Major city · United Kingdom
AntrimAontroim
Sleep one night if you land at Belfast International (BFS) or want Lough Neagh; otherwise pass through — Belfast is 40 min by train.
Antrim is the historic county town of County Antrim, 22 miles northwest of Belfast and 4 miles from Belfast International Airport. Most travellers see it from a bus window. It is worth one night if you land late at BFS, want a cheap base for Lough Neagh and the north, or need a rail stop between Belfast and Derry. The town itself is compact and walkable: a 10th-century round tower, a restored castle garden, a river walk and a handful of bars and restaurants.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (short days, many attractions closed)
- Airports
- BFS · BHD
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Antrim999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Antrim, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA low-crime commuter town; the real issues are quiet evening streets, limited late buses and rain.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 101 police non-emergency · 111 NHS non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBFS Belfast International (Aldergrove) (4 miles south of town; no direct bus to Antrim — Bus 109A links the airport with Antrim hourly Mon–Sat…
- Getting aroundThe centre is compact enough to walk: round tower to castle gardens is about 15 min on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- BeerPint of beer£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- Mid-range bedHotel or B&B double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedHotel or B&B double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £75 (≈ US$100) · High £130 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BFS Belfast International (Aldergrove) (4 miles south of town; no direct bus to Antrim — Bus 109A links the airport with Antrim hourly Mon–Sat, or take a taxi (about 10 min).) · BHD Belfast City (George Best) (About 20 miles southeast; train or bus via Belfast.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (16 rain days), driest Jun (11). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Antrim: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
16 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
14 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
15 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is compact enough to walk: round tower to castle gardens is about 15 min on foot. Trains run hourly from Belfast (about 40 min) and continue to Ballymena, Coleraine and Derry; the bus and rail centre is a quarter-mile northeast of the centre. Local buses are limited in the evening; SML is the main taxi firm.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Train from Antrim bus & rail centre, hourly
Titanic Quarter, City Hall and the cathedral quarter; a full day or an evening out.
Ballymena
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Train north, about 20 min
Market town and gateway to the Glens; pairs with a rail day.
Door to door: 1.5–2 h
Train to Belfast then train or bus to Larne
Ferry port and Antrim coast start; better as a stop on a coastal drive.
Door to door: About 1 h
Bus 109A via Crumlin and the airport
Linen history and Hillsborough Castle nearby.
Door to door: 2–2.5 h
Train to Ballymena or Coleraine, then bus
Causeway coast and Rathlin ferry; too far for a comfortable return day.
Bushmills
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Train to Coleraine, then bus
Distillery and Giant's Causeway; sleep on the coast.
Portrush
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Train to Coleraine, change for Portrush
Beaches and amusements; a coast base rather than a day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (High St / Castle Mall area)
Walk to bars, restaurants and the castle gardens; limited parking, use town car parks.
Junction retail park / Ballymena Road
Holiday Inn Express and the retail park; a mile north of the centre, best with a car.
Airport area (Aldergrove / Crumlin)
B&Bs and the Maldron at the terminal; good for early flights, nothing to walk to.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–110 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- £110 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or B&B double room1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £75 | £150 |
| Train Belfast → Antrim, one way2 × £8 · check | £16 |
| Bus 109A airport → Antrim, one way2 × £4 · check | £8 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £30 |
| Trip total≈ £167 per person per day, bed included | £334≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in pounds; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Pint of beer | £5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Taxi, town centre to airportcheck | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Train Antrim → Belfast, one waycheck | £7–9 (≈ US$10–12) |
| Patterson's Spade Mill tourFirst Saturday of the month only; check | £9 (≈ US$12) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Buses from BFS do not serve Antrim town directly — plan the 109A or a taxi.
- Many restaurants close by 21:30 and some shut early in the week; check before a late arrival.Many restaurants close by 9:30 PM and some shut early in the week; check before a late arrival.
- Six Mile Water Caravan Park is seasonal (Apr–Oct).
- Shane's Castle and Castle Upton grounds are private; do not expect access.
- Rain is possible any month — pack a waterproof.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- Police non-emergency
- 101
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
Pocket card
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AntrimAontroim
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Police non-emergency101
- NHS non-urgent111
Embassy
No embassies in Antrim; the US Consulate General is in Belfast, and most other missions are in London or Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Antrim → Belfast: about £7–9 (≈ US$10–12), 40 min (check)
- Bus 109A airport → Antrim: about £4 (≈ US$6), hourly Mon–Sat (check)
- Taxi town centre → BFS: £12–18 (≈ US$16–25), about 10 min (check)
Say or show
- Please — Please (pleez)
- Thanks — Thank you (thanks)
- Sorry — Excuse me (sor-ee)
- Where's the bus stop? — Where is the bus stop? (wairz thuh bus stop)
- Do you take card? — Can I pay by card? (doo yuh tayk kard)
- Cheers — Cheers (cheerz)
English is spoken everywhere; a few Irish-language signs use Aontroim for Antrim.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Antrim. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (short days, many attractions closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BFS: last bus and train times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: High St and Castle Mall, the castle gardens, the round tower and Steeple Road, the Lough Road riverbank.
- Place pages with verified hours (Antrim Castle Gardens, Clotworthy House, Patterson's Spade Mill, Old Courthouse Theatre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal fixtures for Six Mile Water Caravan Park and Lough Neagh boat trips so gates A–D can go green.