For families who love to discover new things and experience shared moments which create lasting memories.
Gather your troops and explore Mid & East Antrim with the help of this 2 day itinerary, which is ideal for big and little explorers alike! Pick your accommodation here and let your family adventure begin!
Day 1: Glamping in Glenarm
Set up your base for the next two days at one of the chic, unique glamping pods at Glenarm Castle Estate.
The exquisite, 4-star Glenarm Castle Ocean View pods provide a wonderfully stylish and supremely comfortable setting for an idyllic rural retreat. Recognized among the top 10 places to stay in the ‘Irish Independent Fab 50,’ these pods are conveniently situated just a 2-minute stroll from the Glenarm Castle Estate. Here, you can immerse yourself in a range of experiences such as exploring the fabulous retail offerings at the Castle Shop, The Byre, and Shambles workshop, and take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Walled Garden and Woodland Walk to unwind amidst the historical charm of the surroundings.
Breakfast at Glenarm Castle Tea Room
A short 2 minute stroll from your glamping pod brings you to the charming Tea Rooms, located in the old Mushroom House on Glenarm Castle Estate. 
Before a spending a day exploring, it’s the ideal place to fuel up on home cooked foods from their hearty breakfast menu (served 10-12 noon daily). If the weather is dry and warm, why not enjoy an al fresco breakfast on the patio?
Take a Morning Boat Tour from Carnlough
From Glenarm, hop onto the Causeway Coastal Route and just a few minutes drive will 
bring you to the quaint coastal village of Carnlough. Among the coffee shops and picturesque harbour here you’ll be able to board “Curiosity” and embark on a private sightseeing tour of the coastline! Regular short 30 minute excursions across the Carnlough Bay through the splashing waves will give keen-eyed lookouts the chance to spot some marine life including dolphins, seals, porpoises and various seabirds. Not a bad way to start your day n Mid & East Antrim!
Glenarm Forest Exploration
Continue your family adventure back on solid ground in the enchanting Glenarm Forest.
This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of nature and excitement for all ages. Follow the color-coded trails:
- 🔴 Red Trail (2 miles): For more adventurous families
- 🔵 Blue Trail (1 mile): A moderate walk
- 💛 Yellow Trail (0.5 miles): An easy riverside stroll
Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including red squirrels, herons, and if you’re lucky, otters. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the designated areas.
Relax With Dinner Back at Your Glamping Pod
After a busy day experiencing some of the best of Mid & East Antrim, you’ve got the
perfect way to relax right at your glamping pod – dinner followed by toasted marshmallows! A good night’s sleep is on the cards…
Day 2
Early-Morning Beach Walk
After breakfast, grab some towels, hop in the car and a 10 minute drive along the coast 
road will bring you to Ballygally. Park up at the large car park just off the main road and enjoy an early-morning beach walk. Kids and grown-ups will enjoy the fresh ocean air here and the safe and accessible beach with car parking make it the perfect place for a dip in the Atlantic!
All Aboard at Whitehead Railway Museum
Whitehead Railway Museum is a must-visit destination for families seeking an exciting adventure into the world of steam. Located in the coastal village of Whitehead, on the Causeway Coastal Route, this award-winning museum offers a unique blend of interactive displays, historic locomotives, and hands-on experiences that captivate visitors of all ages. Families can explore five fascinating galleries brought to life by video and interactive exhibits, allowing kids to learn about the inner workings of steam engines and the history of Irish railways, plus step aboard a number of historic carriages and locomotives. Youngsters can dress up in Edwardian-style clothes and imagine themselves as train drivers and passengers, combining education with entertainment!
Time for Lunch at Cups & Carriages
On site at the Railway Museum, you’ll find the quaint and cosy Cups & Carriages cafe 
located in the Station Building This is the perfect place to refuel. Think of the classic movie ‘Brief Encounter’ and you will be transported back in the magnificent surroundings of the cafe. Time-permitting you’ll be able to explore the impressive locomotives in the museum before or after lunch.
Step Back In Time At Carrickfergus Castle
A 10 minute drive from Whitehead will lead you on to the famous town of Carrickfergus, where one of the first things you’ll notice is the dominating Carrickfegus Castle on the waters’ edge. This 800 year-old Norman castle is open to the public and is one of Ireland’s best preserved! You’ll discover what medieval life was like inside the walls, and can gaze across Belfast Lough from the ramparts alongside the original cannons. Yes! Kids have the chance to dress up in medieval and period costumes and enjoy playing with the props in the costume room where they can enact scenes from the castle’s history, or challenge each other with a game of giant chess in the keep (adults will have just as much fun doing this!) The education room also provides video footage of the history of the castle (available in various languages). A sensory room has also been created to provide a calm, relaxing space for children with low light, sensory tent and more. Children of all ages will be fascinated with the many life-like exhibits, including a Knight in suit of armour, a miniature model of the entire castle and lots of other characters throughout the castle!
This brings us to the end of our carefully selected activities for those families who like to get out and about, experience new things and create lasting memories of places together.
Words and image credit: www.shapedbyseaandstone.com
