Antrim

Go Back

 Scenic, Iconic, Diverse

Antrim is a county of contrasts, where rugged coastlines, iconic landmarks, and vibrant towns provide a spectacular backdrop for events of every kind. Home to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway and the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, Antrim has global recognition, while towns like Ballymena and Portrush complement its natural assets with strong hospitality. For event organisers, Antrim offers a destination that excels in weddings, incentive travel, cultural festivals, and outdoor retreats.

The county’s defining landmark is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. While conservation limits large-scale use, the site can be integrated into itineraries with nearby facilities such as the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre. This natural wonder is a compelling highlight for international incentive groups, symbolic gatherings, and heritage-focused events, giving Antrim a unique edge.

The Causeway Coastal Route, stretching from Belfast to Derry, passes through Antrim’s most dramatic landscapes, including Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, and Whitepark Bay. These sites provide atmospheric backdrops for adventure & exploration programmes, photography residencies, and outdoor festivals. Their global cinematic appeal is reinforced by their use in Game of Thrones, making them ideal for themed cultural events that tap into the county’s growing reputation as a film-tourism hub.

For corporate and business audiences, Antrim offers modern facilities anchored by Belfast International Airport, located in the county, which ensures global accessibility. Venues like the Tullyglass House Hotel in Ballymena and the Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort provide strong infrastructure for conferences, incentive stays, and executive retreats. Galgorm, in particular, is one of Northern Ireland’s premier spa destinations, making it ideal for wellness-focused events and luxury corporate programmes.

Weddings are one of Antrim’s strongest markets. Couples are drawn to dramatic settings like Dunluce Castle ruins overlooking the Atlantic, intimate manor houses, and luxury resorts. Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort is especially popular for weddings, combining elegant ballrooms, riverside gardens, and exclusive spa experiences. Smaller coastal venues in Portrush and Cushendall also offer unique, character-filled alternatives for destination weddings that embrace Antrim’s rugged charm.

Cultural vibrancy enriches Antrim’s event profile. The county hosts Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, celebrating its famous distillery, and numerous music and arts festivals that highlight local traditions. The Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world, doubles as a heritage venue for tastings, cultural gatherings, and incentive programmes, linking Antrim’s history with its modern appeal.

Adventure and wellness opportunities are abundant. From surfing at Portrush to hiking in the Glens of Antrim, the county provides natural assets for outdoor retreats, wellness festivals, and eco-tourism events. The mix of rugged cliffs, rolling glens, and sandy beaches makes it versatile for organisers who want to combine active programmes with cultural immersion.

For local and regional audiences, Antrim is a natural hub for sports tournaments, agricultural shows, and cultural celebrations, with towns like Ballymena serving as community focal points. This domestic demand ensures that venues are well used, while the international appeal of the Causeway Coast adds a broader layer of visibility.

Accessibility is one of Antrim’s greatest strengths. With Belfast International Airport at its core, along with strong road and rail links, the county is easy to reach for both domestic and international guests. Its proximity to Belfast also makes it an attractive extension for larger events staged in the capital, creating dual-destination opportunities.

The atmosphere of Antrim is one of drama and diversity. Guests are immersed in landscapes that feel cinematic, heritage sites that evoke Ireland’s past, and towns that offer modern hospitality. Whether hosting a coastal wedding, a corporate retreat at Galgorm, or an incentive programme along the Causeway Coast, events here feel both iconic and authentic.

For local, regional, and international audiences, Antrim excels in weddings, incentive travel, cultural festivals, heritage gatherings, and wellness retreats. It provides organisers with a destination that blends world-famous landmarks with versatile hospitality.

Antrim embodies scenic, iconic, diverse Ireland—a Northern Ireland destination where natural drama, cultural heritage, and modern hospitality combine to create unforgettable event opportunities.