These impressive 17th century water gardens are one of the earliest of their kind remaining in the British Isles. The site contains many exceptional features including an ancient motte, a spectacular and unique parterre, long canal, round pond and paths through the demesne, as well as remnants of Antrim Castle.

The parterre supplied the Castle with herbs for cooking and medicinal uses. The spectacular Long Canal is divided into two sections by a limestone cascade. The narrow paths along the Canal edge are called 'lovers paths' as couples had to walk closely together to catch each other should they fall!

The Round Pond at the north end of the 'Wilderness' is an original feature of the gardens. The Motte was transformed into a magnificent 'viewing mount' in the early 18th century with a corkscrew path lined on the outside with a yew hedge. The summit is accessible upon request. The Castle was erected in stages between 1610 and 1666. In 1922, the castle caught fire and was destroyed. It lay as a ruin until demolition in 1970. All that remains of the castle today is a slightly raised grassed platform and a freestanding Italian Tower.

»Other pages in Visitor Attractions:

Antrim Borough Council, Antrim Civic Centre, 50 Stiles Way, Antrim, BT41 2UB, Northern Ireland T: 028 9446 3113

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