County Antrim Attractions and Heritage Sites (Places to Visit)
We have compiled a list of Attractions in County Antrim to visit during your stay. We hope the information about the attractions in County Antrim helps you with your holiday planning.
1. Belfast Zoo - Antrim Rd, Belfast, County Antrim , BT36 7PN - Tel No: 02890 776277
With 55 acres to its name, the Belfast Zoo is home to over 1,200 animals and 140 species, including two Toco toucans which is a bit of a rarity since worldwide only 220 Toco toucans are living in zoos. Their newest is Izzy, a baby zebra born this past July. Many of the animals would be facing some kind of danger in their natural habitat. In part this is why the zoo is working to educate the public on conservation and biodiversity.
2. Patterson's Spade Mill - Templepatrick, Ballyclare, County Antrim, BT39 0AP - Tel No: 02894 433619
Alive with the sounds of history, this is the place to see how spades are made. Visitors can witness this water-driven mill first hand and marvel at its operation, knowing that it is the last working spade mill of its type in the British Isles.Tours will educate about the Industrial Revolution while pointing out the culture of the powerful spade.
3. Barry's Amusements Ltd - Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8DX - Tel No: 02870 822340
For thrills that delight throughout, Barry's is the place to go. For 70 years, they've provided indoor and outdoor entertainment for adults and kids alike. This is the largest amusement park in Ireland and it boasts of both family and kid rides. From the standard carousel ride to the latest and craziest thrill ride, Freak Out, there is something for everyone, including a train ride that goes through the land of make believe.
4. Belfast Cathedral - Donegall Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2HB - Tel No: 02890 328332
Daily worship occurs at this famous cathedral which offers group tours as well as prayer walks. Along with its archives of those who made the cathedral what it is, the site prides itself on its Anglican choral music. It includes the largest pipe organ in Northern Ireland. The Cathedral is the home of the annual Black Santa tradition, a fairly modern ritual in which Belfast deans sit out in front of the cathedral to collect money for charity.
5. Botanic Gardens - College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1LP - Tel No: 02890 324902
Established in 1828, the Botanic Gardens brings a Victorian era beauty to its visitors. While the children occupy themselves in the playground, parents can leisurely roam the rose garden, taking in various flower beds, shrub borders, and trees. Also on the grounds are the Tropical Ravine, home to a sunken glen and a variety of very old seed plants, and the Palm House, which is the home to many tropical plants and displays of a seasonal nature.
6. The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum - Market Sq, Lisburn, County Antrim , BT28 1AG - Tel No: 02892 663377
This is the place to learn about the history of Irish linen as well as the city of Lisburn and the Lagan Valley. Collections include damask, needlework textiles, and cambric hand loom. A photographic collection provides a visual history of linen manufacturing since the 1880's. The library is a huge resource of information, housing some 2,000 books. At the Museum Store, there are plenty of linens and craft goods for purchase, and there's a cafe to enjoy a quick bite.
7. Carrickfergus Castle - Carrickfergus, County Antrim , BT38 7BG - Tel No: 02893 351273
Carrickfergus Castle is a dramatic piece of military history that stands out vividly. It was garrisoned until 1928 and now gives guests an up close view of the past. Cannons from the 17th through the 19th century are on display. From the top of the castle, visitors can take in a sweeping panoramic view of the surrounding area.
8. Streamvale Open Farm - Gilnahirk, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 7SN - Tel No: 02890 483244
Real farm life is the lure of this location. It's a family run dairy farm. It's an interactive experience with guests allowed to bottle feed new lambs, watch cows giving birth, and feed the deer. There's even a cuddle time. There's a 10 acre nature trail, a viewing gallery to watch the cow milking, a farm yard that includes chickens and a mouse farm, and a play area that includes toy tractors and puzzles. The Creamery is open for lunch.
9. Titanic's Dock & Pump-House - Queen's Island, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9DT - Tel No: 02890 737813
Once the home of Harland & Wolff, this historic location is where the White Star liners, ships of great majesty and opulence, were built. The guided tour includes a walk alongside the dock where the Titanic sat before her launch. An interactive element is part of the tour, which includes a sound and light show featuring the powerful pumps. The Visitor Center gives guests the intriguing history of Belfast's involvement in the building of the Britanic, Olympic, and Titanic vessels.
10. Giant's Causeway - Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU - Tel No: 02820 731582
This is a place of mythology and geological wonder and is a World Heritage site. It's believed to be the home of Scottish giant Finn McCool who legend says made the causeway, though scientists have a different take on it. They credit volcanic action for creating the honeycomb causeway. The area is the home of wildlife and rare plants. Sea birds such as fulmar and razorbill live there, as do elder duck, while plant life includes spleenwort and frog orchid.
