Attractions and Places To See around Irishtown - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see around Irishtown offer a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural monuments. This area features ancient gardens, impressive historical towers, and scenic lake views. Visitors can explore a variety of outdoor spaces, from tranquil forest trails to the shores of Ireland's largest lake. The region provides opportunities to discover local history and enjoy diverse outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Irishtown
- The most popular attractions is Antrim Castle Gardens,…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Antrim Castle Gardens
Highlight • Historical Site
Walk into the past as you stroll …
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Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim
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Antrim Round Tower
Highlight • Historical Site
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Randalstown Forest
Highlight • Natural
Within the deer enclosure, there is the opportunity to quietly observe up …
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The Protector of the Lough
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The Round Tower is an impressive reminder of Antrim's ancient monastic settlement. Built around the 10th century as the monastery's bell tower, it is known locally as The Steeple. It stands 28 meters tall. The monastic site was burned down in 1147.
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The Protector of the Lough statue shows the mythological giant Finn McCool standing guard at Antrim Marina on the shores of Lough Neagh. It's an eight-metre-tall sculpture created by Spanish artist Casto Solan to celebrate the local folklore of the Lough.
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A 430 acre mixed conifer forest that contains an owl conservation centre, deer park and several walking routes. Within the deer enclosure, there is the opportunity to quietly observe up to 25 resident fallow deer. There are also two small adjacent nature reserves at the forest edge on the shores of Lough Neagh.
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The Round Tower is an impressive reminder of Antrim’s ancient monastic settlement. It was built around the 10th century as a bell-tower as part of the Early Christain monastery and is known locally as The Steeple. It is 28 metres tall and is one of the finest of its kind in Ireland. The monastic site was burned in 1147.
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Antrim Castle Gardens are an absolute historical gem. You will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Walk into the past as you stroll around this magnificent setting, visiting beautiful features such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene family. It provides a fantastic opportunity to come and learn about garden history how the lives of the key family members intertwine with the development of Antrim town and the surrounding areas.
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Scenic section of walking along the shore of Lough Neagh from Antrim. The lough holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and this footpath gifts you with some gorgeous vantage points to enjoy it from.
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Castle gardens including various buildings and ruins on the river. Plenty to look at and explore in the gardens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Irishtown?
You can explore several historical sites, including the 400-year-old Antrim Castle Gardens, which offer a unique visitor experience within the refurbished Clotworthy House. Another significant site is the Antrim Round Tower, an impressive 28-meter-tall bell tower built around the 10th century, reminding visitors of Antrim's ancient monastic settlement.
Are there opportunities for hiking near Irishtown?
Yes, there are various hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes like the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop or the Antrim Castle Gardens – Antrim Castle Ruins loop. For more options, explore the hiking guide around Irishtown.
What natural attractions can I explore around Irishtown?
The area offers beautiful natural spots such as the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim, providing scenic walking paths along Ireland's largest lake. You can also visit Randalstown Forest, a 430-acre mixed conifer forest with walking routes, an owl conservation center, and a deer park.
Are there family-friendly activities around Irishtown?
Many attractions are suitable for families. Antrim Castle Gardens, Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim, Antrim Round Tower, and Randalstown Forest are all categorized as family-friendly, offering diverse experiences from historical exploration to nature walks.
Can I find cycling routes near Irishtown attractions?
Absolutely. There are several cycling routes available, ranging from moderate to difficult. Examples include the Antrim to Kells loop or longer routes like Antrim to Slemish Mountain. You can find more details and routes in the cycling guide around Irishtown.
Is there anything unique or mythological to see?
Yes, you can visit The Protector of the Lough statue at Antrim Marina. This eight-meter-tall sculpture depicts the mythological giant Finn McCool, celebrating the local folklore of Lough Neagh.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Irishtown?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth of places like Antrim Castle Gardens, with its 400-year-old features and the story of the Massereene family. The scenic views along the Lough Neagh Shore and the impressive ancient architecture of the Antrim Round Tower are also highly valued.
Are there any wheelchair accessible paths or attractions?
The Protector of the Lough statue is noted as wheelchair accessible. For other attractions, it's advisable to check specific accessibility details directly with the venue.
Where can I go for a walk in a forest near Irishtown?
You can visit Randalstown Forest, a 430-acre mixed conifer forest that offers several walking routes. It also features an owl conservation center and a deer park for wildlife observation.
Can I find easy walking trails around Irishtown?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. For example, the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop and the Antrim Castle Gardens – Antrim Castle Ruins loop are both considered easy. You can find more options in the easy hikes guide around Irishtown.
What kind of wildlife can I spot in the area?
At Randalstown Forest, you have the opportunity to quietly observe up to 25 resident fallow deer within its deer enclosure. The forest also has an owl conservation center and two small adjacent nature reserves on the shores of Lough Neagh, suggesting diverse birdlife and other local fauna.
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