Group Visits
Glenarm Castle’s Walled Garden & Woodland Walk
Step inside Glenarm Castle’s enchanting 18th-century Walled Garden and discover a tranquil haven lovingly restored over the past two decades by Lord and Lady Antrim. Once the heart of the estate’s homegrown produce, this award-winning four-acre garden now bursts with vibrant seasonal colour, captivating water features, and beautifully curated herbaceous borders. Whether you choose to wander at your own pace or join our Head Gardener for an insightful guided tour, each visit promises a journey through history, horticulture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Fully accessible and open to all, the Walled Garden invites every visitor to relax, explore, and experience the timeless charm of one of Northern Ireland’s most treasured landscapes.
At the top of our Walled Garden lies the Woodland Walk, a calming green landscape, ideal for a peaceful stroll and the opportunity to bask in the panoramic views across the estate.
Self-guided tour: minimum group booking – 10 guests
Guided tour with Head Gardener: minimum group booking – 15 guests
Included – Access to Walled Garden, Woodland Walk and Heritage Centre
Guided Tour of Glenarm Castle
Experience the majesty and grandeur of Glenarm Castle with an expert-guided tour. Tours are guided by the family butler, who invites visitors to delve deep into the estate’s intricate history and listen to tales from centuries gone by, with opportunities to see unique artefacts. During a castle visit explore a variety of lavish reception rooms including, the drawing room, dining room and the stunning ‘Blue Room’, all located on the ground floor.
Minimum group booking – 15 guests
Groups of 30 or more guests may be split into two smaller groups to facilitate Castle Tours. Split group – half complete Castle Tour while other half enjoy Walled Garden access, then alternate.
Included – Guided Tour of Glenarm Castle, Self-guided access to Glenarm Castle’s Walled Garden, Woodland Walk & Heritage Centre (from 17th March to 1st November subject to ground and weather conditions)
Glenarm Estate: Farm To Fork Tasting Experience
Discover the true taste of Glenarm Estate produce with our Farm to Fork Tasting Experience – an authentic culinary journey celebrating the best of local produce and heritage. During this one-hour experience, visitors will savour a delicious selection of Glenarm Shorthorn Beef and Glenarm Organic Salmon, each expertly prepared in a variety of ways to highlight their exceptional flavour and versatility. The tasting is complemented by tea or coffee, followed by a delectable dessert crafted with fresh ingredients from our Walled Garden and ice cream from The Milk Parlour on site.
Led by our Estate Manager or a member of the Welcome Centre team, this engaging experience delves into the history of our estate businesses and their meaningful contribution to the local community – offering visitors a memorable, informative, and truly local experience.
Minimum group booking – 20
Optional – Add a guided tour of Glenarm Castle to your group visit
Afternoon Tea & Tales in Glenarm Castle
Experience an afternoon tea like no other in the ancestral home of the McDonnell family and one of Northern Ireland’s most historic family houses, Glenarm Castle. This exclusive tour will begin by entering through the Barbican Gate. On arrival visitors will be warmly welcomed by the family butler with a delightful refreshment. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle where visitors are given a rare chance to see unique artefacts and hear about the castle’s intricate history. Afterwards, indulge in an afternoon tea in the elegance of the dining room, expertly prepared by castle staff. Taste homemade scones, freshly prepared finger sandwiches and expertly crafted savoury and sweet delicacies, made using fresh, local produce. Savour this special dining experience whilst listening to the wonderful stories and captivating tales from the family butler. To finish the day enjoy a stroll in our beautiful and historic award-winning Walled Garden.
Miniumum group booking – 6
Maximum group booking – 18
Includes entry to the estate via the Barbican Gate, a guided tour of Glenarm Castle with the family butler and afternoon tea served in Glenarm Castle’s dining room
Private Dining in Glenarm Castle’s Coach House
Experience an unforgettable private dining occasion at Glenarm Castle’s historic Coach House, where centuries of heritage and timeless elegance create the perfect setting for gatherings steeped in charm and tradition.
Minimum group booking – 30
School Visits
A Fun and Educational Day Out for School Groups
Planning a school trip? We’d be delighted to welcome your group to Glenarm Estate! Explore our historic Walled Garden and learn all about plants, growing, and garden life. Then head off on our Woodland Walk, where students can enjoy nature up close – and keep an eye out for our charming red squirrels along the way!
For further information or queries, please email welcome@glenarmcastle.com
Important Information
Opening and Closing Dates:
Glenarm Castle’s Walled Garden, Woodland Walk & Heritage Centre are closed annually from November to February inclusive.
Private Castle Tour, Afternoon Tea and Farm To Fork group bookings are available year round.
Parking:
- Parking is available for 100 cars in the designated parking areas
- Coach parking for up to 3 large coaches
- Accessible car parking is available within the main car park and at the Tea Room
- EV charging point within the main car park for 1 car
Nestled in the beautiful Glens of Antrim, along the North Antrim Coast, Glenarm Castle & Garden is a must-see destination on your next adventure. We offer memorable experiences and great days out in our truly enchanting estate where there is something for everyone.
Throughout the season we are delighted to have groups visit our Walled Garden & Woodland Walk as well as Glenarm Castle.
Walled Garden Group Booking
During the season our Walled Garden & Woodland Walk are open every day for visitors to enjoy, we are happy to accommodate group bookings. Your group visit to the Walled Garden can be self-guided or as part of a tour with our Head Gardener. Garden admission tickets also include access to the Woodland Walk and Antrim McDonnell Heritage Centre.
Minimum self-guided group booking – 10 guests.
Glenarm Castle Tour Group Booking
Experience the majesty and grandeur of Glenarm Castle with an expert-guided tour. Tours are guided by the family butler, George, who invites you to delve deep into the estate’s intricate history and listen to tales from centuries gone by, with opportunities to see unique artefacts.
Minimum group booking – 15 guests.
A Castle Tour ticket also includes access to Glenarm Castle’s Walled Garden, Woodland Walk & Heritage Centre.
Groups of 30 or more guests may be split into two smaller groups to facilitate Castle Tours.
Glenarm Estate Farm To Fork Tasting Experience
Delight in the exceptional taste of Glenarm Estate’s multi award-winning Shorthorn beef and organic salmon, expertly crafted by celebrated local chef Sean Moran. As you dine, enjoy captivating stories from Estate Manager Adrian Morrow, offering a rare glimpse into the estate’s rich heritage. Complete your experience with a dessert of indulgent ice cream, made from dairy shorthorn herd milk by The Milk Parlour.
Available with Walled Garden access or a tour of Glenarm Castle.
Minimum group booking – 20
Maximum group booking – 60
School Visits
A Fun and Educational Day Out for School Groups
Planning a school trip? We’d be delighted to welcome your group to Glenarm Estate! Explore our historic Walled Garden and learn all about plants, growing, and garden life. Then head off on our Woodland Walk, where students can enjoy nature up close—and keep an eye out for our charming red squirrels along the way!
For further information or queries, please email welcome@glenarmcastle.com