Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
1–8 Aug 2027 · Belfast
The world's largest celebration of Irish traditional music returns to Belfast for a second year. Competitions by day, and a session in every pub by night.
Antrim
The town keeps its county business around Market Square and the old courthouse, with castle gardens and woodland walks running down to the water. It stands on the Six Mile Water at the north-east shore of Lough Neagh.
Best sites to see in Antrim
Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House
Formal historic gardens beside the Six Mile Water, with a long canal, parterres and woodland walks on the site of Antrim Castle. Clotworthy House in the grounds hosts exhibitions and a visitor centre.
Antrim Lough Shore Park
A park on the north-east shore of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in Ireland, with a marina, walks and open views across the lough.
The Steeple Round Tower
A well-preserved early medieval round tower in parkland near the town centre, one of the surviving monastic towers of its kind in the north.
Antrim Old Courthouse, Market Square
The historic courthouse building in Market Square, at the centre of the old county town, now used for arts and community events.
Where to stand, and when
- Lough Shore Park shoreline: Come near sunset for low light across Lough Neagh and silhouettes of moored boats at the marina.
- The Long Canal in Antrim Castle Gardens: Photograph early in the morning for calm reflections in the canal and softer light on the formal planting.
- The Round Tower from the surrounding parkland: Use the open grass and trees to frame the full height of the tower, best in morning or late-afternoon light.
Antrim through history
Antrim is the county town of County Antrim and stands on the Six Mile Water close to where it enters Lough Neagh.
The Battle of Antrim was fought in the town on 7 June 1798 during the United Irishmen rebellion.
Antrim Castle, built for the Clotworthy family in the 17th century, was destroyed by fire in 1922; its gardens survive and have been restored.
The round tower known as the Steeple is a remnant of an early medieval monastic site at Antrim.
Practical tips
- The main sights are an easy walk apart, so see the gardens, tower and lough shore on foot.
- Use the car parks at Lough Shore Park or the town centre rather than parking on narrow residential streets.
- Allow extra time for the Castle Gardens, as the walks along the Six Mile Water extend well beyond the formal parterres.