Located in the picturesque village of Glenarm, County Antrim, the Glenarm Visitor Centre, operated by the Glenarm Building Preservation Trust (GBPT), is a community-run hub housed in the refurbished Old Seaview School along the Causeway Coastal Route. As a not-for-profit organization, the Trust focuses on preserving Glenarm’s heritage while promoting tourism in the first of the nine Glens of Antrim.
- Visitor Information and Services: The Centre provides comprehensive information on Glenarm, the Mid & East Antrim region, and the Causeway Coastal Route. Services include accommodation booking, local and national literature, free Wi-Fi, and the sale of local arts, crafts, and souvenirs. Visitors can also access ancestry tracing services (by arrangement, for a fee), leveraging church records from Saint Patrick’s and the old Friary dating back to 1824, with burial records from the 1640s.
- Steensons Designer Jewellers: Sharing the building, The Steensons, an Économusée, allows visitors to observe and interact with skilled silversmiths at work, offering a unique glimpse into traditional craftsmanship. Their creations, including jewelry inspired by local heritage, are available for purchase.
- Glenarm Walkers: The Centre is home to Glenarm Walkers, who organise guided walks on the third Sunday of each month (registration at 2:00 PM at the Visitor Centre or 2:30 PM at the walk location, except Easter Monday at 11:00 AM in Glenarm Forest). These walks explore the scenic beauty and history of Glenarm and its surroundings.
- Accessibility and Amenities: The Centre offers accessible coach and car parking, fully accessible washrooms, and clean, well-maintained facilities, as noted in visitor reviews. Its location near Glenarm’s harbor and historic limestone marina enhances its appeal as a starting point for exploring the village.
- Community Atmosphere: Run by passionate staff and volunteers, the Centre is praised for its warm hospitality. Visitors often highlight personal interactions, such as receiving local tips, maps, and even small gifts like keychains, making it a memorable introduction to Glenarm’s charm and the warmth of Irish people. The Centre welcomed over 7,000 visitors in a recent year, despite relying heavily on volunteers.
- Proximity to Other Attractions: The Centre is ideally situated for exploring Glenarm Castle and its award-winning Walled Garden (Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year), Glenarm Marina, and coastal walks with views of the Irish Sea. It serves as a gateway to the village’s historic sites, including the Barbican Gate and Glenarm Forest
- Visitor Feedback: Reviews emphasise the Centre’s helpfulness, with volunteers providing detailed itineraries, local history, and recommendations for nearby attractions like Glenarm Castle. However, fluctuating opening hours due to volunteer reliance can be a challenge, so visitors are advised to check ahead. The Centre’s community-driven ethos and personal touch make it a standout stop.
New developments:
- Volunteer Recruitment Drive:, the GBPT is focusing on expanding its volunteer base to stabilise opening hours, addressing past challenges with inconsistent availability due to its non-profit status and lack of council funding. This initiative aims to enhance the visitor experience by ensuring more consistent access to the Centre’s services.
- Potential Digital Enhancements: While not specific to the Visitor Centre, the broader Glenarm tourism ecosystem, including nearby Glenarm Castle, is developing digital tools like a progressive web app for immersive experiences. The Visitor Centre may integrate similar technologies to provide updated visitor information or virtual guides, though specific plans are not confirmed.
Practicalities:
- Opening Hours and Booking: The Centre’s hours can vary due to its volunteer-run nature, so visitors should check www.shapedbyseaandstone.com or contact the Centre directly to confirm availability. No specific pricing is noted, as most services (e.g., information, Wi-Fi) are free, though ancestry tracing incurs a fee. Situated at the entrance to Glenarm Village, the Centre is easily accessible via the Causeway Coastal Route, with parking for cars and coaches. Its proximity to Glenarm Castle (a 5-minute walk) and the marina makes it a convenient stop.
- Limitations: Some visitors have reported closures due to volunteer shortages, so planning ahead is essential. The Centre’s small scale means it’s more of a starting point than a standalone attraction, best paired with visits to nearby sites.
The Glenarm Visitor Centre, under the Glenarm Building Preservation Trust, offers a warm, community-focused introduction to one of the north’s most charming villages, with the 2025 Coastal Rowing Championships adding an exciting new dimension to the visitor experience. For the latest updates, check www.shapedbyseaandstone.com
