Things To Do in Mid & East Antrim

With striking castles to discover, dramatic landscapes to explore, incredible food to taste, and fascinating stories to hear, your unforgettable visit to Mid & East Antrim will be an experience like no other. Immerse yourself into the history of the area through taking tours with local guides, listening to traditional storytellers, and visiting landmarks, and enjoy all of the activities, local crafts, and culinary delights that are on offer. Whether it’s wandering through castle gardens, learning how to forge your own iron memento, creating your own jewellery, or taking to the seas by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, you’re guaranteed to make special memories that will last forever.

Castles

From romantic ruins to elegant homes, Mid & East Antrim has plenty of castles to discover. Find out all about the fascinating past of Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland, walk through the beautiful gardens of Glenarm Castle and visit its wonderful museums, or explore the elegant Ballygally Castle and its stunning beachfront location. Providing the perfect opportunity to step back into the past of the Causeway Coast, each castle has its own amazing story to tell, and many are great for a family day out due to offering fun and educational activities for children to enjoy.

Experience the Culture

This place is unique for many reasons, and immersing yourself into the culture of the area is the best way to make the most of your visit. Head off on a walking tour with a local to learn all you need to know about the towns and villages that they know and love, take a seat in a traditional pub and get chatting to those around you, or seek out some live music and dance the night away. You’ll also find museums that tell tales of times gone by, stories about people from the past, and facts about the land you’re exploring. Whatever you choose to do, you’re guaranteed to quickly discover just how special this area is.

Get Active

Looking for adventure? You’ll be delighted with how many options there are for those seeking something active and exciting. With plenty of different landscapes to explore, you can find activities along the cliffs, among the trees, or even on the water! Discover the dramatic Gobbins Cliff Path Experience which will make you feel at one with nature, take to the water by paddleboard or kayak, or explore the forest with a knowledgeable guide who will entertain you with local myths and legends. You’ll find activities for all ages in Mid & East Antrim, so you can take part as a family, couple, or solo adventurer!

Get Creative

Those who enjoy getting creative and immersing themselves in local crafts will love the options available to them on a visit to Mid & East Antrim. There’s amazing examples to be found around every corner, and you can watch artists and designers at work or have a go at creating something yourself! This area is home to a number of économuseés which highlight some of the great artisan skills practiced by the people living here and provide inspirational insight into the area that simply cannot be missed. For the perfect souvenir, why not make a piece of unique jewellery that you can treasure forever? Or learn traditional techniques from stone masons and carve your very own keepsake? This way, you can ensure that your memento is one of a kind!