- Antrim Round Tower (The Steeple): Steeple Road, Antrim Town, BT41 1BJ. Built around the 10th century as part of an early Christian monastic settlement, this 28-metre tall tower served as a bell tower and fortification. The monastery was burned in 1147, and the surrounding ecclesiastical buildings were later removed. The tower, standing on a small circular mound, is one of Ireland’s finest examples of its kind, offering insight into early Christian life.
- Ballyaghagan Cashel: Near Belfast, Divis and Black Mountain area, BT17 0NG. A Bronze Age or Iron Age stone enclosure (cashel), part of the Divis archaeological landscape. Used for settlement or defence, it reflects early community life in Antrim. The site, accessible via National Trust trails, provides insight into ancient settlement patterns in a rugged, scenic setting.
- Carrickfergus Castle: Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, BT38 7BG. Established in 1177 by Norman John de Courcy, this well-preserved castle on Belfast Lough is a prime example of medieval architecture. It withstood numerous sieges and remained under British control after King John seized it in 1210. The castle’s strategic importance is evident in its robust walls and historical exhibits, making it a key site for understanding Norman influence in Ulster.
- Cushendun – Cruik na Dhuine: Cushendun village, BT44 0PH. This site features prehistoric remains, including possible megalithic structures or burial sites, linked to local folklore. Managed by the Ulster Archaeological Society, it reflects Antrim’s deep prehistoric roots. The village’s coastal charm enhances the site’s appeal, though specific access details may vary.
- Divis Long Cairn: Divis and Black Mountain, near Belfast, BT17 0NG. A Neolithic long cairn, part of the Divis archaeological complex, likely used for communal burials or rituals around 3000 BC. Managed by the National Trust, the site includes other features like cashels and settlement remains, offering a window into prehistoric life in the Belfast Hills. Visitors can explore via marked trails.
- Dunluce Castle: Portballintrae, near Portrush, BT57 8TN. Perched on a basalt cliff, this medieval castle was first built in the 13th century by Richard de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, and later became the stronghold of Clan MacDonnell in the 16th-17th centuries. Known for its dramatic ruins and legends, including a kitchen collapsing into the sea, it served as a filming location for Game of Thrones (House Greyjoy’s Pyke). Visitors can explore its cobblestone streets and stone houses from a 17th-century settlement.
- Holestone at Doagh: Near Doagh, BT39 0JD. A Neolithic standing stone, possibly used for ceremonial purposes, located on private land near a wind turbine. Known as a “pagan holestone,” it was later Christianised with a Celtic cross. Its mystical aura and historical significance draw visitors, though access requires permission from landowners due to its private setting.
- Mountsandel Fort: Near Coleraine, BT52 1EA. Dating back to 7900-7600 BC, Mountsandel is Ireland’s oldest known human settlement from the Mesolithic period. Excavations revealed evidence of hunter-gatherer activity, including tools and hearths. The site, a low mound, offers a glimpse into Ireland’s earliest inhabitants, though access may require local guidance due to its less-developed visitor infrastructure.
- White Park Bay Prehistoric Burial Site: Near Ballintoy, BT54 6NH. This coastal site features prehistoric burial remains, likely from the Neolithic or Bronze Age, set against a dramatic beach landscape. Managed by the Ulster Archaeological Society, it includes evidence of early human activity. The site’s scenic location and archaeological significance make it a compelling stop, though visitors should respect its protected status.
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