Attractions and Places To See around Muckamore - Top 5

You can visit the impressive Antrim Round Tower, a 10th-century bell tower known as The Steeple, which is one of the finest of its kind in Ireland. Additionally, the ruins of Muckamore Priory, an Augustinian Priory founded before 1283, are located in Muckamore, though currently under state care for future excavation. The 400-year-old Antrim Castle Gardens also offer a rich historical experience.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Antrim Castle Gardens are a great option with plenty to explore. You can also enjoy scenic walks along the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim. For more active fun, consider places like Castlewood Tree Top Adventure or Laganvale Farm Pumpkin Days in the wider Antrim area.

Muckamore offers several natural spots for walks. You can explore Randalstown Forest, a 430-acre mixed conifer forest with walking routes and a deer park. Muckamore Forest (Rea's Wood) is another small woodland on the northeastern shoreline of Lough Neagh, recognized for its high biodiversity. The Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim also provides scenic walking paths.

The Antrim Round Tower, locally known as The Steeple, is an impressive 10th-century bell tower. It stands 28 meters tall and serves as a significant reminder of Antrim's ancient monastic settlement, which was established around the 6th century.

Yes, The Protector of the Lough sculpture at Antrim Marina is noted as wheelchair accessible. When planning your visit, it's always a good idea to check specific accessibility details for other locations.

Muckamore Forest, also known as Rea's Wood, is a small woodland located on the northeastern shoreline of Lough Neagh. It is part of the Lough Neagh Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation, recognized for its high biodiversity as a primary wet woodland habitat. The alder and willow scrub provide important nesting opportunities for water birds. You can find more information about it on the nidirect.gov.uk website.

Beyond walking, you can explore various cycling routes. For touring bicycle options, check out the Cycling around Muckamore guide, which includes routes like the 'Antrim to Kells loop'. If you prefer road cycling, the Road Cycling Routes around Muckamore guide offers options such as the 'Divis Mountain & Antrim Castle loop'.

Absolutely! The Hiking around Muckamore guide features several trails. Popular options include the 'Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop' and a route connecting The Protector of the Lough to Antrim Castle Gardens.

The Protector of the Lough is an eight-meter-tall sculpture located at Antrim Marina. Created by Spanish artist Casto Solan, it depicts the mythological giant Finn McCool and celebrates the local folklore associated with Lough Neagh.

Antrim Castle Gardens are a unique historical gem in Northern Ireland, featuring 400-year-old designs. You can explore beautiful areas like the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden, and Yew Tree Pond. Within the gardens, Clotworthy House offers a visitor experience with an exhibition on the history of the gardens and the Massereene family.

Muckamore Priory is the site of an Augustinian Priory founded before 1283, on the location of an even earlier church. It originally began as a monastery in the late 6th century. While the field is currently used as pasture with no visible remains, the site is under state care for future excavation and display. You can learn more about its heritage on the communities-ni.gov.uk website.

Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic walking paths along the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim. These paths offer gorgeous vantage points to appreciate Lough Neagh, which holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland.