Attractions and places to see around Lurgan West include a variety of historic landmarks, expansive parks, and natural features centered around Lough Neagh, Ireland's largest lake. The area offers opportunities to explore significant architectural sites and serene natural landscapes. Visitors can find a blend of cultural heritage and outdoor recreation within easy reach. The region is characterized by its historical depth and its connection to the natural environment.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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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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You can visit several significant historical sites. Explore the 400-year-old gardens and historical buildings at Antrim Castle Gardens. Another impressive site is Antrim Round Tower, a 10th-century monastic bell tower that stands 28 meters tall. In Lurgan town itself, you can find Brownlow House, often called 'Lurgan Castle', and the historic Shankill Church and Graveyard.
Yes, the area is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy scenic walking along the shores of Ireland's largest lake at Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim. Lurgan Park is the second-largest urban park in Ireland, featuring a large lake and walking paths. Oxford Island Nature Reserve, also on Lough Neagh, offers walking trails and bird hides. Randalstown Forest provides a 430-acre mixed conifer forest with walking routes and a deer park.
The region offers various outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. You can find numerous routes, such as the easy 'Antrim Castle Gardens β Antrim Castle Ruins loop' or the 'Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim β Lough Neagh Shoreline loop'. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Lurgan West or the road cycling routes.
Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families. Antrim Castle Gardens offers extensive grounds to explore. Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim provides gentle walks by the water. Lurgan Park is ideal for children with its open spaces and lake. Tannaghmore Gardens & Animal Farm is another great option, featuring gardens, a maze, and an animal farm.
For stunning views, head to Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim, which offers gorgeous vantage points to appreciate Ireland's largest lake. Randalstown Forest also has viewpoints within its natural setting. Additionally, the Craigavon Lakes area provides scenic green spaces.
There are several easy walking options. The 'Antrim Castle Gardens β Antrim Castle Ruins loop' is an easy 5.5 km hike. Another gentle path is the 'Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim β Lough Neagh Shoreline loop', which is about 5 km. You can find more easy routes in the easy hikes guide for Lurgan West.
Yes, you can visit The Protector of the Lough, an eight-meter-tall statue of the mythological giant Finn McCool standing guard at Antrim Marina. This sculpture celebrates the local folklore surrounding Lough Neagh.
Yes, The Protector of the Lough statue is noted as wheelchair accessible. Many of the parks and nature reserves, such as Lurgan Park and Oxford Island, also offer accessible paths, though it's always advisable to check specific trail conditions.
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth of sites like Antrim Castle Gardens, with its 400-year-old features and the story of the Massereene family. The serene beauty and vastness of Lough Neagh, as seen from spots like Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim, are also highly valued. The impressive architecture of Antrim Round Tower also leaves a lasting impression.
Yes, Lurgan Town Centre is notable for its wide main street, Market Street, and features sculptures related to the famous greyhound 'Master McGrath' and the town's linen heritage. You can find more detailed information about Lurgan's townscape heritage and a town trail from resources like lurgantownscapeheritage.com or the Lurgan Town Trail PDF.
Yes, the area offers several cycling routes. You can find easy road cycling routes such as the 'View of Lough Shore loop from Antrim' (approx. 49 km) or the 'Antrim Castle Ruins β Antrim Castle Gardens loop from Ballytresna' (approx. 31 km). For a comprehensive list, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Lurgan West guide.


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