CATEGORY · A HUDDLEPIN LIST
Castles, Historic Houses & Heritage in Belfast
Belfast has proper history within a short walk, not just out in the countryside. Clifton House, about a kilometre from the centre, tells the story of Mary Ann McCracken and the old Poor House from £14, while Malone House sits free to wander with a Georgian building, a café and a playground next door at Barnett Demesne. For something wilder, McArt's Fort is a free climb up Cavehill to an ancient hilltop fort with views over the whole city. Free options do most of the work here, useful if you want a low-cost afternoon: Sentry Hill in Newtownabbey and Castle Lug in Carrickfergus cost nothing, and both are the sort of place small legs can manage. If you fancy a proper day trip, Montalto Estate out in Ballynahinch has a tree house with a slide and woodland trails for a small entry fee, and a longer trip out to Glenarm Castle brings a walled garden and play area by the Antrim coast. Ruins like Dundrum and Clough involve steep or rocky ground, so better suited to older, sturdier children.
12 places 8 free to visit
FreeCastle Lug
Carrickfergus
A free-to-see fragment of a late medieval tower house looking out over Belfast Lough.
from £14Clifton House
Belfast
A guided or self-guided walk through a working Belfast heritage building, telling the story of Mary Ann McCracken and the old Poor House.
Accessible toiletBooking requiredFree parkingGroup bookings+4 more
FreeClough Castle
Downpatrick
Free earthwork castle with a stone keep you can still climb up to, perched on a mound outside the town.
FreeDundrum Castle
Newcastle
A free ruined castle on a wooded hill, built in 1177, with steep rocky ground to scramble up to reach it.
from £5Glenarm Castle
Ballymena
A walled garden, a woodland walk and a play area to explore on a castle estate by the Antrim coast.
CaféDog friendlyGift shopIndoor play+5 more
FreeMalone House
Belfast
Free grounds to wander round a Georgian house, with a playground and cycling paths next door at Barnett Demesne.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingBreastfeeding friendly+6 more
FreeMcArt's Fort
Belfast
A free walk up Cavehill to an ancient hilltop fort with archaeological remains and views over Belfast.
Picnic areaPublic transport nearby
from £6.10Montalto Estate
Ballynahinch · ages 5+
Woodland trails, a hand-built tree house with a forest slide, and a natural play area to explore across the estate grounds.
Accessible toiletAllergy awareBaby changeBike parking+13 more
FreeNorth Down Museum
Bangor
Free museum tracing the local area's story from the Bronze Age to today, with an art gallery in the café.
FreeOlderfleet Castle (State Care Monument)
Larne
A free-to-visit ruined tower house with gun loops to spot, right on the harbour at Larne.
FreeSentry Hill Historic House & Visitor Centre
Newtownabbey
A farmhouse and grounds you can wander for free, with a guided house tour and family workshops laid on at weekends.
Toilets
from £5.50The Ballance House
Crumlin · ages 0+
A guided tour round a 19th century homestead with New Zealand links, plus craft workshops, but you'll need to book ahead.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBooking requiredCafé+8 more
Good to know: castles, historic houses & heritage in Belfast
Are any of them free?
Yes, Castle Lug, Clough Castle, Dundrum Castle, Malone House and 4 more are free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £5 at Glenarm Castle. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Which ones are indoor?
The Ballance House is indoor, good to keep up your sleeve for a rainy day.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find castles, historic houses & heritage in Carrickfergus, Belfast, Downpatrick, Newcastle, Ballymena and 5 more. Every place we list is in or around Belfast, and each listing has the full address and directions.
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