Barbican

Northern Ireland / Glenarm, County Antrim

Full description

An impossibly romantic ‘miniature medieval castle' with gothic windows and a stone turret staircase, beautifully located by the Glenarm River in one of Ulster's oldest villages.

Enjoying a timeless, storybook-style position in the ancient County Antrim village of Glenarm - the first of the nine Glens of Antrim, no less - Barbican is a 19th century ‘miniature castle' that's perfect for a uniquely magical romantic break.

You'll feel as though you've stepped back in time, as you cross the stone bridge over the Glenarm River to the authentic castle-style retreat.

Crafted in 1825 from local basalt, and boasting a proud history, the architecture is intricate and imposing throughout, with gothic windows, gently curved ceilings and doors, and an enchanting stone spiral staircase.

Not only is this an adults-only retreat (giving you the perfect excuse to call in the babysitter!), but with no distracting Wi-Fi or TV, you're blissfully free to relax and reconnect with your loved one, getting to know them all over again.

Simply pour a glass of wine, light the woodburner, and get lost in comfortable conversation... or a competitive game of cards, if you prefer! There's also a selection of books, and a radio to help you set the perfect background mood.

Whip up medieval meals in the charming, well-equipped kitchen, and enjoy them by soft candlelight at the dining table, as you continue chatting well into the night.

When it's finally time to turn in, head for the elegantly furnished double bedroom, with its downy bed dressed in fresh linen. There's also an impossibly romantic bathroom to freshen up in before bed, complete with a rolltop bathtub.

After a sound night's sleep, why not enjoy morning coffee out on your scenic roof terrace? Featuring a table, chairs, and wistful views out to sea, it's the perfect spot from which to plan your day.

You could start by wandering into the village, where you'll discover captivating Georgian streets that are home to craft shops, cafés, and restaurants to weave in and out of.

Part of the route to the Causeway Coast, you could take a trip to the famous Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage site. Bordered by dramatic cliffs and the vast Atlantic Ocean, you'll want to bring your camera along.

Otherwise, why not take a guided tour of the heritage-steeped area, where you'll learn more about its fascinating history - including your mini medieval castle itself?

Stroll through the beautiful forest, or pay a visit to the marina, with its restored harbour and pier... it'll be almost impossible to find something to do that isn't steeped in romance!

Continue that glorious feeling of leaving real life far behind as you enjoy a well-deserved sunset tipple on the roof terrace... a perfect end to another perfect day.

Things to note

Check in from 4pm - 9pm, check out by 10am. Pets and children are not permitted.

Tried and tested

"Barbican was absolutely lovely. I spent my first evening on the roof terrace and was sitting there until 11.30 pm enjoying the silence and the sounds from the river. The apartment is absolutely lovely and, the views - especially from the roof, are stunning. People in the village are very welcoming and helpful and, the only thing I wish had been there, is a restaurant for evening meals but all the cafes are lovely. In short, the entire area is beautiful and I loved especially the forest walk and the Barbican itself oozes history. Thanks for a lovely and relaxing break."

"Barbican is full of character. A fabulous place to stay. We were blessed with the weather so enjoyed watching and listening to the evening setting in the canopy of the trees from the roof terrace. The river walk was magical with all the wildflowers and floral trees in full bloom. A most relaxing stay. We ate in the estate coffee shop and the burgers from the local herd were so tasty."

"Unique and special property, in an amazing location. I very much enjoyed my stay, and the opportunity to experience something very different in a very beautiful setting. It felt authentic and not in any way like staying in a hotel or a standard self-catering property, and I would consider staying in a landmark trust property again. I loved being able to walk to nearby historic properties, forest walks, and coast. It did exactly what I wanted, which was provide me with somewhere uncrowded, safe, quiet, and interesting, as a change of scene and near places where I could walk/explore but without many people around. This is particularly challenging to find, for just 1 or 2 people."

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The basics

Region: Glenarm, County Antrim
Cost (from): £272 (2 nights)
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Property ref: 1851

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Facilities

Restored castle-style retreat, sleeps 2 adults. Spiral turret staircase. Open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area with seating, wood-burner, well-equipped kitchen with electric oven, fridge and microwave, dining table and chairs, selection of books, radio, cards. Utility room with washer/dryer. Double bedroom, bathroom with rolltop bathtub, WC, towels. Furnished roof terrace with picnic table and sea views, parking for 1 car.

Local Activities

Walking, cycling, village shops, heritage sites, crafts

At a glance

A romantic ‘miniature medieval castle' for two, steeped in historic romance and beautifully nestled across a stone bridge in the ancient village of Glenarm, County Antrim.
Fully self-contained, the retreat is suitable for 2 adults only.
There is no TV or Wi-Fi, which means you can reconnect with your loved one in peace and comfort!
Relax in the rolltop bathtub, or head up the spiral stone stairs to enjoy a drink on the scenic roof terrace - a real treat at sunset!
There are shops and cafés in walking distance, and many attractions to enjoy close by, including the famous Giant's Causeway.

Barbican

Northern Ireland / Glenarm, County Antrim

Tried and tested

The basics

Facilities

At a glance

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Barbican

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