Top Things to do in County Antrim
What to do and see in County Antrim, Northern Ireland: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Discover the best top things to do in County Antrim, United Kingdom including Whitehead Library, Whitehead Conservation Area, Sentry Hill Historic House, The Gallery Whitehead, The Bank House, Ulster Aviation Society, War Years Remembered (War Museum), Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre, The Puffin Gallery, Rathlin Boathouse Visitor Centre.
Restaurants in County Antrim
1. Whitehead Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
To find out more about the library including opening times and holidays please visit the Libraries NI website.
2. Whitehead Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Hanni_LR43 - Whitehead, United Kingdom
There is a great new artwork on show in the gardens of The Bank House, on Edward Road. The volunteers of Brighter Whitehead have woven a life-sized ploughman and horse from willow. One of their people, Bill Pollock, also restored a real antique plough to accompany the figures. They look very good. Meanwhile the public library has started a pilot for out-of-hours opening, which is going to be very useful. I took a history walking tour during the famous Victorian Street festival in November and heard many surprising stories such as the 90 ton spoil trains that would rumble though the town, or the people evacuated here from Belfast in World War II. There is a lot to see in this charming seaside town.
3. Sentry Hill Historic House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Sentry Hill is a 19th century Victorian farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The contents of this historic house in Northern Ireland provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sentry Hill was the home of the McKinney family, who came to Ireland from Scotland in the early 1700s. Remarkably the contents of the house have survived almost intact. Family furniture, books, paintings, personal diaries, letters, photographs and souvenirs from trips abroad all help to tell the story of the McKinney's, recording life at Sentry Hill and its surrounding areas. Over the years many guests have been warmly received at Sentry Hill by the McKinney family. The last of the family may now be gone but their welcome remains and the door is now open for you. The venue is a popular place to see in Co Antrim, especially during European Heritage Open Days. You can dander down the path through the sheltering trees and step inside the snug old farmhouse. As you cross this threshold you will stand where the past shakes hands with the present. Sentry Hill offers an entertaining day out to visitors of all ages with facilities including guided tours, attractive gardens, a cafe, gift shop and picnic area.
Reviewed By L5303WFjimd
A hidden history gem and a great wet weather plan this venue is a time capsule of artefacts well worth A small detour of the beaten track to visit very impressed
4. The Gallery Whitehead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Art Gallery with three galleries showing artworks by new and emerging artists as well as traditional oils and watercolour's, also ceramics and edwardian prints. There is an exhibition of different artists in Gallery 3 which changes every month Also there are guided tours of the Edwardian House here lasting 40 minutes Entry to The Gallery Whitehead is free Tours of the Edwardian house £4 per person
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
I had a very enjoyable visit here. The gallery now hosts different shows in different rooms. Cynthia, the curator, is there in person, and was happy to tell me more about what was currently on show. One room had the last-ever public exhibition of a set of black and white photographs taken at Auschwitz. They were present-day images, with a few tourists in some of the images. This may be the most haunting place on Earth to see, and the views selected were arresting. In the front room of the Edwardian building I was very interested to see that Cynthia had painted the actual walls - a great idea - with plant designs. Her own giant canvases of stylised bats and giraffes are wonderfully colourful. Out the back is the Conservatory Gallery, which had a new show by a local artist. Each month the exhibits change, so its worth returning regularly. Free entry.
5. The Bank House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisHuntingdon - Belfast, United Kingdom
I am fussy about my “flat white” coffees (first tried in Brisbane 20 years ago alongside their “long black” coffees). Bank House has it nailed. Most places have no idea how to make them and give you a cappuccino with less milk... Missed this place during “lockdown”. Also has a great deli (try the chicken liver parfait with pink peppercorns...) and a classy gift shop with some unique local craft items. Did I mention the paintings of local artists for sale? Relax here after your Blackhead path walk!
6. Ulster Aviation Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 317 reviews
WHO ARE WE? A charitable society that is a diverse group of enthusiasts, working on a voluntary basis to further public education in the history of aviation. WHAT AIRCRAFT DO WE HAVE? Our heritage collection currently includes 41+ aircraft, ranging from vintage WWII fighters through Cold War era fast jets, Shorts designed & built aircraft, civilian aircraft, plus military helicopters, engines, artefacts and rare aviation reference materials, all with strong links to aviation within the island of Ireland. Our aircraft are housed within an ex-WWII hangar at Maze Long Kesh, outside Lisburn (on the site of the old prison). • Charitable association of Aviation Enthusiasts • Over 680+ members, including Europe & USA Ulster Aviation Society is a charitable association. N. Ireland. Charity No. NIC 100128. NI Charity Commission Registered. Associate member of Northern Ireland Museums’ Council
Reviewed By BoardingPass162734
Amazing collection, with a very knowledgeable and friendly staff and great opportunities for volunteers (young and old), to high-light this gem of a collection. I thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there and wish I was closer, as I'd be there volunteering too. Keep coming back as there is always something new and interesting to see - and the standard of restoration is top notch and a credit to high calibre of the team there, and giving youngsters many opportunities to help out and build those all important life skills. Please pass the word around and support this wonderful charity.and visit it soon.
7. War Years Remembered (War Museum)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By argylltraveler
This war museum is a must for any war historian all the items covering the 1st & 2nd world wars are all original its has vechicles weapons uniforms & so much more it takes around 2hours to get round it all very interesting I just loved it
8. Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
Our Visitor Information Centre services include: A range of free local tourism literature covering the Causeway Coast and Glens area, Causeway Coastal Route and Northern Ireland. Souvenirs, local crafts and maps for sale and a direct booking service for a number of tours including local food, walking, boat, kayak and coach tours. Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge advanced booking and Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience at a discounted price. Free and convenient car parking. After hours answering service. Wheelchair accessible toilets and access for disabled users.
Reviewed By Museumlynn - Cambridge, United Kingdom
An unexpected pleasure to talk to the very well formed staff member and get some beautifully illustrated booklets and brochures about the local area. I am hoping to enlighten some friends in England as Tom the attractions of Northern Ireland!
9. The Puffin Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
An artist led gallery, the Puffin Gallery gives you the opportunity to purchase genuine handmade designer art and crafts from Irish artists most of whom are based in Causeway area. Paintings, ceramics, glass art, textile art, designer jewellery or knitwear: you will find an eclectic collection to cater for different tastes. Join our mailing list to hear about our classes and art events! Please note our opening hours: OCTOBER-MARCH: Thursday to Saturday 10:30am to 6pm APRIL - SEPTEMBER: Monday to Saturday 10:30am to 6pm
Reviewed By zztoddzz - Pleasanton, United States
My wife and I stumbled upon this shop on the far right side as you head toward the harbor. The items in the store, jewelry and art were done locally and were wonderful. We bought a nice little fairy house
10. Rathlin Boathouse Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Spend time in the Boathouse Visitor Centre for a dip into Rathlin's history. The Boathouse houses a collection of displays, photographs, images and articles gathering the Island's past and present together. Worth a visit! Wheelchair access limited. History, photographs, artefacts, books, guides and souvenirs for sale. Admission Free Pre booking is advisable for the Rathlin/Ballycastle ferry.
