This is the main entrance for cars to Antrim Castle grounds and Gardens. The two large Pineapples The car park is situated next to Clotworthy House and overlooking the Sixmileriver water. There are other ways in for pedestrians other then this way. I will show you some later. This photograph was taken in March 2007 so Spring has just started to show it's head. Antrim Castle grounds and and gardens will be closing soon Dec 2009 for a massive restoration program which will be great to see plus a lot of added features. Check some of them out in the Restoration Section.
As you start your walk you will find that everywhere you look there are Daffodils and next to come are the Bluebells. It is best that you come early in the morning about 7.30am when hardly anyone is here, then you will hear all the birds singing their hearts out. Amongst the many birds here is one called the Tree Climber, see if you can see them. Also it you are lucky you might see the Squirrels too.
This archway is situated near the river bank and was part of the lower terrace. Here was created artificial mounds, improvised bridges, arbours, tunnels, secret flowerbeds full of fine shrubs and ferns in Fleur-de-lis patterns with the borders lined with fine red gravel specially imported from Holland and some called it the secret garden and you will see why.
This is still the Sunken garden or known also as the Lower Terrace.
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The right photograph shows more steps and a large arch, now apparently there was a twenty yard long tunnel in the Lower Terrace and it had a double-handed pump which drew water from the long canals to supply the water for the water tanks in the attic of Antrim Castle.