Best attractions and places to see around Ballealy North include a mix of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural monuments within County Antrim. This region offers diverse opportunities for exploration, from ancient gardens to the shores of Ireland's largest lake. Visitors can discover significant landmarks and serene natural areas, providing a range of experiences.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Highlight β’ Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight β’ Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight β’ Historical Site
Translated by Google β’
Tip by
Highlight β’ Trail
Tip by
Highlight β’ Natural
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Ballealy North.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
2
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
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.
1
0
Enjoy a scenic section of running along the shoreline of Lough Neagh . The path is made of gravel and entirely flat making it perfect jogging material. The lough itself holds the title of the largest lake in Ireland and supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's water!
2
0
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.
3
0
Castle gardens including various buildings and ruins on the river. Plenty to look at and explore in the gardens.
2
0
You can delve into history at Antrim Castle Gardens, a 400-year-old site featuring the refurbished Clotworthy House and various historical garden features like the Large Parterre. Another significant historical landmark is the Antrim Round Tower, a 28-meter tall 10th-century bell tower, which is a fine example of Ireland's ancient monastic settlements.
Yes, the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim offers scenic walking paths along the edge of Ireland's largest lake, providing beautiful vantage points. Additionally, Randalstown Forest is a 430-acre mixed conifer forest with walking routes and views, including two small nature reserves at the forest edge on the shores of Lough Neagh.
Several attractions are suitable for families. Antrim Castle Gardens offers expansive grounds to explore. The Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim is great for easy walks. Children might enjoy seeing the impressive Antrim Round Tower and the mythological statue, The Protector of the Lough. Randalstown Forest also provides walking routes and features an owl conservation centre and a deer park.
For easy walks, consider the trails around Antrim Castle Gardens or along the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim. Randalstown Forest also offers several walking routes. For more detailed hiking options, you can explore various routes in the area, such as the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop or the Antrim Castle Gardens β The Protector of the Lough loop. Find more easy hikes at Easy hikes around Ballealy North.
Yes, the area offers a variety of cycling routes. For touring bicycles, you can find routes like the Antrim to Kells loop or the Lisburn loop from Antrim Town. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the View of Lough Shore loop from Antrim or the Randalstown Heritage Houses β Randalstown Viaduct loop from Randalstown. Discover more options at Cycling around Ballealy North and Road Cycling Routes around Ballealy North.
The statue of The Protector of the Lough at Antrim Marina is noted as wheelchair accessible. While specific accessibility details for all areas are not provided, many public parks and pathways, like those along the Lough Neagh Shore, often offer accessible sections.
At Randalstown Forest, you can visit an owl conservation centre and observe up to 25 resident fallow deer within a dedicated enclosure. The forest also features two small adjacent nature reserves on the shores of Lough Neagh, which are likely to attract various bird species and other local wildlife.
Visitors appreciate the historical depth of Antrim Castle Gardens, with its 400-year-old features and the story of the Massereene family. The scenic beauty of the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim is also highly valued for its expansive views. The impressive stature of the Antrim Round Tower as a reminder of ancient monastic life is also a highlight.
Yes, you can visit The Protector of the Lough, an eight-meter-tall statue of the mythological giant Finn McCool. Located at Antrim Marina on the shores of Lough Neagh, this sculpture celebrates the local folklore of the Lough and stands as a guardian.
The attractions mentioned, such as Antrim Castle Gardens, Lough Neagh Shore, Antrim Round Tower, and The Protector of the Lough, are primarily located in and around Antrim Town, which is in County Antrim. Randalstown Forest is also nearby, offering natural exploration opportunities within the broader region.
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the attractions, particularly the gardens and natural areas like Antrim Castle Gardens and Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim, are generally best enjoyed during spring, summer, and early autumn when the weather is milder and foliage is lush. Historical sites like the Antrim Round Tower can be visited year-round.


Still not found the Highlight youβre looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: