Lakeside glamping near Larne
Larne serves as a gateway to the Glens of Antrim and the Causeway Coastal Route.
Popular camping styles for Larne
Lakeside glamping near Larne guide
Overview
While Larne town itself is a busy ferry port, it is set right at the start of the Glens of Antrim and one of the first stops along the Causeway Coastal Route. Here you’ll find lush green glens with forests, rivers, and waterfalls on one side, plus some spectacular cliffs and coastal scenery on the other side, and there’s lots to do all along the way, with walking, cycling, beaches, heritage villages, and watersports. Camping options near Larne include scenic country parks, forest parks, and glamping sites with sea views.
Where to go
Carnfunnock Country Park
Just a few minutes’ drive from Larne, Carnfunnock Country Park was once part of a country estate and still has a walled garden and an ice house. There are 191 hectares of woodland featuring walking trails and coastline with views of the Irish Sea. The country park has pitches for caravans, motorhomes, and tents, plus showers and a laundry room.
Islandmagee and The Gobbins
Although not quite an island, Islandmagee has an island feel. Take a looped drive around for birdwatching, grassy headlands, and the beach at Brown’s Bay, or to get close to County Antrim’s cliffs, take the guided walk at The Gobbins to learn about the area’s sealife and seabirds.
Glens of Antrim
There are nine glens along the Antrim coast, each one a lush green valley carved out by a river on its way to the sea. Drop into Glenarm Castle to stroll the walled garden or woodland, or stay the night in a camping pod with sea views. Glenariff Forest Park has woodland walks through a nature reserve, as well as tarmac camping pitches for caravans, campervans, and motorhomes (but not tents).
Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives—with the lush green Glens of Antrim on one side and coastal scenery on the other. The drive will take you to admire heritage villages like Cushendall and Cushendun, test your wits at the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, marvel at the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle, or climb on the rock formations at the Giant’s Causeway. Scenic camping options abound all along the way.
When to go
The best weather is usually from May to September, when crowds and tour busses visit tourist sites like the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and various Game of Thrones filming locations. Weekends, bank holidays, and the week around 12 July are all particularly busy.
Know before you go
- Many campsites are seasonal, so check dates in advance.
- Campsites can get busy in July and August, when it’s best to make advance bookings.
- Weather can change quickly, especially along the coast, so always have waterproof layers and warm clothing for cooler temperatures.
