Attractions and Places To See around Kilbegs - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see around Kilbegs include a mix of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural landmarks. Located near Lough Neagh, the region offers opportunities to explore ancient heritage and scenic views. Visitors can discover 400-year-old gardens, impressive monastic towers, and tranquil forest trails. The area provides diverse attractions for those interested in history and outdoor exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Kilbegs
- The most popular attractions is Antrim Castle Gardens, a historical site thatβ¦
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Antrim Castle Gardens
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Walk into the past as you stroll β¦
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Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim
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Antrim Round Tower
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Randalstown Forest
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Within the deer enclosure, there is the opportunity to quietly observe up β¦
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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 Antrimβs 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 Ladyshipβs 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 kind of attractions can I expect to find around Kilbegs?
Around Kilbegs, you'll discover a mix of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural landmarks. These include 400-year-old gardens, impressive monastic towers, tranquil forest trails, and scenic viewpoints along Ireland's largest lake.
What historical sites are there to explore near Kilbegs?
You can visit the magnificent Antrim Castle Gardens, which feature 400-year-old gardens and the refurbished Clotworthy House. Another significant historical site is the Antrim Round Tower, a 28-meter-tall 10th-century bell tower from an ancient monastic settlement.
Are there natural beauty spots or viewpoints around Kilbegs?
Yes, the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim offers scenic walking paths and vantage points to enjoy Ireland's largest lake. You can also explore Randalstown Forest, a 430-acre mixed conifer forest with walking routes and nature reserves on the shores of Lough Neagh.
Are there family-friendly activities available around Kilbegs?
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.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in the Kilbegs area?
The Protector of the Lough statue at Antrim Marina is noted as wheelchair accessible. It's an eight-meter-tall sculpture depicting the mythological giant Finn McCool.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
You can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking and road cycling. There are numerous routes available, such as the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop for hiking, or the Divis Mountain & Antrim Castle loop for road cycling. For more details on routes, check the hiking guide or the road cycling guide for Kilbegs.
Are there hiking trails near these attractions?
Yes, there are several hiking trails. For example, you can explore the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop (easy, 7.1 km) or the Antrim Castle Gardens β Antrim Castle Ruins loop (easy, 5.5 km). For a wider selection of trails, including easy options, refer to the hiking guide around Kilbegs.
What wildlife might I encounter on trails around Kilbegs?
In Randalstown Forest, you have the opportunity to quietly observe up to 25 resident fallow deer within its deer enclosure. The forest also contains an owl conservation center and two small adjacent nature reserves.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Kilbegs?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth of places like Antrim Castle Gardens, noting its unique 400-year-old features. The scenic walking paths along the Lough Neagh Shore are also highly enjoyed for their beautiful vantage points.
Is there parking available at the main attractions?
While specific parking details for each attraction are not provided, major sites like Antrim Castle Gardens and areas around Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim typically offer visitor parking facilities. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
What is the best time to visit the attractions around Kilbegs?
The best time to visit outdoor attractions like Antrim Castle Gardens and the Lough Neagh Shore is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer, allowing for more comfortable exploration of gardens and trails.
Can I find information about the history of the Antrim Castle Gardens?
Yes, within the heart of Antrim Castle Gardens, the refurbished Clotworthy House offers a unique visitor experience. Here, you can explore the Garden Heritage Exhibition, which details the history of the gardens and the story of the Massereene family, who played a key role in the development of Antrim town.
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