Glenarm Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Glenarm Castle, in the Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
King John granted Glenarm a municipal charter in the 13th century. It is said to be the oldest town in Ireland.
Glenarm Castle is the ancestral home of the MacDonnells, who have been Earls of Antrim for 400 years.
Glenarm, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Before that, the seat of the Earls of Antrim was the medieval Dunluce Castle.
Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland
Guided tours of the Glenarm Castle are available occasionally throughout the year.
Family portraits line the foyer, which dazzles with light from the elegant crystal chandeliers.
foyer
foyer
The family generally stays here at their country estate during school holidays.
Randal, Viscount Dunluce, son of the 14th Earl of Antrim and his wife Aurora, Glenarm Castle, Northern Ireland
portrait of Aurora, wife of Randal, Viscount Dunluce, son of the 14th Earl of Antrim, with their daughter Helena and son Alexander, Glenarm Castle, Northern Ireland
The rooms are filled with family photographs, fine art and antiques.
living room
The butler, George, holds a photo from a visit by Prince Charles and Camilla, Glenarm Castle, Northern Ireland
visit by Prince Charles and Camilla to Glenarm Castle
The castle is surrounded by a pasture, river and streams, woods, hills and waterfalls. This idyllic setting is used for special events, exhibitions and workshops to help defray the cost of maintaining the estate.
It is a sought-after site for corporate events (pigeon shooting, anyone?) and elegant weddings. “Five Minutes of Heaven,” which starred Liam Neeson, is among the movies filmed here.
Tea Room, Glenarm Castle, Coastal Causeway, Northern Ireland
The walled garden, one of the oldest in Ireland, and a lovely tea room in the old Mushroom House, are open seasonally.
Tea Room, Glenarm Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Glenarm Castle is still a working farm, and since 2008 has been organic. Glenarm beef and lamb have won many prestigious awards.
Such a beautiful place with so much history! Looking at the picture of Dunluce Castle, I can only imagine the type of landscape these places must be in. I’ve been living in the UK now for 2 years, and still haven’t managed to visit Ireland or Northern Ireland. I think I will have my way over there when the spring comes 🙂 Thanks for sharing Linda
Spring should be lovely, Maaike. Yes, the scenery along the Coastal Causeway is spectacular and inspires the imagination. I do hope you have the opportunity to visit that region.