Attractions and Places To See around Tavnaghmore - Top 6

The area offers several historical attractions. You can visit the ancient Antrim Round Tower, an impressive reminder of Antrim's monastic past, dating back to the 10th century. Another significant site is Antrim Castle Gardens, which features 400-year-old gardens and the historic Clotworthy House. Further afield, you can find the ruins of Clough Castle, an Anglo-Norman motte and bailey castle from around 1200 AD, offering expansive views from its earthen mound.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Antrim Castle Gardens is a great choice with its beautiful gardens and Clotworthy House. The Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim provides scenic walking paths suitable for families. Additionally, Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm, located near Lurgan, is a popular spot with rare breeds, a play park, and landscaped gardens.

For natural beauty and scenic vistas, head to the Lough Neagh Shore near Antrim, offering gorgeous vantage points of Ireland's largest lake. You can also find expansive views towards Slemish Mountain from the View of Slemish Mountain from Colin Road. For a higher perspective, Slieve Croob Summit, the highest peak of the Dromara Hills, provides panoramic views across County Down and towards the Mourne Mountains.

The area around Tavnaghmore offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore easy trails like the Loughshore Trail - Antrim Loop or the Antrim Castle Gardens loop. Find more options in the guide to Easy hikes around Tavnaghmore. Cyclists can find routes ranging from moderate to difficult, including the Antrim to Kells loop or the Antrim to Slemish Mountain loop. Check out the guides for Cycling around Tavnaghmore and Road Cycling Routes around Tavnaghmore for detailed tours.

Yes, Randalstown Forest is a 430-acre mixed conifer forest featuring an owl conservation centre, a deer park where you can observe fallow deer, and several walking routes. It also has adjacent nature reserves on the shores of Lough Neagh.

Beyond the ancient sites, you can see Brownlow House (Lurgan Castle) in Lurgan, a distinctive Elizabethan-style mansion built in 1833. Lurgan also features its historic Town Hall, built in 1868, and prominent churches like Shankill (Anglican) Church and St Peter's Catholic Church.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. For instance, the Antrim Castle Gardens are often highlighted as a 'historical gem' with their 400-year-old features. The Lough Neagh Shore is praised for its 'gorgeous vantage points' of the lake. The community has shared over 14 photos and given more than 25 upvotes for these attractions, indicating a positive visitor experience.

While not entirely hidden, Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm offers a unique experience with its 'Kissing Gate,' where local legend suggests couples who kiss there will marry within 18 months. Its blend of Georgian history, rare animal breeds, and sculptures makes it a distinctive visit.

Yes, Lurgan Park, located in nearby Lurgan, is the largest urban park in Northern Ireland. Formerly part of the Brownlow estate, it now serves as a public green space ideal for recreation and relaxation.

While Antrim Castle Gardens features castle ruins, Castlewellan Castle, situated within Castlewellan Forest Park, offers grand views over a lake. Although the castle itself is now a Christian conference center and not open to the public, its exterior and the surrounding lawns are worth seeing for a picnic, and the grounds boast a significant arboretum.

The highest point in the immediate vicinity is Slieve Croob Summit, which stands at 534m as the highest peak of the Dromara Hills. From its summit, you can enjoy expansive views across County Down and towards the majestic Mourne Mountains, a designated Area of Natural Beauty.