wildlife Trust
4. Ulster Aviation Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 317 reviews
WHO ARE WE? A charitable society that is a diverse group of enthusiasts, working on a voluntary basis to further public education in the history of aviation. WHAT AIRCRAFT DO WE HAVE? Our heritage collection currently includes 41+ aircraft, ranging from vintage WWII fighters through Cold War era fast jets, Shorts designed & built aircraft, civilian aircraft, plus military helicopters, engines, artefacts and rare aviation reference materials, all with strong links to aviation within the island of Ireland. Our aircraft are housed within an ex-WWII hangar at Maze Long Kesh, outside Lisburn (on the site of the old prison). • Charitable association of Aviation Enthusiasts • Over 680+ members, including Europe & USA Ulster Aviation Society is a charitable association. N. Ireland. Charity No. NIC 100128. NI Charity Commission Registered. Associate member of Northern Ireland Museums’ Council
Reviewed By BoardingPass162734
Amazing collection, with a very knowledgeable and friendly staff and great opportunities for volunteers (young and old), to high-light this gem of a collection. I thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there and wish I was closer, as I'd be there volunteering too. Keep coming back as there is always something new and interesting to see - and the standard of restoration is top notch and a credit to high calibre of the team there, and giving youngsters many opportunities to help out and build those all important life skills. Please pass the word around and support this wonderful charity.and visit it soon.
5. Andrew Jackson Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By 765noelb
Excellent tour and facilities,Shean the curator was a mind of knowledge and made us very welcome.both American rangers and Andrew Jackson center are together and well worth the visit when visiting carrickfergus.
6. Dunluce Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,607 reviews
Reviewed By TheIrishtourguide - Belfast, United Kingdom
Great place to stroll and just to soak up the history of one of Ireland’s great castles ,hear stories from , C.s.lewis , yo the game of thrones , led zeppelin and Sorley boy McDonnell .. take your time 30 mins is enough. But take 40 mins
7. Flame! The Gasworks Museum of Ireland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Carrickfergus boasts Ireland's sole surviving coal gasworks and is one of only three left in the British Isles.It opened in 1855 and supplied the town with gas for over 100 years. It stopped making gas in 1967 and finally closed in 1987.It is now fully restored and open to the public.Come along and have a guided tour where you will see how gas was made from coal in Europe's largest surviving set of retorts. You'll also get a great view from the top of the gasholder! Marvel at how gas was used for light, heat and power. Our opening hours are May to Aug inc: Daily except Saturdays 2-5pm September: Monday to Friday 2-5pmWe can open at any time outside these hours for advanced bookings, which can be made either by email or telephone.A hidden gem in the heart of Carrickfergus illuminating town gas's unique role in the development of urban areas.
Reviewed By stephenrJ8515DH
Really interesting place, great tour guides, even had information on the old gas works from my home town, loved the tour from start to finnish.
8. Murlough Bay and Fair Head
9. White Park Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By R2423XJdavee
Beautiful place, stunning scenery. Visited 2019,will definitely be going back to this lovely part of Ireland.
10. Rathlin Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Between Ballycastle and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland, Raithlin Island is eight miles long and barely one mile wide.
Reviewed By ciaragn - Belfast, United Kingdom
We stayed a night on the beautiful Rathlin Island in mid-May 2019. We chose to stay with Rathlin Glamping Pods. We would highly recommend Rathlin Glamping Pods for anyone thinking of staying the night on the island. The Pods are a short five minute walk from the Harbour and can hold up to four people. The Pods are extremely well equipped for a short stay. There is a double bed and a large pull-out sofa bed - both beds were comfortable. There is a small ensuite with an excellent shower. The kitchenette is well stocked with cutlery, plates, cups, pans, etc. There is also a small fridge, kettle, microwave and single ring electric hob. The information booklet provided was useful and informative. Overall, the clean and tidy Pods contain everything you need for a comfortable stay. The hostess, a lady named Nicola, was extremely courteous and friendly. Nicola kindly met us, in her pick- up truck, upon our arrival at the Harbour and brought our heavy bags to the Pods for us. She also brought our bags back to the Harbour for our return Ferry journey. The cherry on top of the Rathlin Glamping Pods experience has to be Nicola’s adorable golden retriever, Murphy, who is often found hanging around the Pods. Rathlin is a must-see for any Northern Irish person, or for any guest to Northern Ireland. Extraordinary wildlife, centuries of history, stunning scenery and the friendliness of islanders’ all combines to make this rugged island off the north coast of Ireland a true gem of the archipelago of the British Isles. We recommend a trip to The RSPB Centre, to catch a glimpse of Rathlin’s most famous inhabitants - the colony of Puffins. Other seabirds, such as Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Razorbills are also there to see. Binoculars are provided. Visit the RSPB Centre between early-May and late-July for the best chance of seeing the seabirds. The RSPB Centre is accessible by taking the Puffin Bus, driven by a hilarious driver who doubles as a tour guide named Dennis. Thanks for having us, Rathlin. Ciara & Kathryn.
