County Antrim, located in the north-east of Ireland, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including the dramatic Glens of Antrim, rolling hills, and extensive wetlands, making it an ideal destination for hunting and shooting enthusiasts. The region offers opportunities for driven and walked-up game shooting, primarily focusing on pheasant, partridge, and wildfowl, as well as clay pigeon shooting for those preferring simulated experiences. Activities must adhere to strict seasons and regulations to ensure sustainability and legality.
Prominent Locations
County Antrim features several esteemed estates and sites that cater to visitors seeking authentic shooting experiences. These are often family-run or historic properties with a focus on conservation and high-quality sport.
- Cleggan Shoot and Estate: Situated in the North Antrim hills above the Glens of Antrim, this is one of the premier sporting venues in The region, offering stunning views across to the Scottish coast. It specialises in driven pheasant and partridge shooting, with mixed-bag days available. The estate spans grouse moors and provides a traditional experience, including drives over varied terrain. Smaller mid-week shoots are ideal for beginners or smaller groups.
- Dundarave Estate: Nestled in the Glens of Antrim along the River Bush, this 1300-acre property combines mature woodlands and undulating topography for excellent game shooting. It offers driven pheasant and partridge days, as well as walked-up options for a more intimate experience. The estate also provides clay pigeon shooting for all skill levels, making it suitable for mixed-ability groups.
- Shane’s Castle Estate: On the northern shores of Lough Neagh, this historic family-run estate provides driven pheasant shooting across wooded glens and open farmland, with additional opportunities for partridge and wildfowl. The setting includes ancient ruins and parkland, enhancing the cultural appeal. It is particularly noted for its traditional hospitality and scenic drives.
- Galgorm Resort and Carnview Farms: Based near Ballymena, this venue focuses on clay pigeon shooting at the Carnview Farms complex. Sessions last 1.5 to 2 hours and include clays, cartridges, guns, tuition, and safety equipment, making it accessible for novices. It is an excellent option for those combining shooting with luxury accommodation.
- General Antrim Hills and Wetlands: Beyond specific estates, the Antrim Hills offer walked-up and driven shoots for pheasant and partridge, while the county’s wetlands support duck shooting from 1 September to 31 January. These areas are less formal but require private arrangements with landowners.
Sourcing Tour Operators and DMCs
Many visitors book through specialised tour operators or DMCs that handle logistics, including accommodation, transport, and shooting arrangements. These companies often tailor packages to include multiple estates and additional activities like sightseeing along the Causeway Coast.
- ICC Hunting: A specialist provider linked to the Cleggan Shoot, offering limited driven days with target bags of 100-200+ birds. Packages include full-day shoots with lunch, loaders, and pickers-up. Bookings require a 50% deposit and are arranged via their website.
- Trek Safaris: An international operator offering multi-day packages in The region, including partridge shooting at Cleggan Estate. Itineraries combine shooting with visits to sites like the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Distillery, ideal for groups seeking a comprehensive holiday.
- Field & Moor: A sporting agency highlighting estates like Shane’s Castle. They provide bespoke experiences with a focus on heritage and high-end hospitality, often arranging shoots across The region.
- LTR Castles: Specialises in bespoke shooting trips to private estates in Ireland, including Antrim locations. They organise all-inclusive packages for groups, with a emphasis on prestigious properties.
- GunsOnPegs: An online platform listing availability at estates like Shane’s Castle. It acts as a booking service for individual days or teams, connecting visitors directly with providers.
- Broader DMCs like Gather DMC and Wilderness Group handle luxury travel across Ireland, and can incorporate shooting upon request, though they are not shooting-specific. Direct contact with estates is common for custom arrangements.
Access and Licence Permits
- Access to County Antrim is straightforward, with most locations within 30-45 minutes’ drive from Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove) or Belfast City Airport. Daily flights connect from cities like London. Estates often arrange transfers, and public transport or car hire is available for independent travel. Shooting sites are typically on private land, so prior booking is essential to secure landowner permission.
- For licences and permits, the north follows London regulations, with no separate game licence required for shooting pheasant, partridge, or wildfowl during open seasons (e.g., pheasant: 1 October to 31 January; partridge: 1 September to 31 January; duck: 1 September to 31 January). However, all activities demand compliance with wildlife protection laws.
- Firearms Requirements: Visitors must hold a valid Visitor’s Firearm Permit from the Police Service (PSNI), costing £16 for individuals or £80 for groups of six or more. This allows possession and use of firearms for up to three months. Applications are submitted online or via the estate/tour operator, requiring details of the firearm and proof of good character. EU visitors may use a European Firearms Pass to facilitate this. Estates often provide guns for hire, negating the need to bring personal firearms.
- Wildlife Licences: Issued by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for activities involving protected species outside standard seasons or for pest control (e.g., general licences for woodpigeon). For typical game shooting in season, no additional wildlife licence is needed, but deer hunting requires specific authorisation if applicable (seasons: males 1 August to 30 April; females 1 November to 31 March). Violations can result in fines up to £5,000.
- Visitors should confirm insurance coverage, as estates often recommend policies for weather disruptions or accidents. Always prioritise safety and conservation by following estate guidelines.
Hunting and Shooting locations
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Antrim:
Ireland’s County Antrim offers a stunning blend of coastal beauty and historic sites, with the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing unique basalt columns along the rugged shore. Carrickfergus Castle provides a glimpse into medieval history, while the Glens of Antrim offer scenic drives through rolling hills. Other attractions include the Belfast Botanic Gardens and coastal. Antrim is Ireland’s ninth largest county by size (3,046 square km) and second largest by population (651,321). In terms of hospitality, Antrim is Ireland’s fifth most visited tourist county with around 525,000 international visitors per year.
Antrim:
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