You're within easy reach of Lissanoure Castle, the ruins of Ballymacaldrack Court Cairn, and working farms where kids can get close to animals. Glenariff Forest Park rounds it off with proper woodland walks.
Many of the best spots are free — The Dark Hedges, Knocklayd Summit Walk and the Altarichard Forest Stargazing Site cost nothing. On wet days, Treasure Island Soft Play and Through the Looking Glass NI keep younger children happy indoors.
The best days out near Loughgiel
Lissanoure Castle
Altarichard Forest Stargazing Site
Sheans Horse Farm
Altnahinch Reservoir (PAE)
Jungle Pets
Armoy Round Tower
Ballykenver Farmshop & Kitchen
Ballyrobin Farm Shop
Ballymacaldrack Court Cairn (Dooey's Cairn)
The Dark Hedges
Gracehill House (The Dark Hedges Estate)
Gracehill Golf Club
Clough Castle
Dunfin Farm
Rosepark Farm
Treasure Island Soft Play
Knocklayd Summit Walk
Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre
Ballycastle Farm Shop
Glenariff Forest Park
Riverside Park / Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden
Through the Looking Glass NI
Ballymoney Museum
Megaw Park
Kartsport Indoor Karting
Room2Race Ballymoney
Glendun Viaduct
Rowandale Creamery
Trench Farm
The Salt Spa at The Salthouse
Johnny Joe's McCollam's Bar
Benvarden Garden
Curfew Tower
Moyle Way
Glens of Antrim Distillery
Broughgammon Farm
Ballycastle Museum
What's on near Loughgiel
- 1AugHeart of the Glens FestivalCushendall
- 2AugGet Wet Stay Safe - Swim Safety TrainingCushendun
- 5AugRhythm and Rhyme (Wednesdays and Fridays) — Ballymoney LibraryBallymoney Library
- 5AugDuplo Club — Ballycastle LibraryBallycastle Library
- 5AugJunior Storytime — Cushendall LibraryCushendall Library
- 5Augskillschool — BallymoneySt. Eoghan's Primary School
Days out in Loughgiel — your questions
What are the best days out in Loughgiel?
Top picks include The Dark Hedges, a famous film and TV location, and Glenariff Forest Park for forest walks. Lissanoure Castle and Ballymacaldrack Court Cairn offer real heritage appeal. Knocklayd Summit Walk is a great outdoor challenge. Dunfin Farm is ideal for families with young children, and the Altarichard Forest Stargazing Site is a genuine one-off.
What free things are there to do in Loughgiel?
Quite a lot. The Dark Hedges and Altarichard Forest Stargazing Site are both free. So are Knocklayd Summit Walk, Armoy Round Tower and Ballymacaldrack Court Cairn. Ballykenver Farmshop & Kitchen is a free farm shop visit. Clough Castle and Jungle Pets are also free to explore, making it easy to fill a day without spending.
Where can you go on a rainy day near Loughgiel?
Treasure Island Soft Play and Through the Looking Glass NI are the best indoor options for families with young children. The Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre has pool facilities if you fancy a swim. Check opening times before you head out, as hours can vary by season.
What's good for young children near Loughgiel?
Jungle Pets is free and great for small children curious about animals. Dunfin Farm and Rosepark Farm both offer farm animal experiences. Treasure Island Soft Play and Through the Looking Glass NI are reliable indoor choices. Sheans Horse Farm is worth a look for children who are keen on horses.