Grand houses set in rolling estates are dotted throughout NI, and this particular one is a real beauty.

A castle has existed on this site since the 13th Century but three fires, including one accidently started by a housekeeper warming her featherless parrot, have instigated several redesigns and restorations.

Today's Castle is built in Palladian style and boasts four turrets, frescoed ceilings and the imposing Barbican Gate.

The newly-landscaped four and a half acre Walled Garden dates back to the 18th Century and is said to be among Ireland's oldest.

Its revamped highlights include a pretty water feature with three fountains, colourful and dramatic flowerbeds and a topiaried Yew Circle.

The Tea Room (open Easter-mid Oct) serves traditional cream teas and light lunches daily and is open Thurs-Sat for early evening meals.

And the Gift Shop sells a selection of stylish souvenirs for the lord and lady in your life.

Descendents of present occupant, Randal, Viscount Dunluce - son of the present 14th Earl of Antrim - have owned the Castle since the 1500s.

Viscount Dunluce throws open the doors of his stately home during May's Tulip Festival and on Sat 20th Sept.

Directions:

• To get there: Head north on the M2, then take the magnificent Antrim Coast Road from Larne to Glenarm. The Castle is signposted from the town.

Ticket prices:

• Adults: £4
• Children: £2 
• 10% discount for pre-booked groups of 12+

Season tickets:

• Adults: £12.50
• Family (two adults and up to four children): £25.00
  

Tours:

• Castle tours every 30mins from 10:30-17:00

The Walled Garden is open from May until the end of September